The park's wildlife includes a variety of species adapted to its harsh desert environment. Common mammals include pronghorn antelope, coyotes, bobcats, and various species of rabbits and rodents. The park is home to numerous reptile species, including western diamondback rattlesnakes, collared lizards, and horned lizards. Bird species are particularly diverse, with over 200 species recorded, including golden eagles, ravens, and various hawks. During migration seasons, the park serves as an important stopover for many bird species. Several species of amphibians can be found in temporary pools during the monsoon season.
Despite its arid environment, the park supports diverse plant life adapted to semi-desert conditions. The dominant vegetation includes drought-resistant grasses, such as Indian ricegrass and galleta, along with various species of saltbush and sagebrush. The park's riparian areas feature cottonwood and willow trees. Spring wildflowers, including Indian paintbrush and mariposa lilies, bloom when conditions are favorable. Several species of cacti and yucca are scattered throughout the landscape. The modern vegetation contrasts sharply with the ancient forest that once dominated the area during the Late Triassic Period, which included large coniferous trees similar to modern Norfolk Island pines.
The park's distinctive landscape showcases the Late Triassic Period (225-207 million years ago) through its exposed layers of the Chinle Formation. The famous petrified logs are the mineralized remains of ancient conifers and other trees that were buried by volcanic ash and river sediments. Over millions of years, silica-rich groundwater replaced the organic material with quartz, creating the brilliantly colored petrified wood visible today. The park also features the colorful badlands of the Painted Desert, formed from layers of mudstone and sandstone that have eroded into striking formations. These sedimentary layers contain one of the world's richest deposits of Late Triassic fossils.
The area's human history spans over 13,000 years, beginning with Paleoindian hunters and gatherers. Ancient Puebloan peoples inhabited the region between 200-1400 CE, leaving behind significant archaeological sites and petroglyphs. Spanish explorers first documented the area in the 1500s, but it wasn't until the late 1800s that American settlers began collecting petrified wood specimens. The park was initially designated as a National Monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt to protect its prehistoric resources from looting, and it was expanded and redesignated as a National Park in 1962. The historic Painted Desert Inn, built in the 1920s and renovated in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, stands as a National Historic Landmark.
The park's most iconic features include the Rainbow Forest, containing some of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, and the Painted Desert, with its vibrant bands of red, pink, and lavender badlands. The Agate House, an eight-room pueblo partially constructed from petrified wood, offers insight into ancient building techniques. The park's petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock feature over 650 Native American rock art designs. The Crystal Forest showcases a high concentration of crystallized logs, while Blue Mesa presents a striking landscape of blue-gray badlands topped with petrified wood. The historic Painted Desert Inn provides panoramic views of the Painted Desert and serves as a museum highlighting the park's cultural history.
Petrified Forest National Park experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers (June-August) are hot with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), while winters (December-February) are cold with occasional snow and temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to below freezing. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for visiting, with moderate temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). The park receives approximately 10 inches of rainfall annually, primarily during the summer monsoon season (July-September), which can bring sudden thunderstorms and flash flooding. Strong winds are common throughout the year, particularly in spring.
USA
35.0660°, -109.7820°
December 9, 1962
893.53
Petrified Forest National Park is known for its large deposits of petrified wood from the Late Triassic period. The park also features colorful badlands of the Painted Desert, archaeological sites, and petroglyphs. The area preserves a unique glimpse into 225 million years of history.