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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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The Salt River wild horses are one of Arizona’s most beloved symbols of freedom, beauty, and resilience. These majestic animals roam the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, an area synonymous with the wild, untamed spirit of the American West. But once again, their very existence is under threat. advertisement A Fight for Survival In 2015, when the Salt River wild horses faced possible removal, Arizonans came together in a historic show of unity. The outpouring of public support led to the passage of the Salt River Horse Act in 2016, protecting the herd from unnecessary removal and
Arizona comes alive in November with festivals, art shows, and outdoor events celebrating the best of culture, cuisine, and creativity. From Día de los Muertos celebrations in downtown Phoenix to the glow of floating lanterns in Tempe, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall. advertisement Mikiztli Día de los Muertos Phoenix Festival Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos at Mikiztli, a family-friendly event honoring Indigenous roots and community remembrance. Enjoy mariachi performances, ballet folklórico, face painting, local art, and food trucks. The evening concludes with a lively sunset procession led by Las Flacas, towering 8-foot skeleton
Long before the Valley of the Sun became the desert city we know today, this region was a hub of dynamic earth processes that left behind the strange formations that make up the Papago Mountain. advertisement Ancient Origins Some of Arizona’s oldest geological features, such as the mountains around Sedona and Tucson, date back approximately 2.7 billion years. In comparison, the Phoenix area is geologically young, at 15 to 30 million years old. This makes it one of the newest regions in the state. Notably, much of Arizona’s ancient rock has been uplifted and carried far from its origin. Some
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
