The Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert are both part of the same park, with the Painted Desert at the north end, and the Petrified Forest comprising the south end.
At the Petrified Forest you will see beautiful rainbow petrified wood logs that are millions of years old. Although petrified wood can be found around the world, it is the only location where RAINBOW petrified wood exists.
You will also see fossils, ruins, artifacts, native plants and wildlife. Several large herds of antelope roam the park and can often be seen in the early morning and evening hours.
The Painted Desert is a stunning work of nature, with unusual mesas and land formations in a variety of colors. Depending on the weather and the time of day you will see a range of blues, pinks, oranges, lavender, white, red and gray. The colors are usually most visible at sunrise and at sunset.
The park's hours change throughout the year, but it is typically open during daylight hours. It takes about 45 minutes to drive through the park without stopping, but it takes at least two hours if you stop for the highlights -- and they are well worth stopping for! You could easily spend an entire day (or several) exploring the park, so be sure and take along plenty of water and sunscreen.
Camping is not allowed within the park's boundaries without a special permit, and the gates are locked at night. The closest accomodations are in Holbrook.
The north entrance of the park is located along Interstate 40, and the south entrance is along Highway 180. You will exit the park at the opposite end from which you entered, so plan your trip accordingly. |
