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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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Today, Mill Avenue is known as the heart of Downtown Tempe. Lined with restaurants, shops, nightlife, and entertainment venues, it attracts students, residents, and visitors from across Arizona. But long before it became a popular destination, Mill Avenue played a central role in the founding and growth of Tempe itself. The story of Mill Avenue is closely tied to agriculture, transportation, Arizona State University, and the evolution of Tempe from a small farming community into one of Arizona’s most vibrant cities. advertisement The Early Days: Hayden’s Ferry and Agriculture The history of Mill Avenue begins in the late 1800s. Following
Sedona is famous for many things: towering red rock formations, breathtaking desert scenery, and perhaps most mysteriously, its supposed energy vortexes. Visitors from around the world come to experience these spiritual sites, which are believed by some to radiate healing or transformative energy. One of the most common claims tied to Sedona vortexes involves the area’s unusual-looking trees. Throughout Sedona, you can find juniper trees with twisted trunks and spiraling branches that almost look sculpted by hand. Many people believe these warped shapes are proof of vortex energy. But is that actually true? advertisement What Are Sedona Vortexes? Sedona vortexes
Arizona is one of the best states in the country for camping. From cool pine forests and alpine lakes to towering red rocks and desert landscapes filled with stars, the state offers an incredible variety of camping experiences. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV adventures, or remote backcountry escapes, Arizona has a destination for every kind of camper. advertisement Grand Canyon National Park Camping near the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list experience for many outdoor lovers. Campgrounds along the South Rim provide easy access to scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and sunrise views that are difficult to forget. The North Rim
Havasu Falls is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Arizona. Known for its bright turquoise water set against red canyon walls, it feels almost unreal. Located within the Havasupai Reservation near the Grand Canyon, visiting Havasu Falls is an unforgettable experience, but it requires planning, preparation, and respect for the land. This guide covers everything you need to know before making the trip. advertisement Where Is Havasu Falls? Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Reservation in a remote area of the Grand Canyon region in northern Arizona. It is not part of Grand Canyon National Park and is
