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One of the less-known national parks in the USA, Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park allows you to stand where ancient forests fell and hike where dinosaurs once roamed. It’s one of the best places in the country—if not the world—to see fossils from the Late Triassic.
As its name suggests, this national park’s main feature is its petrified wood. You’ll see huge deposits of petrified logs all over the park, scattered across semi-desert plains and embedded in eroded, multi-colored badlands. The park also has the distinction of being America’s only national park that’s bisected by Route 66. It’s a fantastic stopping point while driving the “Mother Road”.
I would suggest dedicating at least one full day to this superb park. In fact, I highly recommend spending a night hiking and free camping in the Painted Desert, too. You can simply hike down from the Painted Desert Inn and essentially wander around as you please. Sleeping in the desert, surrounded by spectacular badlands, is a phenomenal experience—probably my favorite thing to do in the entire park (and I love fossils and natural history!).
Petrified Forest National Park Photo Essay
As in all American national parks, there are plenty of opportunities to take great Petrified Forest National Park photos. From the old Studebaker on Old Route 66 and the Painted Desert to the awe-inspiring colors of the Blue Mesa and the hundreds of petrified logs in the Crystal Forest, there are more Petrified Forest National Park attractions than you might expect.
For more than one reason, this is one of my favorite national parks. It surprised me, informed me, put me in my place as a human being, challenged me and inspired me.
Petrified Forest should be included in any Arizona road trip itinerary, especially because it lies within easy reach from Grand Canyon National Park and close to Flagstaff, which is a great base to explore both parks. On the way, make sure to drive through the Winslow town center and spend some time “standing on the corner”. It’s a fun little addition to your drive.
An overnight backpacking trip into the Painted Desert is a must.
The only road through Petrified Forest National Park passes by numerous extraordinary landscapes, such as the Teepees.
You’ll find petrified logs lying around all over the place, but my favorite place is the Crystal Forest.
Cracks in the floor of the Painted Desert.
The only way to really enjoy the glorious evening light in the Painted Desert is by hiking down and spending the night there.
The historic Painted Desert Inn overlooks the iconic Painted Desert landscape in the northern part of the park.
Newspaper Rock. Do you see the Native American petroglyphs?
Petrified wood and a flowering cactus on the Giant Logs Trail.
The rugged beauty of the Blue Mesa.
You’re free to pitch your tent anywhere in the Painted Desert wilderness.
More petrified wood on the Log Logs Trail.
Another perspective of my tent in the Painted Desert, the next morning. The Painted Desert Inn is visible on the left side of the cliff.
A fun trail loops around the bottom of the otherworldly-looking Blue Mesa.
The colorful rock layers of the Blue Mesa from up close.
Possibly my favorite of all my Petrified Forest National Park photos.
This weathered old Studebaker sits at what used to be Old Route 66. The new Route 66 still runs through the park.
The edge of the Blue Mesa.
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