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Left: Petrified Wood
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Petrified Forest National Park 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 view 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.
Fossils of plants, shellfish and dinosaurs of the Late Triassic period have been found in the area and many are on display in the museum.
The park offers several picnic areas and hiking trails.
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Puerco Pueblo, located on the park road on the south side of I 40, housed approximately 1,200 people 600-800 years ago1. Take the self guided tour via the short paved trail to view the pueblo remains and petroglyphs.
Do not touch the petroglyphs; oils from hands can damage them.
Below: Petroglyphs at Puerco Pueblo
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Looking at the present day terrain it is difficult to imagine that this was once a flood plain, providing a wet environment for conifer trees and animals.
Fallen logs were buried in silt and volcanic ash and cut off from oxygen; decay was delayed. Silica from ground water seeped into the logs and slowly
replaced the wood with silica deposits. Over time the silica crystalized into quartz, forever preserving the logs as petrified wood. The vivid colors of the crystal patterns found in petrified wood
are caused by minerals in the silica saturated water 1.
Below: Petrified wood in Crystal Forest. These very colorful area once held amethyst and quartz crystals, but the crystals were taken before the area became protected as a national park.
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Blue Mesa (right) contains a 1 mile hike down to the floor of the basin, allowing a very close view of petrified wood.
This is a strenuous hike on a good trail.
Below left: This raven posed for me so I could take his picture. I took this to be a good omen.
Below right: Agate Bridge.
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Raven
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Rainbow Museum is a "must stop". A 20 minute slide show covers history and geology of the area. View exhibits of fossils including those
of dinosaurs.
The Rainbow Forest Curios and Fountain offers delicious fountain drinks, ice cream and gifts. A piece of advice: don't order two scoops for your cone unless you are very hungry!
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Respect the area. Don't collect anything and don't leave anything behind. It is illegal to collect any petrified wood from the park.
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
 Accessibility
Spectacular views can be seen from the road by car. 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, Rainbow Forest Museum and Chinde Point. There are no family style (private) restrooms.
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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.
Chinde Point has covered picnic tables and restrooms.
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 Traveling with pets
Pets are must be leashed at all times and are allowed ONLY on paved park roads.
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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