Petrified Forest is an American National Park located in the southernmost Colorado Plateau desert region. Yes, you read that right — a forest in the desert, because it’s a forest like no other. Here, the petrified wood trees look like stones, granite, marble, or gems. You’ll see remnants of fossilized trees some 224 million years old, when the desert was a forest.
If you need a break from your travels on I-40, stretch your legs on some of the trails. It’s an easy on and off access on Interstate 40 (and the old Route 66) near Holbrook in Arizona. Then, check out some of the other attractions, like the colorful buttes, mesas, and the 1930’s Painted Desert Inn, a historic national landmark. Note that there are no overnight accommodations in the park. No doubt, you won’t regret visiting this “gem” of a park.