200 million years ago, much of northeastern Arizona was blanketed by dense forests of mosses, ferns and tall Conifers in what was then a low-lying swamp basin. Fallen logs slowly became petrified as water-borne sediment seeped through the wood tissue, crystallizing it into quartz. Today, the Petrified Forest is a unique land of scenic wonders located in what is now high-plateau country, about 2 hours east of Flagstaff. Covering some 93,533 acres, it features one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood. The park also encompasses the multi-hued badlands of the Painted Desert, archaeological sites and displays of 225 million year old fossils.
Gift shops sell petrified wood that comes from private land, outside the park.
Exhibits include polished petrified wood, fossils and minerals. In winter there is occasional snow with highs ranging from the 20s to 50s. The park is open year round except Christmas and New Year's Day. 5 p.m. Hours may change, so call ahead of your arrival. Golden Eagle Passports, Golden Age Passports and Golden Access Passports are honored, and are available for purchase.