Petrified National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour

Welcome to the Petrified National Park Tour

Discover the timeless beauty of Petrified Forest National Park with this self-guided driving tour. Journey through an ancient landscape where once-lush forests have turned to stone and vibrant desert vistas stretch as far as the eye can see. Explore trails that wind through the park, revealing a land frozen in time and bursting with geological wonders. Unearth the history of this unique landscape, filled with prehistoric creatures, early human inhabitants, and fascinating fossils.

About the Tour

Your tour begins at the Painted Desert Visitor Center by the park’s north entrance. From there, you’ll head to Toponi Point, offering a panoramic view of the Painted Desert’s multicolored badlands.

Next is the Painted Desert Inn, a National Historic Landmark. Learn about its storied past, from a 1920s tourist destination to a park museum. Its unique Pueblo Revival style architecture, charming murals, and captivating vistas make it a must-visit.

After that, you’ll drive to the Puerco Pueblo, the site of a 100-room pueblo inhabited over 600 years ago. Here, you can also see a solar calendar—a rock slab with petroglyphs that mark the summer solstice.

Then, visit Newspaper Rock, home to over 650 petroglyphs left by Puebloan people centuries ago. Ponder the stories these symbols might tell, providing glimpses into the life and culture of ancient inhabitants.

Continuing on, you’ll encounter the Tepees, fascinating formations notable for their layers of vibrant rock. Then, venture to the Blue Mesa, where blue-hued badlands and petrified wood coexist, presenting a visually striking contrast. Learn about the late Triassic environment that created these wonders over 200 million years ago.

After that, explore the Jasper Forest and Crystal Forest, breathtaking trails that provide up-close looks at petrified wood strewn across the landscape.

Finally, you’ll reach Rainbow Forest Museum by the southern entrance of Petrified Forest National Park. The tour concludes here.

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Arizona Bundle, a collection of awe-inspiring tours that showcase the breathtaking beauty of Arizona’s most iconic destinations. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, this bundle promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss the opportunity, book your Arizona Bundle today.