Petrified Forest National Park

We didn't expect much with this National Park to be honest.  We thought we would see a few logs by the side of the road and head on out of the park and on our way.  But we were pleasantly surprised at the few hours we spent there.  First of all - it is actually two parks in one.   The north side is called Painted Desert and reminded us of the Badlands.  It was beautiful.  The first photo was on the way into the park.  The rest were taken inside the park. 

Then we headed over to the petrified wood.  We didn't realize how crystallized it becomes!  That's talking MY language now of course!   We heard it sparkles like glittler.  Hmmm - maybe - but it was beautiful to see and amazing to think about how this living tree became this hard crystal.  It is hard to see in the photos but they really are crystals.  It was also interesting to learn about the curse to anyone who removes wood from the park. 

December 2024