Hey everyone, Big Mike here! We’re exploring Petrified Forest National Park, a truly remarkable place right along Route 66. Did you know? This is the ONLY National Park that Route 66 goes directly through! You came through Holbrook, and we’re here to see where ancient history and the story of a famous road meet.

We’ll start in the south end of the park, at the Rainbow Forest Museum & Visitor Center. Here, we’re delving into the extraordinary process of petrification. Millions of years ago, during the Late Triassic Period, these colossal trees were tragically felled and entombed in layers of sediment and volcanic ash. Over vast stretches of time, groundwater, laden with dissolved minerals, primarily silica, permeated the wood, gradually replacing the organic material with resilient quartz. This is how they became vibrant, colorful stone. We can also explore paleontological exhibits, showcasing the diverse array of fossils unearthed within the park, and watch an informative park film.

Next, we’ll embark on a walk along the Giant Logs Trail. You’ll witness these massive, petrified logs up close, their intricate details preserved in stone. We’ll also explore the Crystal Forest Trail, marveling at the sparkling quartz crystals embedded within the fossilized wood. Then, we’ll traverse the Blue Mesa Road Loop, immersing ourselves in the breathtaking panorama of the colorful badlands, a testament to the power of erosion and time.

Best places to stay near the Petrified Forest National Park

Nearby town with accommodation include Winslow and Holbrook Arizona

Now, we’re heading north, along the Park Road, and beginning to glimpse the expansive Painted Desert. We will continue our journey through this surreal landscape, stopping at overlooks like Tawa Point and Kachina Point. Here, we’ll tread along the Painted Desert Rim Trail, capturing panoramic vistas of the colorful mesas and buttes of the Chinle Formation. At Pintado Point, we can observe a Maar, a unique volcanic feature, a testament to the region’s dynamic geological past.

We will continue north to the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark. This inn, situated further north along the Park Road, within the Painted Desert section of the park, served as a vital rest stop for weary travelers navigating the legendary Mother Road. From the inn’s rear terrace, one can witness truly magnificent views of the Painted Desert, a spectacle of color and vastness.

The inn’s construction, utilizing local stone and petrified wood, reflects the region’s unique natural resources. It was later meticulously renovated, preserving its historical integrity. The Fred Harvey Company managed the establishment, renowned for its commitment to quality and comfort, attracting visitors from across the nation. The interior design, crafted by Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, seamlessly blends Southwestern architectural elements with the surrounding landscape. The murals, painted by Fred Kabotie, offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Hopi people.

At the northern end of the park, we will pause at the dedicated Route 66 area. This section is vital to understand the park’s link to the Mother Road. Here, you can examine a display showcasing a 1932 Studebaker, an icon of the Route 66 era.

From this vantage point, you can also trace the path of the old telephone poles, marking the original alignment of Route 66 as it traversed the park. This area is dedicated to preserving the history of Route 66, allowing visitors to appreciate the road’s profound impact on the park and the region.

From here, we will journey to Puerco Pueblo, located in the central section of the park, an ancient village that once thrived centuries ago. We will also explore Newspaper Rock, adorned with petroglyphs, and Jasper Forest, another site showcasing the park’s petrified wood deposits.

This park, with its petrified trees, historic inn offering stunning vistas, and mesmerizing desert landscape, encapsulates a captivating chapter in the Route 66 saga. So, immerse yourselves in the sights, absorb the rich history, and remember to treat this natural treasure with respect. If time permits, consider participating in a Ranger Program to further enrich your understanding of this extraordinary place.

East of Petrified Forest National Park on Route 66

Sanders, Arizona

East of the Petrified Forest, you’ll come into Sanders, a once-busy stop on the Mother Road. It’s quieter now, but the past still lingers in the buildings left behind. The White Elephant Lodge, now abandoned, was a well-known roadside curio and motel combo. Nearby, you’ll see the remains of a Whiting Bros. station once known as the Stop Go Café, and even an old Valentine Diner—a small prefab building that served hot meals to countless road-trippers. They’re all fading fast, but for fans of forgotten Route 66, Sanders still tells a story worth stopping for.

Lupton, Arizona – Gateway to New Mexico

Just before the state line, you’ll hit Lupton, a town built into the cliffs. It’s famous for its roadside trading posts and rock-front buildings that have been drawing travelers in since the early days. Many of these shops still sell Native jewelry, pottery, and other Southwestern goods.

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West of Petrified Forest National Park on Route 66

Adamana, Arizona (Off-Route Historic Stop)

A short detour off Exit 303 takes you to Adamana, once a gateway to the Petrified Forest long before Route 66 arrived. It was a railroad stop with its own hotel, post office, and charm. While it’s mostly gone now, it’s part of the deeper history of tourism in this part of Arizona.

Holbrook, Arizona

Just west of the park sits Holbrook, a classic Route 66 town full of roadside charm. Stay at the Wigwam Motel, eat at Joe & Aggie’s Café, and swing by the Rainbow Rock Shop to see dinosaurs made of cement and petrified wood by the pound. The Navajo County Historical Society Museum in the old courthouse is worth a visit too—it tells the story of the town from outlaws to asphalt.

Geronimo Trading Post

Outside Holbrook, you’ll find Geronimo Trading Post, home to one of the largest pieces of petrified wood on public display. It’s a quirky stop for souvenirs and photos, with shelves full of rocks, trinkets, and Route 66 oddities.

Winslow, Arizona – Standin’ on the Corner

Further west, Route 66 rolls into Winslow, made world-famous by the Eagles’ song Take It Easy. Downtown, the Standin’ on the Corner Park draws visitors from all over for a photo with the bronze statue and mural. But Winslow’s more than a lyric—check out the La Posada Hotel, a beautifully restored Harvey House full of Southwest history, and take a walk through the Old Trails Museum to get a deeper look at the town’s railroad and Route 66 past.