Once a vast swamp with roaming dinosaurs, Petrified Forest National Park is now a shrub-covered desert dotted with million-year old wood-turned-stone deposits. But the petrified wood found in the Petrified Forest National Park is unlike any other – its blue, red, yellow, green and pink hues form almost rainbow-like patterns, which are unique in the world. In addition, this is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, which will delight all those searching for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Tip: In the nearby town of Holbrook and at either entrance of the park there are countless stores selling petrified wood souvenirs in all colours and sizes. Even if you are not shopping for one, it is worth to stop at Jim Gray’s Petrified Wood Co. that holds an amazing selection of petrified wood pieces. It also showcases a private collection of uniquely coloured wood and some dinosaur skeletons.
Best trails to see rainbow-colored logs
There are many trails throughout Petrified Forest National Park. The trails in southern part of the park showcase the highest concentration of petrified wood. Below is a list of our three recommended trails to see the best of the Petrified Forest woods.
Giant Logs trail can be found behind the park’s little Rainbow Forest Museum, just after the southern entrance to the park, and is an excellent introduction to the petrified forest. A 30-minute walk will take you past the impressive logs and will give you an opportunity to take a selfie with one of the biggest petrified trees ever discovered.
Long Logs loop is a slightly longer trail of around 2 hours and, as its name suggests, is known for its plentiful long petrified logs laying throughout the landscape. The rains uncover new logs every year, so even returning visitors will have something different to see. The loop also includes the one-of-a-kind Agate House, a replica of an old Puebloan Indian house built entirely from mud and petrified wood.
Crystal Logs is another short trail with wood pieces that are different in colour from those in the first two trails. The logs here crystallized over millions of years which resulting in their gorgeous whitish quartz composition. They are best seen after the rains with a bit of sunshine when the quartz sparkles. There are many smaller beautiful pieces laying throughout the desert, tempting you to take them home with you – however, beware that they are believed to curse those who take them, so it is best to leave them where they belong for other visitors to enjoy for many more years to come.
Mountain Tepees
Heading north from the petrified forest trails, the landscape changes quickly. The first clue of this change is the large Tepee hills just on the side of the road – and you might have guessed, they are shaped as the tepee tents. On top of their unique shape, they have beautiful layered colours that are worth a quick stop.
A few miles ahead starts the Blue Mesa trail, another highlight of the park. The uphill-downhill walk takes visitors through stunningly tinted layered hills with colours ranging from yellow to red, purple, blue and white. The landscape here is so unique, it seems like something from a different planet.
Petroglyphs
The area was once home of Puebloan Indians who left begins remains of their villages. Stop at Puerco Pueblo to visit one of these ruins that feature numerous petroglyphs on the surrounding rocks. Look out for the summer solstice marker that is a proof of how advanced their society really was. In addition, across the road, after a really short ride, stands the famous Newspaper Rock with well-preserved and unique petroglyphs.
Painted Desert
In the last northern stretch of the Petrified Forest National Park, the landscape dramatically changes again. The area is known as the Painted Desert. Small bright red hills are scattered throughout the desert and can be observed from several viewpoints right next to the road. This spot best enjoyed during the sunset. This is also the last stop before leaving the park through the northern entrance.
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