Petrified Forest National Park covers 229.6 square miles between Holbrook and Chambers, Arizona. Eric and I drove southeast from Holbrook to drive north through this unique National Park.
Established in 1962
Fun Fact: In 1864 President Abraham Lincoln authorized the transfer of Yosemite Valley to the State of California. His foresight became the National Park's philosophy.
Because Petrified Trees are rare,
some visitors have taken pieces
as souvenirs.
Resources include Rocks, Fossils, Plants, Animals, and archaeological artifacts like pottery shards. This National Park is an amazing geological and archaeological treasure trove!
Eric and I are fine with photos and memories. Pieces of Petrified Wood can be bought at the Park's Visitor Center Store.
This tree trunk is huge!
This ancient forest was
buried under a lot of dirt for millions of years, depriving the felled trees of Oxygen. Water running through the sediment deposits minerals in the tree's cell walls. The minerals create a mold for each tree cell which remains as the tree slowly rots away.
Erosion exposed the different
types of rock in this formation.
They were broken by shifting
sediment that surrounded
them during their long
entombment.
The
All Trails description of
not include its beauty.
Wind & rain continue to expose
more Petrified Tree pieces.
Freezing and thawing erode the outer surface of the fossilized Trees.
This National Park covers over 220 square miles. The terrain changes as Eric and I drive north.
Softer stone has eroded away
creating a rugged mesa.
What does this formation look
like to you?
I think it's a dog with no tail, lying on its stomach with its hind legs splayed out behind him. The rest of his legs wait to be unearthed.
These formations are called
Teepees.
Millions of years of erosion removed
the newer, softer stone, leaving
these colorful layers.
commemorates the old
ran through the Park.
In the early 20th century
The Mother Road connected many towns and cities from
Chicago to
Los Angeles. Drivers hit the open road in search of adventure and visited some of America's most beautiful vistas.
This 1932 Studebaker was
donatedof Arizona Automotive Service in
Holbrook, Arizona.
Eric waves at me from the former rear window
of this beautiful hulk.
These reddish rocks are part of
It covers many miles northwest
Eric and I had limited time today and weren't able to see everything in Petrified Forest National Park today. I look forward to returning and exploring more of this sprawling Park and its natural wonders.
I am so grateful that our country has National Parks. They are beautiful, inspiring public places to explore and create new memories in America's unique landscapes. They preserve our most precious natural and historical resources for us and for future generations.
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