Painted Desert

Located in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest NP is known for its large deposits of petrified wood covering an area of 170 square miles. Those fossils date back to the Late Triassic era, about 225 million years ago. In addition to the petrified forest, the colorful Chinle Formation gives name to the widespread area known as Painted Desert. These colorful mudstones and clays of the Painted Desert are composed of bentonite, a product of altered volcanic ash. Driving around the park or hiking in some areas, one can experience the beauty of these geological formations. Of course, for increased effect, try to see these formations at the end of the day, close to sunset. The colors are breathtaking.