 |
|
|
Petrified Forest National Park in Northern Arizona lies on either side of Interstate 40 about 55 miles west of the New Mexico border and 25 miles east of Holbrook. Covering 93,533 acres of grasslands and high desert plateau, it includes spectacular views of the Painted Desert. From the interstate, one might assume that the park is a vast, flat desert - and therefore be tempted to drive on by. What's amazing is how quickly, once off the interstate, the terrain changes into the incredibly beautiful badlands of the Painted Desert, a grand variety of geological formations, and arrays of richly colored petrified wood ranging in size from gigantic logs lying on the desert floor to hints of logs poking out from conical-shaped hills, to very small chunks scattered across the terrain.
Petrified forest was set aside as a national monument in 1906 to preserve and protect the petrified wood which scatters the area. As it turn out, the park also protects the diverse Triassic ecosystem and significant archaeological sites representing several cultures over 10,000 years of occupation.
Visitors can drive the 28 miles of the Main Park road, stopping at any number of overlooks to see petrified wood, petroglyphs, archeological sites, and Painted Desert vistas. Those with more time can explore the secrets of the backcountry. Permits are available for those visitors who wish to camp overnight.
The high desert plateau has summer daytime average temperatures in the 90's and summer overnight temperatures in the 60's. Winters are mild, frequently freezing overnight but warming by mid-afternoon to an average of 40 degrees. The park is open every day except Christmas. Closures for weather are possible but not frequent. Check the parks web sites for current hours.
|
|
|
