My boyfriend and I planned a stop at the Painted Dessert and Petrified Forest along our cross country road trip. At the entrance to the park the rangers give you a booklet of information explaining all there is to see and the history of the park, which was really useful. We went through the park making periodic stops but mostly... more

We recently spent a day visiting the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert National Park. What struck me the most about the Petrified Forest was how little of the petrified trees there were left, so many of them have been chipped away, dragged away, stolen or sold. In the museum shop there are several "books of shame", filled with letters from people who... more

My husband and I took a trip and toured Arizona and New Mexico for 10 days. The painted desert was an absolutely amazing place to see. If you are touring this area...this is definately a "must see to believe" place. If you have children that are inquizitive...this place will blow their minds. Amoung all the monuments and ruins...even the Grand... more

Arizona is a beautiful state, no doubt, but this is another one of those attractions that you can stop at one spot along the route and see it all. Much like the Grand Canyon. Once you've seen it, no reason to go back. Beautiful place, very different from the Eastern U.S., but a boring place to visit. I can't imagine... more

Most folks drive right past the Petrified Forrest National Park/Painted Desert on their way to the Grand Canyon without so much as turning their heads. This is a huge mistake. Arizona is blessed with two of the most awesome National Parks in America so close together. The Painted Desert is outstanding. The color palate is breathtaking, and some of the... more

The petrified forest is simply very unique. you drive through and just see wood everywhere, sorta like a pumpkin patch. However, you keep driving, you stop take pictures, and look at the incredible colors of the minerals on the wood. There are a lot of other things besides the petrified forest itself, other natural creations that are so pretty. There... more