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Discover the beauty and interesting facts about the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. This article includes information about the entry to the park and attractions, history and facts about petrified wood. Learn more here...

Details or Sample:
(Special Note: An alternative paragraph is provided under Park Entry in case you don´t want the actual current entry fees in the article.)

The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona

A place of wonder and amazement, the Petrified Forest National Park reveals timeless fossils, beautiful scenery and an extensive natural exhibit of colorful petrified wood. Tourists travel from around the world to see its amazing display of nature that has been frozen in time.

The park is located in the northeastern part of Arizona, approximately 3.5 hours from Phoenix, and covers over 93,000 acres. The boundaries of the park were recently extended, increasing overall acreage to over 218,000.

Park Entry and Attractions

The park is open year round except on Christmas Day. Entry fees are $5.00 (7 days) for walk-ins and bicyclists, $10.00 (7 days) for private vehicles, and $10.00 (lifetime pass) for U.S. senior citizens over the age of 62. The park also waives activity fees for educational groups.

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The park is open year round except on Christmas Day. Entrance fees are minimal for bicyclists, hikers and those driving through the park. Senior citizens who are U.S. citizens receive a generous discount, and those who are disabled can enter the park at no charge. The park also waivers activity fees for educational groups.
***** End alternative paragraph *****

Park visitors can travel by foot, vehicle, bicycle or even horse to tour the vast collection of petrified wood. Logs as large as 200 feet long and 10 feet in diameter have been found in the park! The petrified wood offers brilliant colors that are a true desert treasure.

Visitors can also see the gorgeous Painted Desert and the Painted Desert Inn, a National Historic Landmark that´s located within the park. The park offers nature walks, backpacking, horseback riding, bike trails, a museum, a gift shop, and a variety of educational ranger programs. The Junior Ranger program is geared toward helping kids learn about the fossils and resources at the park.

Brief Park History

The discovery of petrified wood in the park area dates back to 1851, found by Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves. Then in 1853, Lieutenant Amiel Whipple documented the petrified wood that´s now included in the park. In December 1906, the area was declared as a
"Petrified Forest National Monument" by President Theodore Roosevelt.

From that time forward, construction began in and around the area, adding a museum, the Painted Desert Inn, bridges, roads, trails, etc. In December 1962, an act of Congress established the Petrified Forest National Park, doing away with the monument status.

Although a president can establish a national monument, only Congress can declare a place to be a national park.

Facts about Petrified Wood

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Other Interesting Facts about the Park

Many fossils have been found in the park, from horseshoe crabs to ancient reptiles from the Late Triassic period. Paleontologists frequently explore the park´s treasure of fossils to learn more about this period.

The Petrified Forest National Park is not only scenic, but also educational. It´s a great place to bring kids and let them explore the history and nature of the desert.

Written by Candice Pardue

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