Just East/Southeast of Holbrook, Arizona lays hidden a hidden treasure that most people pass without even a glance.  Maybe that is because the Petrified Forest has been on the move.

“The Petrified Forest has been on the move for a long time.  When the fossilized trees in the Petrified Forest National Park were alive 217.7 million years ago, they were located four degrees north of the equator.  Then, as now, the closer you are to the equator the more likely you are to be surrounded by wet tropical forests.  Ever since that time the forest has been slowly creeping north and east about 2100 miles (3400 km).  This is caused by a force called plate tectonics that is powered by hot molten rock deep underneath the Earth’s surface.” NPS

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What used to be a lush rain forest, full of life, is now a moon-like landscape that is full of surprises and mystery.  A tapestry of time that stretches as far as the eye can see. Shaped by wind and water, the Petrified Forest holds vital clues to the past.

The National Park consist of a 28-mile drive, through the heart of the park, with various stops and short hikes along the way.  Around every turn is yet another breathtaking view that makes it hard to believe this was once a lush rain forest. The Petrified Forest National Park is one of the best places in the world to see the fossil record from the Late Triassic Period.  The “dawn of the dinosaurs,” when smaller dinosaurs struggled with various crocodile-like reptiles for survival.  These remnants of prehistoric forests now petrified wood; plant and animal fossils; and artifacts have revealed so much about this beautiful, wild land.*  

Like most, throughout the park, I noticed that the petrified longs looked finely cut with a saw; leaving you asking – Who cut the wood?  The short answer – no one!  The settling of a heavy quartz log causes cracks and eventually breaks. Because it is the shortest distance for the crack to grow, the logs break perpendicular to their length, like a piece of brittle chalk.  The repeating perpendicular breaks make the logs look like they were cut with a saw showcasing their splendor.*

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As for Amerigo and the puppies – there isn’t a lot of places near the park to camp with your RV (and no place within the park itself). However, just outside the south entrance is Crystal Forest Museum & Gifts.  They have about 15 RV spots (ten with electricity for $10 per night) if you are looking just for a spot to get some sleep.

The National Park is pet-friendly and there are a few trails that allow your pets to go with you to enjoy the scenery.  However, watch the temperature – I went out with the pups at 7:30 am (the end of August) and the puppies got tired really fast.  Don’t forget your water and have some for the dogs too – and always clean up after your pets (bring your own poop bags).

I hope this inspired you to visit one of the not so famous National Parks. With an adventurous heart and mind, it is well worth the trip while you are out doing fun shit.  The Petrified Forest will make you realize that we are all but a speck in the earth’s life story. Life is way too short to get bogged down in the mundane Monday thru Friday bullshit. Live beyond the weekend; get out, be adventurous, live outside the box; before you know it you will be doing fun shit, Always!!!
#dofunshitalways #dfsa247 #nps #resist

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*Some of the content of this post was borrowed from free handouts provided by the National Park Service, with slight modifications for stylistic purposes.
** All of the photographs are original and the property of the author.