The Painted Desert At Petrified Forest National Park

Above, a view of the Painted Desert from Tiponi Point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the Jack Rabbit Trading Post wasn't yet open, I decided to press on towards New Mexico on Interstate 40 in Arizona. I was heading home from the Lost Dutchman clampout.

Instead, I stopped at Petrified Forest National Park, which is about 90 miles from home. I elected to take the upper "loop" to the viewpoints of the Painted Desert. The petrified forest portion is south of Interstate 40. This section is north of I-40.

It is $20 per carload, but my Senior Pass got me in free.

First, I browsed around the visitor center and gift store. I picked up a couple of kitchen towels to commemorate the visit.

Some photos of the Painted Desert and the historic Painted Desert Inn:

Above, a sign describing how the Painted Desert was formed. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Painted Desert. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Painted Desert Inn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Painted Desert Inn soda fountain. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the dining room with original dining furniture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Indian artwork in the dining room Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the kitchen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of Chinde Mesa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, viewpoint descriptions. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Petrified Forest National Park sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of the Painted Desert. Photo by Armand Vaquer.