Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park preserves one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood alongside the stunning Painted Desert badlands. These 225-million-year-old fossilized trees, transformed into rainbow-hued quartz crystals, tell the story of a vastly different Arizona when tropical forests bordered ancient rivers. The park protects entire fossilized ecosystems including some of Earth's earliest dinosaurs. Ongoing paleontological discoveries reveal new species regularly, making this an active research site. The Painted Desert's banded hills display 200 million years of geological history in vibrant reds, oranges, and purples created by iron oxides and ancient soils. Cultural resources span 13,000 years from prehistoric pueblos to Route 66 remnants. Agate House, built entirely from petrified wood, demonstrates ancient architectural innovation. The park faces ongoing challenges from fossil theft but serves as crucial scientific repository. Expansion in 2004 doubled park size, protecting additional paleontological treasures. This accessible park offers time travel through stone, where ancient forests meet painted badlands.

Water Features

Intermittent washes

Ecosystem

This destination features a desert ecosystem.