Petrified Forest National Park

The Petrified Forest National Park sits just across the New Mexico / Arizona border on Interstate 40.

Although its most promoted attractions are the colorful fossilized remnants of petrified wood, I enjoy the dramatic badlands scenery even more. These dramatically colorful landscapes may not rival Arizona’s Grand Canyon in scale but certainly matches it in color, diversity, and texture. Off-the-beaten-path hikes offer an up-close and personal immersion into these fascinating vistas.

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona - Badlands

Drive through the Petrified Forest National Park at a leisurely pace, taking advantage of the scenic pull-outs for viewing various features of the landscape. To get the best views, it is better to see it early in the morning or in the late afternoon when the natural light is most flattering. Midday light tends to be very harsh, bleaching colors and details, and will yield poor photos.

Grubes Wilderness Loop Hike, Petrified Forest National Park
Grubes Wilderness Loop Hike, Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park offers special tours and events that allow you to enjoy the varied features of this attraction more fully. Be sure to explore their website for an updated list of things to do.

Petrified Forest National Park - Photo 3

Painted Desert Inn
Painted Desert Inn

The Petrified Forest National Park also hosts the Painted Desert Inn, one of the most beautiful examples of Pueblo Revival style architecture in all of the southwest. The inn first opened in 1940, servicing Route 66 travelers.

Route 66 originally passed through this area in the 1930s. Bypassed by a new alignment (now Interstate 40) in the late 1950s, the old Route 66 today is marked in Petrified Forest National Park  by remnants of the raised roadbed, a lonely line of telephone poles, and a park exhibit that includes a 1932 Studebaker exhibit adjacent to a pull-out showcasing a section of the route that passed through the park. The sections of old Route 66 just outside of the park are marked by colorful small businesses that relive the old Route 66 in their construction and adornment.

Route 66 - Petrified Forest National park, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park is definitely worth a day trip from Albuquerque (3 hour drive each way)! Be sure to bring your camera! Follow the link to the official Petrified Forest National Park website below for more information.

Petrified Forest National Park Official Website