Meeting History and Nature at Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
When you are vacating in the Southwest, the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is not to be missed. There are so many amazing places to visit in the Southwest, you may be overwhelmed at the thought of narrowing down your list. If you are trying to decide how to spend your Southwestern vacation, make sure that the Petrified Forest National Park is on your list. This jewel of the desert is far underappreciated but deserves its national park status. It is the perfect one-day stop when you are staying at Zuni RV Park.
The Petrified Forest National Park covers a total of 230 square miles in the northeastern corner of Arizona. Located on Navajo and Apache territory, it earns its name from the large amount of petrified wood found there. These badlands are full of colorful desert views and lay on the edge of the Painted Desert.
A Landscape Like You’ve Never Seen
The national park draws thousands of visitors every year to enjoy local exhibits, wildlife, and outdoor activities. With a dry, breezy climate, it is a pleasant place for hiking and camping. It is also a favorite site for landscape and wildlife photography. With its colorful stones and breathtaking skyline, it’s no wonder that the Petrified Forest National Park is a perfect place for photographers.
But the national park isn’t just the perfect place to do outdoor activities and see the sights. You can also find fun exhibits and guided activities, where you can learn more about the things preserved in the park and the unique region. There are opportunities to take your family camping right there in the painted badlands. The park also hosts days where you can bring your pets to go for walks on the hiking trails. If you have your pup along with you on a vacation to Arizona, a family outing at the Petrified Forest National Park shouldn’t be missed!
Nature, Culture, and History in One
If you have a science enthusiast in your family, there are even more attractions at the Petrified Forest National Park for you. Park staff regularly offer science exhibits with the chance to see fossils found in the region. Humankind has been living in the American Southwest for at least 13,000 years. Archeological digs have unearthed some amazing artifacts both natural and man-made.
From pottery to ancient tools to animals preserved in the hard rock of the national park, the fossils found here tell us a lot about the history of the region. There are also endless opportunities to learn about local plant and animal life. Here, you can find some of the most unique flora and fauna in the country. These are plants and animals that you won’t find anywhere else. These scientific and historical discoveries can all be seen at the Petrified Forest National Park.
No matter what your interests are, you can find an activity to satisfy them at the Petrified Forest National Park. The park rangers offer regular guided tours along with beginner bird watching and wildflower searching hikes. If you want to learn more about the local culture both present-day and ancient, the park also offers cultural exhibits and demonstrations. You’ll learn about Navajo and Apache art, building, and more. Local presenters come to share their knowledge of rug weaving, beading, and other cultural practices.
The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is one tourist destination with endless possibilities. If you are staying at an RV park in Kingman, AZ, this is the perfect weekend trip. It is roughly four hours from Zuni Village RV Park, giving you the chance to enjoy a few days in nature and all the sights along Route 66. The wild beauty of the Petrified Forest National Park is an unmissable experience.