Petrified Forest National Park – 8 Reasons You Should Visit, and When to Go

Byadmin

Although this gem is off the beaten path, 3.5 – 4 hrs from both Phoenix and Albuquerque, it is worth making the drive. Holbrook is the closest town to the park and offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. Allow 1-2 days to explore this park. Here are 8 reasons to make the trek. Your future self will thank you.

  1. ANCIENT WONDERS: The park is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of the petrified wood in the world. These ancient logs, transformed into stone over millions of years, create a surreal and mesmerizing landscape that is unlike anything else on Earth.
  2. PAINTED DESERTS: The vibrant and ever-changing colors of the Painted Desert within the park are a sight to behold. From deep reds and purples to pinks and oranges, the layers of the sedimentary rock create a stunning natural canvas that shifts with the light throughout the day. Blue Mesa Trail and Painted Desert Rim Trail give you excellent views of the most colorful areas.
  3. RICH HISTORY: Petrified Forest National Park is steeped in history, evidence of human habitation dating back over 13,000 years. Visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs, historic buildings, and archaeological sites that offer a window into the lives of the people who have called this area home over millennia.
  4. CAN BE EXPLORED IN A DAY: You might want to take two days to fully appreciate its beauty and diversity. But it’s possible to see it in its entirety in one day. The park is roughly 28 miles long and can be driven through in about 45 minutes without stopping. But of course you’ll want to stop and explore the various viewpoints, hiking trails, and visitor centers.
  5. AGATE HOUSE: This is a partially reconstructed ancestral Puebloan structure made of petrified wood and dating back 900 years. It is unique in that it is one of the few structures made primarily of petrified wood.
  6. PETROGLYPHS: Petrified Forest National Park is home to several petroglyph sites that offer a glimpse into the ancient cultural history of the region. One of the notable petroglyph sites if Newspaper Rock which features a large collection of petroglyphs etched into the rock face, showcasing various symbols and images created by the ancestral Puebloan people and other Native American cultures.
  7. ROUTE 66: Part of the original Route 66 runs through the park. You can see the remnants of old roadside attractions, vintage signage and classic Americana that harken back to a bygone era of cross-country road trips.
  8. PET FRIENDLY: This is one of the few National Parks that is very dog-friendly. You can bring your leashed pet along on the hikes.

WHICH SEASON TO VISIT:

Wondering what time of year to visit? Depending on your preferences any time of year. Here are some differences for each season:
🌸SPRING-Pleasant temperatures, 60s-80s F, and flowers bloom in the spring.
😎SUMMER-Temperature tends to es red 90°F, and more crowded due to school vacations. But it’s still possible to visit especially if you go early or late in the day.
🍂AUTUMN-Temps around 60s-70s F. Fewer crowds. There is a little bit of fall foliage (not on the petrified trees, though! 😂)
❄️WINTER-Temps from 40s-60s F during the day, however nighttime temps can drop below freezing. The park is much less crowded. Remember that Arizona is the sunniest of states, so even in colder months it can be quite enjoyable to be outdoors.

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