Petrified Forest National Park ~ Painted Desert

I really have no words to describe the Petrified Forest National Park to you. There’s no way to describe it and give it the justice it deserves. It’s an amazing expanse of emptiness yet
filled with so much substance. It’s something surreal, not quite of this planet. But yet, here it is.

The Petrified Forest is also composed of the Painted Desert. And the two combined are something out of a Dr. Seuss book. The petrified logs floating amongst mother natures beautiful palette of grays, pinks, reds, browns, whites, blues and more.

One moment you’re staring at cliffs of earthen red only to drive past cliffs of cool grayish blue and burgundy. The burgundy and gray formations could easily be the backdrop of an alien encounter or two.

And my photos barely touch the surface. I took so many but yet so few. Because quite honestly, I don’t think you could ever take enough. What I would give to have a few more days here.

I want to see all of the spectacular colors at different times throughout the day. They cast deeper, bolder hues depending on when and where you are in the park.

I want to hike a few trails and take in all this place has to offer. I didn’t have enough time to hike one single trail. We were busy the entire day we were here. The park is a huge, expansive wonderland.

It takes a good half-hour to drive from one end to the other. And that’s not taking into account stopping at all the pull offs to see yet one more gorgeous feast of colors or shapes.

This is the only national park where a stretch of Route 66 used to pass through. They have an old Studebaker car where the road used to be. It was pretty cool to see. The girls couldn’t believe that used to be how cars looked!

You’ve probably noticed I haven’t talked much about the wood. Don’t get me wrong; it’s an amazing feat of science. One I cannot comprehend in a thousand lifetimes. It’s an anomaly that actually takes more than a thousand lifetimes to even develop.

But once you’ve seen the trickery of what looks like wood present itself as stone and crystal, you’ve seen it. Do you know what I mean? Some of the coloring is stunning, almost rainbow like. The touch is cold and smooth on the inside while remaining rough, yet glossy on the outside.

But the Painted Desert, it’s almost too much for one’s senses. I really wish the park were open past five o’clock. I cannot imagine what the setting sun must look like. Can you imagine the colors it would cast among some of the rock formations? Yes folks, this is something you must see. I’m humbled, I’m in awe, and I feel so small in the universe.

It is my wish for you to be able to visit this site at least once in your lifetime. For you to be able to take in the pure, raw beauty this place has to offer. I share with you just a smidgen but to truly experience it, you must see it for yourself.

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{HUGS} from the Crew!