A place of history, culture, and unique geological phenomenon. Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is known for all these factors, as well as scenery that is unmatched in colorfulness. Miles of hiking trails, as well as drivable roads make this park perfect for exploring for anyone.

1. Hike the Painted Desert Rim Trail

Although it’s only a 1-mile roundtrip hike, this unpaved trail is perfect for not only seeing amazing views of the famous Painted Desert, but also gives the chance of encountering some of the parks many species of plants and animals. 

2.Drive the Scenic Park Roadway

Possibly the best way to see the entirety of this National Park is driving this 28-mile scenic route that curves from one end of the park to the other. The drive provides epic views at multiple overlooks of the desert and surrounding mountains. In addition, it gives you access to trails that lead you to ancient ancestral sites of the Puebloan People that once occupied this region.

3. Giant Log & Rainbow Forest Museum

One of the most popular images from Petrified Forest National Park are the many logs seemingly frozen in time. The short trail meanders through many of these incredible landmarks, including “Old Faithful,” a petrified log that is nearly ten feet wide at its base! Located near this trailhead, is the Rainbow Forest Museum which contains pre-historic exhibits of some of the species that once roamed where the park now exists.

Many people don’t think of the Petrified Forest National Park as a must visit when traveling through Arizona, as the state is also home to the ever-famous Grand Canyon. However, it’s so worth it for the views alone and the calmness of the surroundings as you take in the magic of the park. I mean, how often are you able to touch petrified logs from over 200 million years ago?