About 225 million years ago tall trees fell and were washed by running streams into a floodplain. Silt, mud and volcanic ash deposits covered the logs and silica deposits seeped in. The silica became quartz, and the logs were preserved as we see them today as the Petrified Forest.
Later, the area sank, was covered by freshwater sediments and subsequently lifted up again. These stresses cracked the logs. Fossils of dinosaurs, plants and reptiles have been found at the National Park since 1981. There is evidence of human existence here dating back 2,000 years. The petrified wood souvenirs that can be purchased nearby are from the same geological deposits, but were not collected from within the Petrified Forest National Park.
Unfortunately, the visiting public steals about 12, yes TWELVE, tons of petrified wood from the Petrified Forest each year. All visitors are warned about heavy fines that may be levied if caught removing even the smallest piece of petrified wood from its original location.
Here's a map showing the north and south entrances of Petrified Forest.
Enjoy these pictures of Petrified Forest.
Next stop: Wupatki and Painted Desert >>
