Petrified Forest National Park
National park · Apache County ·
Fossilized logs, colorful badlands, and ranger tours await
Fossilized logs, colorful badlands, and ranger tours await
"According to the Department of the Interior’s contingency plan, sites that close or lock overnight—such as Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park—should remain closed to the public during the shutdown, which means Petrified Forest would not be accessible overnight or when gates are locked." - Jessica Puckett
"Ancient, giant trees that once stood some 200 feet tall lie preserved where they fell in a colorful desert badlands, their wood transformed over more than 200 million years into crystalline, fossilized logs scattered across the Painted Desert." - Jane Siegel
"A desert park known for fossilized trees and colorful badlands, offering unique geological sights and reminders to respect natural artifacts and park regulations." - Molly O'Brien Molly O'Brien Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based journalist who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets. When she's not writing or traveling, she enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking and visiting local coffee shops and craft breweries. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I can amble with my leashed pet across the Painted Desert and among ancient fossilized trees because leashed animals are allowed on any paved road or trail and in all official wilderness areas of the park, which once inspired naturalist John Muir." - Emily Pennington Emily Pennington Emily Pennington is a writer and photographer covering adventure, wellness, and national parks. She is a frequent Travel + Leisure contributor, Outside's lead parks and travel columnist, and has contributed to The New York Times, The Guardian, Condé Nast Traveler, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"This interaction stuck with me as I drove through the Petrified National Forest in Arizona, past rainbow rock mountains and colorful chunks of petrified wood that have probably been there since prehistoric times. I stopped along the way to walk, and there were times when my only company were mars-like red and blue mountain formations. I hiked through the Blue Mesa, a section of stunning cool-toned hills that looked like another planet. I felt so lucky to be able to see them. Nature moves and nothing stays forever—one day these mountains would be gone, and I would be gone." - ByLaura Murray
Emily G.
Cordell W.
holly N.
Nicole F.
Steve E.
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