Petrified Forest National Park is a unique place located in northeastern Arizona, United States. The park is known for its stunning and colorful landscapes, including large concentrations of petrified wood, badlands, and colorful hills. The petrified wood found in the park dates back to the Late Triassic period, over 200 million years ago, and has been transformed into beautiful, colorful stone over time. Here is the list of top things to do in Petrified Forest National Park.
How petrified wood formed?
The petrified wood in Petrified Forest National Park was formed millions of years ago through a process called permineralization. During the Late Triassic period, the area that is now the park was covered by a vast river system, and massive trees grew along the riverbanks. When these trees died, they fell into the water and were buried by sediment, such as mud, silt, and volcanic ash.
Over time, minerals in the water, such as silica, calcium, and iron oxide, began to replace the organic matter in the wood. This process of mineral replacement, also known as permineralization, slowly transformed the wood into stone while preserving the original structure of the wood.
The colors and patterns in the petrified wood come from the different minerals that were present during the permineralization process. For example, iron oxide creates the red, orange, and yellow colors, while manganese produces shades of pink and purple.
The petrified wood in Petrified Forest National Park is some of the best preserved in the world, and visitors can see the stunning results of this ancient process by hiking along the park’s trails or visiting one of the many overlooks.
How much time to spend in Petrified Forest National Park
While there is much to see and do in Petrified Forest National Park, one day is enough time to explore the park’s main attractions. The park’s scenic drive, which takes you through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the painted desert and the colorful petrified wood, can be completed in a few hours. The park’s hiking trails are also relatively short, with most trails taking between 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. We spent just one day in Petrified Forest National Park and were able to hike Devil’s Playground remote hike, drive scenic route 66, hike Blue Mesa and Crystal forest trails.
Top things to do in Petrified Forest National Park
Look at the Petrified Wood
The park is known for its large deposits of petrified wood, which are millions of years old and have been transformed into beautiful and colorful stone. Visitors can hike through the park’s trails and see some of the most stunning examples of petrified wood, including the famous Rainbow Forest.
Explore Ancient Puebloan Ruins
The park is home to several archaeological sites that provide a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Puebloan people who once lived in the area. Visitors can hike to the Puerco Pueblo, an ancient village with several well-preserved buildings and petroglyphs.
Drive the Scenic Route 66
The historic Route 66 runs through the park, offering visitors a chance to experience the iconic American road trip. Along the way, visitors can stop at several attractions, including the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark.
Hiking in Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the park’s unique landscapes and natural beauty. The Blue Mesa Trail and the Crystal Forest Trail are both popular options.
There is also several remote hikes in the park. Some of them require permit. You can read about our experience hiking Devil’s playground trail here.
Attend Ranger-led Programs
The park offers several ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, talks, and demonstrations. These programs provide with an opportunity to learn about the park’s geology, ecology, and cultural history.
