Crystal Forest - Petrified Forest National Park

The Crystal Forest in Petrified Forest National Park is located on Park Road 19.9 miles from the north entrance station and 7.4 miles from the south entrance station. From the north, it is the first location where visitors have easy access to whole petrified trees and not just sections. The forest was named for the beautiful quartz crystals that were once quite visible across the landscape. While some or even many of the smaller pieces probably disappeared before the area was protected as a National Monument in 1906, researchers comparing historic photographs to the same locations today have found that the landscape is remarkably unchanged.

A 300 foot paved path from the parking area leads to a 3/4 mile paved loop trail for a total 0.83 mile stroll. Reaching the overlook at the beginning of the loop should not be an issue for disabled visitors. Assistance may be required on a few of the inclines around the loop. We chose to walk in a counter-clockwise direction on our May 2015 visit to the park. While it was overcast, windy, and cool when we visited, weather conditions can change rapidly. There is no shade on the trail, so sunscreen is needed even on cloudy days. Always carry and drink plenty of water. If you hear thunder, return immediately to your vehicle to avoid becoming a human lightning rod.

Trailhead

We kept an eye on the rain to the south

Some of the crystals for which the forest is named

The only shade is at this shelter at the beginning of the loop

These logs are fairly large as the trail is about four feet wide

This tree was rotting from the inside out when it fell

These sections are likely from the same tree

Even the bark has been preserved on some trees

This jumble of logs obviously rolled downhill from another location

Logs are located throughout the mudstone badlands

Only a few sections are missing from this tree

A second largely intact tree emerges from the ground

The trail passes directly over this tree

The entire trail is paved and drains well

A rainbow of hues is visible in this tree

Shadows over the badlands

Two more complete trees somehow came to rest at right angles

Another chaotic landscape of log sections

While it has the texture of wood, it is hard as stone

The trail skirts a stone tree

One of the few trees that has split vertically

Many of the trees were over 100 feet tall

The Battleship is across the road from the parking area

A field of Desert Poppies

The rock leave the cracks that were already in the wood

Tree rings are still visible

Another rain squall approaches

Erosion will reveal more of this tree over time

Did souvenir hunters scavenge this tree?

Another tree beside the trail

The only bench along the loop portion of the trail

Sections of the tree have fallen off the hill over eons

A forest of fallen trees

Stone bark still encases this section

Incredible detail has been preserved

Colors as vivid as the Great Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone

This angular break likely happened before it was petrified

The petrified wood is concentrated along a wash

This tree grew quicker on the right side

One of the shortest segments we saw

Scattered by the forces of nature

The rain continues to advance

Seemingly awaiting a log rolling contest

An entry fee of $10 per private vehicle is good for seven consecutive days. Other fee payment options include the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes including the Annual Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($10 for lifetime), Access Pass (free with documented disability) and Military Annual Pass (free for active duty personnel).

The park website is http://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm.