There are plenty of surreal landscapes here in the U.S., and the one found at Petrified Forest National Park certainly qualifies. With naturally-painted rocks, desert landscape, and an element of the surreal, you might mistake this scene for something from your wildest dreams. Take a look at the following photos and you may just be tempted to see this unique national park to visit in Arizona:
Petrified Forest National Park is a treasure trove of bizarre and otherworldly landscapes. Located in Northeastern Arizona, the area encompasses over 200 square miles.
Tomosius/Flickr
Exploring this surreal landscape, you’ll feel in awe of the immense history.
Visavis../flickr
The park is named for the presence of petrified wood deposits, which have the appearance of large and colorful rocks.
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
The vibrant colors of the petrified wood are created by sediments and mineral deposits that accumulated during the petrification process. Most of the stone is silica and quartz; the red hues indicate traces of iron oxide, while blues are the result of minerals like copper, cobalt, and chromium.
psyberartist/Flickr
It’s estimated that some of the wood deposits date back to the Late Triassic Period, over 220 million years ago.
Mobilus In Mobili/Flickr
There have been hundreds of ancient dwellings discovered in the park and it is believed that humans arrived here at least 8,000 years ago.
Barbara Ann Spengler/Flickr
For more information about Petrified Forest National Park, including additional details and directions, be sure to visit the official website here. Have you explored this park before? What was your favorite part? Be sure to share with us – we love hearing from you!
Tomosius/Flickr
Visavis../flickr
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
psyberartist/Flickr
Mobilus In Mobili/Flickr
Barbara Ann Spengler/Flickr
This national park to visit in Arizona is amazing, and so are our other ones, so make sure to see why our state parks are the best in the nation!
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Address: Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in Arizona January 15, 2022
What are the best parks in Arizona for scenic views? No matter where you go in the Copper State, you’re almost certain to find good times and scenic views. Arizona is easily one of the most scenic states in the country, and it’s easy to see why; we’re home to almost every kind of biome there is (with the exception of tundra and rainforest). That being said, you’re pretty much gonna get scenic views no matter where you go, but some parks are well-known for their scenic views alone! Our favorites include Camelback Mountain, which is an amazing hike and overlooks the whole Phoenix metro region. South Mountain Park is also amazing, with epic views of Phoenix and the Valley and stunning cactus all around (Arizona is the only state where the giant Saguaro grows). There’s also Hole in the Rock, Piestewa Peak, Echo Canyon, and so many more. Need some ideas? Check out this list of seven of the most underrated parks in Arizona! What are some of the best hiking trails in Arizona state parks? Arizona’s state parks are rich in history, scenic views, unbeatably epic landscapes, and world-class hiking. Honestly, every trail within any one of Arizona’s beautiful state parks is bound to be a wonderful one. Some, however, are quite literally famous for their beauty, like Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park. It’s easily one of the most famous hikes in the entire world, and we’re lucky enough to have it right here in our backyard. At Red Rock State Park, hike the 1.53-mile Eagle’s Nest Trail, or try the 0.64-mile, kid-friendly Kisva Trail. In southern Arizona, we really love the 6-mile Arizona Trail Loop and Windmill Loop Trail, which is 4.1 miles long. Seriously, no matter which state park you end up at, you’re sure to find some wonderful hikes, so pick a park and head on out.
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in Arizona
January 15, 2022
What are the best parks in Arizona for scenic views? No matter where you go in the Copper State, you’re almost certain to find good times and scenic views. Arizona is easily one of the most scenic states in the country, and it’s easy to see why; we’re home to almost every kind of biome there is (with the exception of tundra and rainforest). That being said, you’re pretty much gonna get scenic views no matter where you go, but some parks are well-known for their scenic views alone! Our favorites include Camelback Mountain, which is an amazing hike and overlooks the whole Phoenix metro region. South Mountain Park is also amazing, with epic views of Phoenix and the Valley and stunning cactus all around (Arizona is the only state where the giant Saguaro grows). There’s also Hole in the Rock, Piestewa Peak, Echo Canyon, and so many more. Need some ideas? Check out this list of seven of the most underrated parks in Arizona! What are some of the best hiking trails in Arizona state parks? Arizona’s state parks are rich in history, scenic views, unbeatably epic landscapes, and world-class hiking. Honestly, every trail within any one of Arizona’s beautiful state parks is bound to be a wonderful one. Some, however, are quite literally famous for their beauty, like Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park. It’s easily one of the most famous hikes in the entire world, and we’re lucky enough to have it right here in our backyard. At Red Rock State Park, hike the 1.53-mile Eagle’s Nest Trail, or try the 0.64-mile, kid-friendly Kisva Trail. In southern Arizona, we really love the 6-mile Arizona Trail Loop and Windmill Loop Trail, which is 4.1 miles long. Seriously, no matter which state park you end up at, you’re sure to find some wonderful hikes, so pick a park and head on out.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
No matter where you go in the Copper State, you’re almost certain to find good times and scenic views. Arizona is easily one of the most scenic states in the country, and it’s easy to see why; we’re home to almost every kind of biome there is (with the exception of tundra and rainforest). That being said, you’re pretty much gonna get scenic views no matter where you go, but some parks are well-known for their scenic views alone! Our favorites include Camelback Mountain, which is an amazing hike and overlooks the whole Phoenix metro region. South Mountain Park is also amazing, with epic views of Phoenix and the Valley and stunning cactus all around (Arizona is the only state where the giant Saguaro grows). There’s also Hole in the Rock, Piestewa Peak, Echo Canyon, and so many more. Need some ideas? Check out this list of seven of the most underrated parks in Arizona!
What are some of the best hiking trails in Arizona state parks?
Arizona’s state parks are rich in history, scenic views, unbeatably epic landscapes, and world-class hiking. Honestly, every trail within any one of Arizona’s beautiful state parks is bound to be a wonderful one. Some, however, are quite literally famous for their beauty, like Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park. It’s easily one of the most famous hikes in the entire world, and we’re lucky enough to have it right here in our backyard. At Red Rock State Park, hike the 1.53-mile Eagle’s Nest Trail, or try the 0.64-mile, kid-friendly Kisva Trail. In southern Arizona, we really love the 6-mile Arizona Trail Loop and Windmill Loop Trail, which is 4.1 miles long. Seriously, no matter which state park you end up at, you’re sure to find some wonderful hikes, so pick a park and head on out.
