Why Go to the Painted Desert in Arizona

I was relieved to see thick clouds when I departed Holbrook, Arizona early in the morning, as the summer heat was becoming unbearable. My goal was to reach Dallas as early as possible to make the most of my two-day vacation to the oldest capital of the United States. Santa Fe was my destination.

My family traveled frequently by car between Texas and California when I was a child. They were "let's get there as fast as we can and only stop as necessary" journeys rather than enjoyable exploration excursions. As such, I remember how uninteresting the desert was to me as a teenager. I was going to rewrite the history of a road trip through the desert and cross it off my own personal bucket list.

I promptly took a detour off the highway to visit the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert National Park after remembering that I had planned to stop there and realized I had no one else to answer to. It ended up being among my best choices ever for travel.

The Painted Desert Is Where?

The Painted Desert, which stretches to the Grand Canyon and is a section of the Petrified Forest National Park, is situated in southeast Arizona.

What Is The Painted Desert, Precisely?

I find it to be a breathtakingly large and colorful scene where unexpected shapes emerge out of the plains. Or, to put it more bluntly, it's awesome! However, I've cited Science Views for a more rational scientific explanation.

A vast area of buttes, flat-topped mesas, and badland hills. It is a severely eroded, poorly vegetated dry land. The rainbow of vibrant sedimentary layers that are visible in the harsh terrain is what gives the area its moniker, Painted Desert. Chinle Formation outcroppings from the Late Triassic Period serve as its representation.

A living history book is the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest.

The gradations of color create a temporal tapestry. Just picture this place as a tropical forest once! Here, dinosaurs once trod.

Layers upon layers of sediment, erosion, and mineral oxides—iron, hematite, and more—form the colors. It's one of the most unusual places I've ever been because of the landscape's severe yet vibrant features.

Things To Know Before You Go

There are so many different ways to enjoy this park, which is one of its best features. The park's picturesque road can be followed, complete with information on the area and designated lookout points. In addition to backcountry trekking and camping, there are designated walking pathways. Permits are required, although they are free. Even if, like me, you're driving and pausing at viewpoint points, it's simple to enjoy the park's splendor.

You will require a visa if you are heading to the US from the UK or any of the other thirty-eight nations. For information on obtaining a US visa for tourists, see this website. You may also read this: Top Activities in Washington State

Very Important

Take exit 285 to US 180 east from Holbrook to the south entrance if you're traveling east on I-40. I did not see the Petrified Forest because I completely missed this. Why? because I took the north entrance, exit 311, instead of exit 285 after driving by it. I would have nearly returned to Holbrook if I had continued on the park road until I got to the south entrance, and I didn't have time for that.

At every park entry, there is a tourist center. Yes, I did pause and survey the area. A pleasant store, dining area, restrooms, and museum are all present. It's a useful location for orientation.
You will have to pay the admission charge when you enter the park, and you will receive a well-informed map.

This Is What I Carried Out

It was a difficult choice, but I drove as far as Newspaper Rock after entering through the north entrance. I didn't want to go because the rain and cloud formations varied so quickly and produced such a stunning sky. The photo opportunities were amazing. In addition, the rain intensified the hues of the surrounding terrain. That I happened to be in the park on a wet day was pure serendipity. Will I ever get the chance to do that again?