Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona, along Interstate 40 between Holbrook and Navajo. It consists of two large areas connected by a north-south corridor. The northern area encompasses part of the Painted Desert. The southern area includes colorful terrain as well as several concentrations of petrified wood. Several American Indian petroglyph sites are also found in the southern area.

The petrified forest area was designated a National Monument in 1906. The Painted Desert was added later, and in 1962 the whole monument received National Park status. Theft of petrified wood has remained a problem in spite of protection, and of the fact that nearby vendors offer wood collected legally from private land.

Hiking opportunities are limited. The longest trail in the park extends for only two miles; the others are one mile or less. However, a road does extend through much of the park. Landmarks include the Agate House, built of petrified wood, and the Agate Bridge, a petrified log spanning a wash.

External Links

• National Park Service website
• Private website