Painted Desert & Petrified Forest Adventure

Even though we had lived in Arizona for over 20 years prior to us full timing and visit this area almost every year, we had never adventured into these parks. They cross I40 that we have passed many times and felt we had seen it all, but we were definitely mistaken because there is so much more to see.

We came into Petrified Forest from the South entrance, stopping for some souvenirs at the little shops prior to the entrance. 

Once we entered the 28 miles of park roads, our first stop was at the Rainbow Forest Museum and Visitor Center.

Had an interesting conversation with one of the Rangers who was also a newbie full time traveler. They had been traveling now for a tad over a year but only put on about 600 miles, they were staying close in a familiar area to them for now. Not us…we continue to travel to different places as often as possible, but that’s what makes this life so interesting, we all can do it our own way!

There are several stops along the park drive that we thoroughly enjoyed…Crystal Forest was our first stop and it did not disappoint…we walked the short walk to get a great view.

Agate Bridge was next and it was a very busy stop so we just took a few photos before moving onward…

The next was Blue Mesa, and it was breathtaking and a bit freaky for me while driving at the edges, but Jerry was fine and got out to take photos…

We then just drove through the Teepees…

We stopped at the Newspaper Rock…

Then about 5 miles of vast open land to cross I40 into the Painted Desert…

The colors were spectacular in every direction. There are several “Points” to turn off and take in the breathtaking views.

We exited the park onto I40 back to Holbrook and then onto Show Low. What a fantabulous drive day!