Even though many of our travel plans are on hold right now, we will continue to share stories that we hope will offer inspiration for future adventures. Check with National Parks in your area to see if they are open and safe to visit.

Countless colours, hues, and shades scatter the landscape telling a story of the passage of time. Small shards of ancient trees to massive trunks are strewn across the landscape, some steadfast on cliffs, reflecting their sheer strength by withstanding the winds of an era. Ancient trees have crystallized into quartz and the different minerals show a stunning array of colours in what used to be a living organism. Remnants of a prehistoric forest are yours to discover at your own pace. Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, USA is one of the best places in the world to view the fossil record from the Late Triassic Period.

As you look over the landscape, imagine how ancient Arizona used to be a lush, green forest with giant trees and reptiles roaming the earth. Now hot, dry, and hardly a live tree in site, the grasslands now appear barren and void of life.

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Why are the Trees Different Colours?

Contamination has caused different colours in the petrified trees. Mineral impurities within the quartz give the wood the varying colours. Iron Oxides are red, yellow, orange, and purple. Manganese oxides are black and gray. Pure quartz is white. Most specimens we saw were iron oxides.

Who Cut the Wood?

The massive logs appear to have been sawed or cut but this is not the case. Settling of a heavy quartz log causes cracks that eventually break. The logs break perpendicular to their length, just like a piece of brittle chalk.

Small-Town Travel Tip: Stop and take a picture of the Teepees (rock formations) during the drive down into the valley north to south as they are such a pleasant, surprising rainbow of colours. The view is not quite the same when you take the same road out.

Where to Stay in Petrified Forest National Park

Getting Around Petrified Forest National Park

The main park road spans 28 miles (45 km). Be prepared for a lot of driving in this park as it is expansive and the viewing sites are far apart; however, there are many points where you can park, get out and take a hike. Stay on the designated areas to preserve the park. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the views rather than hiking down into the valleys. Do note it can be windy at the top plateaus since the plains are open with no live trees for shelter.

When is the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park?

The park is a semi-arid grassland. Temperatures range from above 100° F (38° C) to well below freezing. About 10 inches (25.4 cm) of moisture comes during infrequent snow in the winter and often violent summer thunderstorms. The park is open year-round so check the current weather forecast so you can be prepared. We visited in the fall and it was windy in higher areas.

What should you do if you have 1-2 Hours?

A minimum of three hours is suggested to enjoy Petrified Forest National Park but not everyone has that much time. The highest concentrations of petrified wood are at the south end of the park. If you don’t have 3 hours, do this:

• Decide which end of the park interests you and start your visit there.
• South End: Stop at the Rainbow Forest Museum and pick up a trail map guide. Walk the Giant Logs and Crystal Forest Trails; drive the Blue Mesa Road.
• North End: Stop at the Painted Desert Visitor Centre to select several overlooks to take in views of the Painted Desert; walk the Tawa Point Trail.

What should you do if you have a half-day?

• All the above options and add the following:
• Drive the entire park (28 miles/45 km main road).
• Walk the Painted Desert Rim Trail to Katchina Point.
• Enjoy the views and wayside visits at Route 66, Newspaper Rock, Agate Bridge, and Jasper Forest.
• Walk the Giant Logs Trail.
• Visit Puerco Pueblo.
• Attend a ranger program (check seasonality).
• Explore Blue Mesa and walk the trail.

What should you do if you have a full day?

• Hike the Long Logs and Agate House.
• Choose an off-the-beaten-path hike such as Old Blue Forest, Jasper Forest, Onyx Bridge, or Billings Gap.
• Drive from point to point and wander trails. You have time to enjoy it!

How Much Does Petrified National Forest Cost?

Park entrance fees are subject to change. Costs below are in USD:

• $25 per vehicle (7 day pass)
• $15 per bike per person
• $20 flat fee per motorcycle
• $45 Petrified Forest Annual Pass

There are designated fee-free days each year. Check here for the current dates where you can visit the park at no charge.

If you plan on visiting numerous National Parks in the United States within the year, it is highly recommended you purchase America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. The annual pass is $80 so it pays for itself if a family per vehicle visits three or more parks a year. The pass is valid one year from the month of purchase. Learn more here.

It is hard to fathom how much the earth has changed when we see natural historic sites such as Petrified Forest National Park. So old are the ancient trees represented here that they were crystallized before the T. Rex roamed these very grounds some 135 million years later.

Petrified Forest National Park’s roads, trails, and backcountry are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The north visitor center and complex are open as well, although the south visitor center and historic inn have not reopened yet. Check the park updates on the official website before venturing out to learn of any alerts, restrictions, or closures.

Don’t Miss Petrified Forest National Park

Don’t become petrified on your couch and miss your summer vacation. Now is a good time to get out and explore wide-open areas with plenty of fresh air and fewer travellers around. Have a safe and meaningful experience when you visit. Be aware of your surroundings and carry your personal protective equipment with you in case you need it. And remember, leave no trace whenever you visit any National Park. Getting outdoors is essential to our physical and mental health. Learn more on how to stay safe in parks and recreate safely.

“The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.” – John Muir, Father of the National Parks

All pictures in this post are taken by Charlotte, yours truly, as always, unless otherwise stated.