Petrified Forest National Park - map, photos and other informations
Table of Contents
Description
Petrified Forest National Park is a breathtaking place to explore in Arizona, USA. It occupies a large area of about 222,000 acres and is divided into two sections – the south and the north. It is known for its incredible petrified wood remnants, which are preserved due to their combination of volcanic activity and sediment deposits from the Triassic period.
The park is also home to a variety of other geological wonders, such as painted desert badlands, colorful sandstone cliffs, and native plants and animals. This peaceful oasis has something for everyone, whether you are seeking outdoor recreation, scientific exploration, or simply a perfect backdrop for some stunning photography.
The park is a part of the vast Colorado Plateau, which is located in the Four Corners area of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. It was established in 1962 to protect the many fossils and petrified logs found within its boundaries, as well as to provide a safe habitat for its wildlife.
Petrified Forest National Park also has a fascinating human history, mostly due to the many Native American tribes that resided in it over the years. The park is home to artifacts from the Puebloan, Navajo and Apache tribes, as well as the Hopi who continue to live in and near the park.
Visitors can explore the park in several ways, from driving and hiking the numerous trails to fishing, swimming, and camping in some of the park’s designated areas. The park is also home to several attractions, such as the Painted Desert Inn, built in 1924 and now on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Rainbow Forest Museum, which offers an educational and fun exploration of the park.
In this vast and expansive park, adventure is waiting around every corner and you can never get bored. Whether you’re taking in the breathtaking scenery and geological wonders of the desert or learning more about the area’s history, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Photos of Petrified Forest National Park
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Petrified Forest National Park
Where is the Petrified Forest National Park located?
The Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona in the Four Corners region of the United States, approximately 26 miles east of Holbrook, Arizona, and 180 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona. The nearest major city is Flagstaff, Arizona, located about 104 miles southwest of Petrified Forest National Park.
How did the Petrified Forest form?
The Petrified Forest was formed by a process known as "petrification," which occurs when wood is buried under sediment and the minerals in the sediment replace the wood's cellular structure. Over time, this process turns the wood into a rock-like material with the original organic material completely replaced with minerals. In the Petrified Forest, the organic material predominantly consisted of trees, which were replaced by quartz and other minerals.
What to do and see at Petrified Forest National Park?
Petrified Forest National Park is a unique and interesting place to visit. You can explore the fossilized logs of petrified wood, which are scattered throughout the park. There are also several trails to explore, offering views of the badlands, and a unique experience of the Painted Desert. Other attractions at the park include the Rainbow Forest Museum, the Blue Mesa Trail, the Crystal Forest, and the newspaper Rock Petroglyphs.
Are dogs allowed in Petrified Forest National Park?
No, dogs are not allowed on trails at Petrified Forest National Park. Dogs must remain on a leash in developed areas and are not allowed in the backcountry.
Average weather in Petrified Forest National Park
Temp max
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Temp min
|
Rain
|
Snow
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8 °C | -4 °C | 17 mm | 5 mm |
| Feb | 11 °C | -2 °C | 11 mm | 5 mm |
| Mar | 16 °C | 1 °C | 15 mm | 2 mm |
| Apr | 21 °C | 5 °C | 10 mm | 1 mm |
| May | 25 °C | 10 °C | 8 mm | 0 mm |
| Jun | 32 °C | 16 °C | 4 mm | 0 mm |
| Jul | 32 °C | 19 °C | 23 mm | 0 mm |
| Aug | 31 °C | 18 °C | 17 mm | 0 mm |
| Sep | 28 °C | 14 °C | 17 mm | 0 mm |
| Oct | 21 °C | 7 °C | 16 mm | 0 mm |
| Nov | 14 °C | 1 °C | 12 mm | 2 mm |
| Dec | 8 °C | -3 °C | 18 mm | 5 mm |
Other parks nearby
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Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site45.7 mi (73.6 km)|national historic site -
Homolovi State Park51.2 mi (82.4 km)|state park
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Lyman Lake State Park54.5 mi (87.7 km)|state park
-
Canyon de Chelly National Monument75.3 mi (121.2 km)|national monument
-
El Morro National Monument80.9 mi (130.2 km)|national monument
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