Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park
click photo to enlarge	Located within the Petrified Forest National Park is the Painted Desert National Monument. When you go through the park from the north to the south the first part of the park is the Painted Desert. The north end will have mostly reds. The lower part of the park the colors change to blues.
click photo to enlarge	The next two photos were taken at Tiponi Point.
click photo to enlarge	It was a very clear day and we could see for 100 miles in all directions. Since it was late November the park was pretty empty. They told us at the ranger station that in the summer it is bumper to bumper cars.
click photo to enlarge	This area is called Tepees because the formations resemble the shape of Indian Tepees. Notice the color change to a purple hue. The park is 28 miles long and you can drive the length stopping at different overlooks. There are some spots where you can get out and hike.
click photo to enlarge	This area is called Blue Mesa. We went hiking down into the area. The gold colored bolder is actually a petrified log. You can see some pieces strew about if you look close.
click photo to enlarge	Close up of a petrified log. These logs are 225 million years old. All the wood was replaced by quartz and they can be many different colors. The read that the air in this part of the country is the cleanest in the 48 states. The views and colors of the park we fabulous.