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Painted Desert &
Petrified Forest National Park
Painted Desert
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Panoramic views of the Painted Desert can be seen from Petrified Forest National Park, which is located on the north and south sides of I-40 east of Holbrook, Arizona. Take exit 311 and go north to the Visitor's Center to pay fee and collect maps and information. The Visitor's Center also
provides a 20 minute movie about the history and geology of the area. The north end of the park provides excellent views of the Painted Desert, which runs from just east of the Grand Canyon southeast to St. Johns, Arizona.
The 28 mile park road loops around to the south
and continues on through the park into the petrified forest area and eventually ends at Hwy 180.
The Rainbow Forest Museum is located on the south end of the park and contains exhibits and information on geology, history and palentology.
The park offers several picnic areas and hiking trails.
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Looking at the Painted Desert, it is easy to imagine that it was once an inland basin. Wind and running water carved the
features of the Painted Desert. Environmental conditions at the time the sediments were originally
deposited, plus various minerals in the rocks created the vivid colors of the Painted Desert. Water from thunderstorms and melting snow
continue to erode and carve the landscape. Three inches of soil can be washed away in 10 years. 1.
Right: Tiponi Point is a good place to stop for photos. |
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The vivid blue sky, brilliant white cloud formations, multi-colored desert, green foliage and blooming flowers create a colorful display.
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Respect the area. Don't collect anything and don't leave anything behind.
As in all Arizona travel, bring plenty of water and sunscreen. There is not a lot of shade on these trails; so bring a wide
brimmed hat and a good pair of sun glasses.
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Information Sources
1. "Petrified Forest." National Park Service: US Department of the Interior
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Special Tips
Traveling with children, pets or special needs
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 Accessibility
Spectacular views can be seen from the road by car both in the Painted Desert area of the park and in the petrified forest area. Puerco Pueblo can be accessed by a paved, accessible trail. Crystal Forest contains a paved, accessible path that allows close access to petrified wood.
The restroom at the visitor's center has a large, wheelchair accessible stall, as do the Painted Desert Inn and Rainbow Forest Museum. There are no family style (private) restrooms.
Left: Painted Desert Inn accessible trail
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 Traveling with children
Please - STAY ON TRAILS. For the safety of your children and the environment, keep your children on the paths. Do not allow children to climb on petrified wood.
In many areas, steep drops along cliff edges are not blocked by barriers - keep children away from the edges. Caution: lightning, high winds and flash floods can occur in summer months.
Restrooms, phones and picnic areas are located throughout the park.
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 Traveling with pets
Pets are must be leashed at all times and are allowed ONLY on paved park roads. Watch pets carefully; cliff edges without safety barriers exist in many areas.
NEVER leave a pet unattended in a vehicle. ALWAYS clean up after your pet.
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Directions & Resources
Located east of Flagstaff along Interstate 40. Continue east past Holbrook. Take exit 311 and go north to the Visitor's Center to pay fee and collect maps and information.
The south end of the park connects to Hwy 180.
Resources:
Petrified Forest National Park: maps and information about park activities, fees, etc.
phone: 928-524-6228; website:
www.nps.gov/pefo
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