Come Visit Petrified Forest

The forest's northern section which sits astride interstate 40 is always tempting travelers to interrupt their journey for a look at one of nature's strangest revelations. Like many visitors, you may plan to spend just a few minutes, but end up staying all day. Petrified Forest is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. The park is located in northeast Arizona and features one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood.

The shattered stone trees, like broken jack straws, lie clumped in six areas. Paved roads lead to five of these forests, each with its special features. At rainbow forest, visitors wind through a garden of tumbled 160-foot trunks to snap pictures of old faithful, a sprawling monster that look as if it crashed to the ground perhaps a dozen years ago. Actually, its gnarled trunks belongs to no familiar species-not even a dinosaur would know what it was. At crystal forest short logs seem to have been left for pulpwood. But no woodsman can cut these glittering chunks. Petrified wood is as hard as steel.

Park activities include the park film, museums, sightseeing, photography, walking, hiking and wilderness backpacking. A variety of ranger programs and tours are scheduled mostly during the summer months. With advanced notice the park has several programs for school groups as well. A program schedule is displayed at visitor contact areas. Day hikes are the most popular way to explore the backcountry. Many features can be reached in a one day trip, most lying within a few miles of the park road. Since water and shade is not provided , it is best that you bring your own if you plan on hiking. So remember to bring your hat for sun protection and extra water on hand. I would suggest a gallon for each day.

Painted desert oasis and rainbow forest lodge offer meals, gasoline, and souvenirs. There are no campgrounds in the park but they are available in nearby communities. Overnight backpacking is allowed in the Painted Desert wilderness. A permit is required and can be obtained for free at the visitor center or museum.

It is very tempting to pick up souvenir rocks, but that is a minimum $275 fine. Gift shops sell petrified wood that comes from private land, outside the park. No petrified wood is removed legally from the park.

Be prepared for all types of weather. Unforeseen conditions can change a short hike into an unpleasant adventure. Severe storms can impose wilderness hazards even a short distance from your car. Do not attempt to cross water filled washes. Always carry protective clothing even when the weather does not appear threatening. Petrified Forest National Park is open year round except Christmas Day. Park hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm year round, with longer hours during the summer which means more to enjoy and a great place to explore. So whether you are planning a road trip or just passing through, be sure to check out the amazing petrified forest.