Walk through a desert where ancient trees, once towering giants nearly 200 feet tall and 9 feet wide, now lie as colorful stones.

That is what you’ll find at Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. This park spans 146 square miles and contains one of the world’s largest and most stunning collections of petrified wood.

These fossilized logs are over 200 million years old. They are a mix of red, orange, yellow, and purple, thanks to the minerals that replaced the original wood.

The park is a story of time, transformation, and the powerful forces of nature that shaped this incredible landscape.

Let’s explore what makes this place so remarkable.

Arizona Petrified Forest Formation - From Towering Conifers to Fossils

Millions of years ago, this area was a lush forest filled with towering trees, ferns, and rivers. When trees died and fell into the water, they got buried under mud and volcanic ash.

Over time, minerals like silica seeped into the wood, replacing the organic material. This process, called petrification, turned the wood into stone.

The groundwater was also iron-rich, creating a deep red color (like the color of rust). When mixed with silica and other minerals, it made different colors.

Millions of years later, the area was uplifted, forming the Colorado Plateau. Over time, erosion wore away the rock layers above, revealing the petrified logs.

Today, these logs are colorful fossils that show off shades of red, yellow, purple, and even blue.

What Makes the Park Special?

Petrified Forest National Park is full of surprises. Here are some of the highlights:

The Painted Desert: In the northern part of the park, you’ll find rolling badlands in reds, pinks, and purples. It’s like a desert rainbow!
Fossils Everywhere, Not Just Trees: Scientists have found fossils of ancient plants, dinosaurs, and even giant reptiles here.
Cultural History: The park is home to over 1,000 archaeological sites, including petroglyphs (rock carvings) made by Native Americans more than 2,000 years ago.

Have you ever wondered what your backyard might have looked like millions of years ago? This park gives you a peek into the past.

Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park

There’s so much to see and do at Petrified Forest National Park. Here are a few ideas:

Take a Scenic Drive

The main park road is 28 miles long and takes you through the Painted Desert and the petrified wood areas. There are plenty of stops along the way for photos and short hikes.

Hike the Trails

The park has several easy trails that let you see the petrified logs up close. Here are some of the best ones:

Giant Logs Trail: See some of the largest petrified trees in the park.
Blue Mesa Trail: Walk through colorful badlands and spot scattered all around petrified wood.
Agate House Trail: Visit a reconstructed ancient home built with petrified wood!

Visit Historic Sites

Stop by the Painted Desert Inn, a historic building from the 1920s. Now it is a museum where you can learn about the park’s history.

Would you rather hike through nature or explore history? Here, you don’t have to choose; you can do both!

Exploring a Prehistoric World

Did you know that this area used to be part of the supercontinent Pangea, near the equator? It was hot, humid, and covered in tropical forests.

The petrified wood you see today came from conifer trees that were up to 200 feet tall. It is as long as a 20-story building!

Back then, dinosaurs weren’t the only creatures roaming around. Fossils of giant reptiles called phytosaurs, early amphibians, and even primitive crocodiles have been found here. Imagine living in a world like that!

Why Protect the Forest?

In the past, people didn’t realize how special this place was. Visitors took chunks of petrified wood as souvenirs, and much of it was stolen or sold.

Thankfully, the park became a protected area in 1906, and now scientists and visitors can enjoy it.

Sadly, even today, people still try to take the wood. It’s illegal, and it harms the park’s natural beauty. If you visit, remember to leave all the petrified wood where it is so future generations can enjoy it, too.

NO ROCKHOUNDING IS ALLOWED IN THE PARK

While rock collecting is prohibited in national parks, there are a few locations near Arizona Petrified Forest where you can collect petrified wood, as long as you ensure the area allows for legal collection.

Where to Find Petrified Wood? - Best Petrified Wood Collection Sites

Plan Your Visit

Here’s what you need to know if you want to visit:

- - Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During this time of the year, the weather is mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging between 50°F (10°C) and 80°F ( 27°C).
  - Climate: Summers are hot (up to 100°F or 38°C), while winters can get chilly, and sometimes the temperature can drop below freezing.
  - Location: The park is about 26 miles east of Holbrook, Arizona, along Interstate 40.
  - Pro Tip: Start your day early to avoid the heat and get the best light for photos. Also, bring plenty of water and sunscreen.