Petrified Forest National Park Things to Do Tips by gubbi1

Petroglyphs

Something I did not expect were the different petroglyphs, which could be seen from the lookouts at Puerco Pueblo and Newspaper Rock. I am always very excited to see this art as it is the visual expression of people far back in time. And still you can see it.
Take your time at the Pueblo as it takes some time to find them and there are more than one place. There were people there with me and they thought it is all and left. Shortly after I found even more and nicer ones. So go along the lookout and check different points. A photo with zoom lense comes quite handy here.

Directions: The two lookouts: Puerco Pueblo and Newspaper Rock.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/pefo/planyourvisit/trails.htm

Petrified wood in the States

In the exhibition at the southern end of the park you can see a huge map with the different types of petrified wood pinned to the place on the map where it is found. I think it is interesting to see the distribution and that it is not only here in this park.

Directions: Exhbition at in southern area.

Details of log structures

When walking around the park, check the details on the logs you see. Very often it is really fascination to see the small details of their structure.

Directions: All around the park.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/pefo

Route 66

Don't miss the small Route 66 monument close to the bridge (north) over the highway. There is a sign explaining a little about the history of the road and what it meant for the States.

Directions: Just north of the Highway bridge.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/pefo/planyourvisit/upload/PEFO_park_map_2006_large.pdf

Blue Mesa Trail

I recommend to hike the Blue Mesa Trail, a one mile track through the colorful and beautiful Badlands in the Petrified Forest National Park. Some signs give you information on the geology and you will of course also see petrified wood. I think this hike is a highlight of the park.

See the link below for details of different trils in the park, including Blue Mesa Trail...

Directions: Quite in the middle between north and south exit.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/pefo/planyourvisit/trails.htm