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Petrified Forest Protectorate adventures

Petrified Forest Protectorate Adventures

Petrified Forest National Park is renowned for its vast deposits of colorful petrified wood and unique geological formations. It offers visitors a chance to explore prehistoric landscapes and witness nature's artistry in stone.

93,533
Acres Protected
28
Miles of Trails
600,000
Annual Visitors
1962
Year Established

About Petrified Forest Protectorate

Petrified Forest Protectorate
 

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.

Highlights

Highlight

Rainbow Forest – A rich collection of petrified wood and a nearby visitor center.

Highlight

Painted Desert – Offers panoramic views and colorful geological formations.

Highlight

Agate Bridge – A natural stone bridge formed by a large petrified log.

Highlight

Blue Mesa – Features a mesmerizing landscape of blue-painted badlands and significant hiking trails.

Notable Natural Features

Crystal Forest

A path through a dense area of brightly colored petrified wood.

Newspaper Rock

Features over 650 petroglyphs adorning flat boulders.

Puerco Pueblo

An ancestral Puebloan archaeological site with interpretive displays.