Petrified National Forest and Painted Desert, AZ

Back in chronological order now after several catch-up posts!

We visited this National Park on April 7, 2016

After we left the tribal lands in Arizona, we headed for this National Park.  Because there is no camping on the Park land, we spent the night of April 6th at Homolovi State Park, just a few miles west of the Forest. 

Designated a national park in 1962,  "the Petrified Forest is known for its fossils, especially fallen trees that lived in the late Triassic Period, about 225 million years ago. The sediments containing the fossil logs are part of the widespread and colorful Chinle Formation, from which the Painted Desert gets its name. Beginning about 60 million years ago, the Colorado Plateau, of which the park is part, was pushed upward by tectonic forces and exposed to increased erosion. All of the park's rock layers above the Chinle, except geologically recent ones found in parts of the park, have been removed by wind and water. In addition to petrified logs, fossils found in the park have included Late Triassic ferns and many other plants as well as fauna including giant reptiles called phytosaurs, large amphibians, and early dinosaurs.  Paleontologists have been unearthing and studying the park's fossils since the early 20th century."

The fossilized wood is startling in its diversity of colours and patterns, resulting from the different minerals deposited over thousands of years.

Dave the amateur geologist examining a petrified wood sample

 The drive through the park reveals no less startling rock formations, striated layers of many colours.

When one gets to the Northern side of the park, the painted desert is more subtle but no less beautiful with its pastel hues.  Inspiration for many artists!