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11 February 2022
Explore the park’s southern section for close encounters with petrified logs. Araucarioxylon arizonicum, or petrified trees, were formed from these ancient trees, which have evolved from wood to rock, taking on colors caused by iron, carbon, and manganese. In the Crystal Forest, Giant Logs, and Long Logs trails you will come across petrified wood deposits, enormous logs, and even an ancient log jam. If you’d like to see what creatures roamed the land in prehistoric times, the Rainbow Forest Museum has paleontological displays.
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Here are a few tips when you traverse the National Forest:
While most trails are paved and barrier-free, some exceed ADA requirements in terms of grade. Certain trails can be accessed by people with disabilities. Here are the top three trails in the Petrified Forest National Park
Crystal Forest
The Crystal Log Trail is one of the best places to see petrified wood deposits in the area. This trail is named after the crystals that were found inside the petrified logs. Please do not disturb the petrified wood and report any removal of petrified wood to the park staff.
Giant Logs
A number of colorful and large logs can be found in Giant Logs. Towards the top of the trail, Old Faithful is almost ten feet wide!
Long Logs
A large concentration of petrified wood can be found at Long Logs. Discover this ancient log jam at the base of gray badlands. Petrified wood should be left for others to enjoy. Park staff should be notified if any petrified wood or other materials are removed.
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The park’s focus on nature might surprise some when they discover its architectural treasures. There is still a 100-room pueblo compound occupied more than 600 years ago by Ancestral Puebloans, as well as nearby petroglyphs at Puerco Pueblo. An archaeological site in the park is the Agate House, an eight-room pueblo built of petrified wood and inhabited between 1050 and 1300.
The Painted Desert Inn dates back to the 1920s and has been modified over the years by National Park Service architect Lyle Bennett, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the Fred Harvey Company’s lead architect Mary Colter, who hired Hopi artist Fred Kabotie to paint the inn’s murals. The National Historic Landmark offers Petrified Forest history exhibits and, in the summer, an ice cream counter. The Painted Desert Visitor Center complex was designed by Richard Alexander and Richard Neutra, one of the foremost proponents of International Style. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has assigned it a National Treasure. A midcentury modern style is embodied by the simple glass and steel materials, low profile, and clean lines of the complex.
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Arizona’s craft beer scene is flourishing, with major cities offering a diverse array of brewpubs that cater to every palate. Here’s a guide to some of the best brewpubs in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Tempe. advertisement Phoenix Wren House Brewing Company: Located at 2125 N 24th St, this brewery is renowned for its award-winning beers. For instance, the Spellbinder IPA is crafted with Arizona-grown Sonoran white wheat and a blend of Cascade, Citra, and Mosaic hops. Hop Culture Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.: Situated at 201 E Roosevelt St, this brewery emphasizes local ingredients. It offers unique brews that reflect the
The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, is a testament to the immense power of time and geology. It spans over 277 miles, reaching depths of more than a mile, and offers visitors a stunning view of layered rock formations that tell the story of Earth’s geological history. But how did this awe-inspiring landscape come to be? The formation of the Grand Canyon is the result of millions of years of geological processes, combining erosion, volcanic activity, and the slow movement of tectonic plates. advertisement The Ancient Foundations The Grand Canyon’s story began long
Thinking about exploring Arizona caves? You’re in luck if you’re a spelunker! Several cave systems in Arizona are well-known and accessible to the public, offering a mix of guided tours and self-exploration: Kartchner Caverns – Famous for its preserved formations and extensive guided tours, Kartchner is a must-see for any visitor. Learn More » Peppersauce Cave – A favorite for more adventurous explorers, Peppersauce allows visitors to experience a raw and natural cave environment. Learn More » Colossal Cave – Located near Tucson, this cave provides both standard and advanced tours for those seeking a challenge. Learn More » Grand
Across the deserts, grasslands, and pine forests of Arizona and New Mexico, native predators once prowled: jaguars, wolves, and even grizzly bears once claimed Arizona as their home. Today, most of these species are gone, victims of hunting, habitat loss, and human expansion. But what if human intervention could remedy this? advertisement Jaguars Conservationists have long debated reintroducing jaguars into their historic range. Unlike some extinct or extirpated species, jaguars have garnered public fascination and broad support, making their comeback more politically and socially viable. Reintroducing jaguars wouldn’t just be a symbolic victory; it could help restore complex ecological interactions
