Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, spans over 146 square miles of semi-desert and colorful badlands. The park is celebrated for its impressive fossilized logs, remnants of a prehistoric forest that existed more than 200 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. The fossils are primarily found within the Chinle Formation, which showcases vibrant tones ranging from deep reds to soft purples due to minerals such as iron and manganese. Visitors to the park can explore a trove of archaeological sites that speak to the history of the ancestral Puebloan people. Key attractions include the Rainbow Forest, famous for its petrified wood, and the Painted Desert, known for its stunning stratified layers. The park offers a mix of outdoor activities such as hiking, photography, and historical exploration. The scenic drives provide exceptional viewpoints, and the visitor center offers educational displays about the geological and cultural history of the area.
