RV Travel Guide To Petrified Forest National Park

Above, a couple of petrified logs in the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Petrified Forest National Park in northern Arizona is the closest national park to my home in New Mexico. It is around 90 miles from home off Interstate 40.

It have visited it several times, mainly for a coffee or snack stop at the visitor center. The first extensive tour was just to the Painted Desert section of the park. The second extensiver tour was to the Petrified Forest. 

Above, the Painted Desert of Petrified Forest National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel posted a guide to visiting Petrified Forest National Park. In their posting, they mentioned a couple of campgrounds in nearby Holbrook. There's a third one to consider: the Holbrook KOA Kampground. I have stayed there twice and have enjoyed it both times. There are no campground in the national park.

The RV Travel post begins with:

For RVers rolling through Northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is one of those easy-to-reach, big-payoff stops.

Getting there

Petrified Forest National Park sits off Interstate 40 near Holbrook. The north entrance is at Exit 311, and the south entrance is reached from Highway 180.

Eastbound I-40 travelers should take Exit 285 into Holbrook and then follow Highway 180 South to the south entrance.

There is no public transportation to or within the park, so driving your own rig is the normal way in.

To read more, go here. 

Made It To Lake Havasu

Above, I took this shot of the sunrise from the entrance to Petrified Forest
National Park. I stopped there for a coffee break. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I made it to Lake Havasu, Arizona.

I will be spending the Christmas holiday with Mitch & Holly Geriminsky. I have done so for the past several years.

I got into town at about 1:30 in the afternoon. This was after driving around 420 miles from home in New Mexico. I got on the road at 5:30 in the morning. 

Above, a rancher put up this sign on his property ten miles east of Seligman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Outside of some wind along the way, the weather was good. It did rain in the evening hours in Lake Havasu. 

I decided to go to bed early as I was tired from the long drive. 

Merry Christmas Eve!

Above, ah, morning coffee!

The sun isn't up yet, even though it is almost 7:00 in the morning in Lake Havasu City. It is still dark outside.

After a shave and shower in the motorhome, I had my usual orange juice and oatmeal breakfast so I could take my meds.

Now I am relaxing with some fresh brewed coffee. 

Today, I will be doing a little shopping for this evening's "Secret Santa" game at Mitch and Holly Geriminsky's. It is a Christmas Eve tradition there.

It was a long drive from Jamestown, New Mexico to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. My stamina isn't what it used to be so I took some coffee and other rest breaks along the way. The first was at the main gate to Petrified Forest National Park. At around 200 miles, Flagstaff is the mid point of the drive.

The weather along the way wasn't bad.

I did notice that the Meteor City Trading Post looked cleaned up with the structures having a fresh coat of paint. The new owners are making progress. Maybe it will be opening for business again in the coming year.

In case I forget, Merry Christmas!

8 Scenic Desert Road Trips In Arizona

Above, interesting landscapes can be seen in Petrified Forest National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that we're in spring, it is time to think about doing some desert road trips. 

The state of Arizona has plenty of desert terrain to explore by car or RV. TheTravel has posted eight recommended routes.

They begin with:

Arizona’s delightfully diverse desert landscapes are a draw for visitors from all over the world. The expanse of arid terrain, gorgeous scenery, and year-round warm, sunny weather make the Grand Canyon State a road-tripper's paradise. The Sonoran Desert, the Mojave Desert, and the Chihuahuan Desert all cross within Arizona’s border, which gives lots of options for desert road trips through Arizona.

Whether planning one-day Arizona road trips or looking towards spending a longer amount of time on the road, at least one of these Arizona desert road trips will fit the bill and offer amazing scenery. Although the obvious challenge might seem like picking just one, why set limits? Try them all!

Fall and winter are ideal times to visit Arizona, especially when traveling from up north to escape colder weather. If traveling to Arizona during the summer, plan to spend most of your outdoor time very early in the morning to escape the grueling heat. 

To see what they are, go here. 

Top Tips For RV Weekend Warriors

Above, weekend camping in Ridgway, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When it comes to RV travel during the past few years, I have been pretty much a "weekend warrior". This has been due to the pandemic and the cost of gasoline.

Short weekend trips included Monument Valley, Chaco Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, Ridgway and clamp-outs.

Do It Yourself RV describes RV weekend warriors as people with RVs who head out to camp on Fridays and return home on Sundays. 

They posted an article with top tips for weekend warriors with some good advice.

It begins with:

RV weekend warriors, you know the drill: work hard all week, hit the road as soon as Friday rolls around, and make the most of every precious minute until you have to return to reality on Sunday. This lifestyle is not without its challenges, but with a few smart strategies, you can turn any weekend into an epic mini-vacation. Let’s roll through some tips to help you navigate the common challenges and elevate your weekend RV escapades.

To read more, go here. 

Safest National Parks In The U.S.

Above, Petrified Forest National Park came in as the second safest national park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's been many reports of injuries and fatalities that have taken place in our national parks over the past several years.

Some have been caused by carelessness, stupidity, natural incidents (such as landslides) and animals. 

TheTravel has posted a list of the 10 safest American national parks. Not surprisingly, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona ranked as the second safest national park. I thought the park would make the list before I even saw it.

They begin with:

There are 63 national parks in the US, preserving everything from temperate rainforests to coral reefs to fragile rock formations. With so much beauty to explore, it's no wonder that over 300 million people visited a national park in 2022.

For those hoping to join the statistics in the coming year, there are a number of factors to consider. Some US national parks will require reservations in 2024 and will take plenty of advanced planning to visit. Timing isn't the only thing at play when visiting national parks, however. Those less familiar with the parks may be worried about getting in over their heads out on the trails. Thankfully, there are many safety measures in place that ensure a positive and safe experience.

So, just how safe are the national parks in the US? American outdoor brand KÜHL has compiled data from the national parks regarding park fatalities, search and rescue missions, and proximity to hospitals to rank all 63 national parks by safety. Final scores ranged from 7.80 for America's safest national park to a mere 0.63 for the least safe.

To read more, go here. 

Last-Minute RV Road Trips

Above, at the Holbrook, Arizona KOA Kampground during my Petrified Forest National Park trip. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I've made a few last-minute road trips in my RV.

Most recently, I took a jaunt into neighboring Arizona to see the petrified forest at the Petrified Forest National Park on the spur-of-the-moment. I had seen the painted desert section already. Last year, I took a last-minute road trip to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. 

The only thing different between planned trips and last-minute ones are making campground reservations within two days of hitting the road. Those trips are usually to places I had thought about visiting but hadn't gotten around to them.

RV Life has some tips on taking last-minute RV road trips.

They begin with:Who doesn’t love a last-minute weekend RV getaway? The thrill of setting out without hours of meticulous planning can be invigorating. With a bit of forethought and some organization, you can set the stage for many impromptu adventures. Here are five key tips to keep you ready for any spontaneous road trips.

To read more, go here. 

Government Shutdown Will Close America’s National Parks

Above, Petrified Forest National Park will be closed unless the
 state of Arizona pays to keep it open. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the event of a government shutdown, the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, issued a press release on the closure of national parks.

It begins with:

The Department of the Interior is committed to upholding the highest standards of public access to and maintenance of America’s national parks and public lands. Our national parks reflect who we are as a country and unite us in our common purpose to not only enjoy their beauty, but also to preserve them for all Americans to enjoy.

However, in the event of a lapse in annual government appropriations, National Park Service (NPS) sites will be closed. This means that the majority of national parks will be closed completely to public access. Areas that, by their nature, are physically accessible to the public will face significantly reduced visitor services.

At NPS sites across the country, gates will be locked, visitor centers will be closed, and thousands of park rangers will be furloughed. Accordingly, the public will be encouraged not to visit sites during the period of lapse in appropriations out of consideration for protection of natural and cultural resources, as well as visitor safety. 

To read the full press release, go here. 

Petrified Forest National Park Photos

Above, petrified logs at Crystal Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that I'm home from Arizona, I uploaded the photos I took with my Canon camera of Petrified Forest National Park.

The park is off Interstate 40 and is easily accessible. It is not one of the larger parks, but it is interesting nonetheless.

Here's a sampling:

Above, the area of The Teepees. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Teepees. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the entrance to Agate Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, description sign for Agate Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the other side of the Agate Bridge entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, petrified logs at Jasper Forest. They appear to be from one tree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, petrified logs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above and below, petrified logs. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the park ranger's vehicle at Crystal Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above and below, petrified logs of Crystal Forest. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above and two below, fossils on display at Rainbow Forest Museum. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a 1932 Studebaker marks the spot where Route 66 once cut through the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a monument marking where Route 66 once cut through the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

Petrified Forest National Park: Fossil-Finding Via Satellite

Above, fossils on display at Petrified Forest National Park's
 Rainbow Forest Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along with ancient forests, Petrified Forest National Park has been a source for fossils over the years.

A new tool, satellites, can potentially aid paleontologists in finding areas that may contain fossils.

According to the Sedona Red Rock News:

Satellite imagery has the potential to assist paleontologists in focusing their efforts where to look for new fossil discoveries and help land managers monitor paleontological resources according to new research conducted at Petrified Forest National Park by the University of Oregon published in the journal Geological Magazine in November.

“The potential applications of finding fossil-rich areas using chemical differences visible from space are limitless,” said PEFO paleontologist Adam Marsh in a recent email. ”It could help us identify particularly sensitive areas to protect in the park and also those that might be more scientifically significant for our research.” 

This is the first time researchers have attempted to locate individual fossils on the landscape while previous works focused on looking for outcrops for fossil excavation. The project’s goal is to be able to get huge areas mapped using satellites, so people don’t have to physically set foot in those areas to reduce workloads and increase worker safety according to UO paleontologist Edward Davis. 

 To read more, go here.

Made It To Petrified Forest National Park

Above, a couple of petrified logs in Crystal Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I made it to Petrified Forest National Park. It was only an hour and a half drive from home on Interstate 40.

While there, the weather was warm and sunny. As I already visited the Painted Forest section of the park, I skipped it and headed over to the Petrified Forest section that is across Interstate 40.

This was my first time in Petrified Forest and I enjoyed driving through it and stopping at different viewpoints. 

As I decided to leave my camera bag at home that contains the downloading cable, I will have to download the photos from it and post another blog featuring them.

One interesting item, U.S. Route 66 was once routed through the park and that is marked by a vintage car. I saw no traces of the actual road. Photos of that are in my camera that needs to be downloaded.

Above, at the KOA in Holbrook before the thunderstorm started. Photo by Armand Vaquer

I am staying at the Petrified Forest/Holbrook KOA. It was a good thing I got there when I did, a monsoon thunderstorm arrived within an hour after I did.

The following are from my cel phone:

 

Petrified Forest National Park

Above, the sign at the park's entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few years ago, during the drive from a clampout, I stopped at Petrified Forest National Park and toured the Painted Desert of the park. I didn't go into the Petrified Forest section as it was getting late.

Today, I'll be heading there to see the Petrified Forest section. 

Petrified Forest National Park is the closest national park to me, it is roughly 92 miles from home. It is just off Interstate 40 in Arizona.

Someone asked me if I would be taking some "samples" while there. Besides being illegal to do so, I have enough petrified wood that I inherited from my grandfather who was into lapidary and he gathered petrified wood during his travels and later cut and polished them. So the answer is no.

Looking forward to this little getaway.

Required RV Insurance Coverage

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

Like having a trusty firearm, having RV insurance is one of those things where it is better to have it and not need it than needing it and not having it.

States require liability insurance for all vehicles, but having coverages specifically made for RVs fall under a different category.

RV Life discusses what coverages are required in a new article for recreational vehicles.

They begin it with:

Paying for RV insurance can be a pain in the neck, but you’ll be glad you have it when disaster strikes! In addition to protecting yourself and your vehicle, vehicular insurance is a requirement in every state. RVs can be a bit of a gray area, especially because motorhomes and towable models have their own rules. We’re here to help you navigate this situation though!

At the end of the day, you’ll need at least a basic level of insurance for your vehicle. Sometimes you can extend the existing liability coverage of your tow vehicle or get a separate plan for your RV. Both options have pros and cons. On the other hand, motorhomes will always need their own insurance plans.

Insurance coverage comes in all shapes and sizes. RVs are expensive, so you’ll want to protect your investment. Begin by covering the legal necessities, then branch outward from there. The more insurance you have, the better off you’ll be.

To read more, go here.

Travel Tips For the Ultimate Arizona RV Road Trip

Above, at Petrified Forest National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's funny that there's been new website postings touting the beauty of Arizona and travel recommendations on what places to see when, during the past 24 hours, the state has been hit with lots of snow.

Yesterday, the National Weather Service reported that Flagstaff alone received 14.4" of snow as of 5:30 PM.  Not exactly RVing weather, is it?

But I jest.

Arizona is a beautiful state to visit and TravelersToday posted an article yesterday with travel tips for the ultimate RV road trip.

They begin it with:

When deciding whether to travel by vehicle or by plane, there is one factor that often goes in favor of hitting the road: the scenery. Taking a road trip is a special experience that allows you to see nature outside your window. Road trips are engaging and immersive. You're not simply a passenger while a pilot carries you to your destination.

States like Arizona are perfect for going on an RV road trip. There are famous locations like the Grand Canyon, but there are plenty of other beautiful places to see in the desert. We'll discuss some of those, along with the logistics of riding in an RV. 

You need to shop for RV insurance if you're going to use one of these vehicles. It's also important to know what to look for when you are shopping for an RV. We'll review these things and other tips to create your ideal road trip in Arizona. 

To read more, go here. 

10 Most Underrated National Parks

Above, Lassen Volcanic National Park's Devastated Area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When people think of national parks, they usually think of Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Great Smoky Mountains. There are plenty more out there that don't get as much attention or visitors.

Yahoo posted an article list of the ten most underrated U.S. national parks. Of the ten, I have visited two of them: Lassen Volcanic National Park and Petrified Forest National Park.

They begin with:

Whether you're exploring your home state solo, taking a cross-country road trip with friends, or embarking on a family vacation halfway across the country, visiting one of America's national parks is a great way to get some fresh air in the wide open while marveling at the natural beauty and wildlife all around you.

So, it makes sense that as travel picks up again this year, many Americans are itching to get out and explore more of these protected lands. According to a 2020 survey commissioned by the National Park Service, most survey respondents said the last national parks they visited were Yellowstone National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park.

But the truth is, there are so many other hidden gems across the U.S. that are ripe for adventure—and some of them you can traverse in just a day. So, if you're looking to beat the tourist crowds while exploring nature, be sure to add the following underrated U.S. national parks to your travel itinerary. 

To read more, go here. 

Best Small Towns Near Petrified Forest National Park

Above, Standin' On A Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Arizona is an interesting state. 

One one hand, it is a big desert. On the other, it has pine-covered forests and ranchlands to enjoy.

Often overlooked are small towns to check out. A lot of them are along Interstate 40 in the northern half of the state.

TravelAwaits spotlights five of them within easy reach of Petrified Forest National Park.

They begin with:

The thing about Arizona is that you can enjoy so many different experiences depending on where you are within the state. Within just 3 hours, you can go from the valley of big city Scottsdale to the small towns up north. 

We chose to visit these small towns while on our travels through the White Mountains and beyond, as we always like towns that have a vibrant downtown with unique things to see and do. Stop in and visit these towns when you’re in the area!

Petrified Forest National Park has no RV campgrounds, but there's a KOA Kampground in nearby Holbrook. 

Above, camping is available at the Holbrook KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Safe RV Driving Tips

Above, The Beast at Petrified Forest National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether one is an experienced RVer of several years or a newbie/novice, accidents can and do happen while on the road. When my daughter was learning to drive, I drummed into her head "speed & distance" constantly. This is especially necessary while driving a bigger and heavier vehicle where "stopping on a dime" is not possible. Speed is self-explanatory. Always drive at the speed as conditions warrant. Distance is between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you and the vehicle alongside of you.

Let's RV has a list of 20 safe RV driving tip that everyone who gets behind the wheel should be mindful of.

They begin with:

RVs are getting easier to drive all the time. But accidents still happen, even to experienced RVers. You can keep the rubber on the road with these safe RV driving tips for new RV owners to long-time nomads.

Whether you buy an awesome small travel trailer or rent an RV for vacations, you are still behind the wheel of a big, heavy vehicle that can do a lot of damage when things go wrong. Lots of RV driving practice, trip planning and cautious driving habits are the best ways to ensure safe handling of your supersized vehicle. For ultimate safety, consider going to RV driving school, and always follow our most essential safe RV driving tips for road trippers.

To see what their 20 safe RV driving tips are, go here. 

Petrified Forest National Park and Uranium Mining

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

Uranium mining had been a big industry in and around the Four Corners region in the Southwest U.S. since World War II. Other minerals were also mined.

Surprisingly, the areas mined included Petrified Forest National Park in northern Arizona.

Arizona Daily Star has posted an article on uranium and mineral mining in and around the park.

Some snippets:

Petrified Forest National Park, 18 miles southeast of Holbrook, is world-renowned for its petrified wood deposits, but much less known for its mining history and potash deposits.

The area is located on the lower part of the Chinle formation in the Holbrook Basin, which once hosted a tropical climate covered in a dense forest of coniferous trees exceeding 8 feet in diameter and 150 feet tall, 225 million years ago. Over time these fallen trees were covered by river sediment and volcanic ash with high silica concentrate, forming petrified wood.

The area was explored and actively mined for uranium after World War II due to demand from the U.S. military for fissionable materials.

Navajo prospector Charlie Huskon, employed in the service of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), discovered uranium in a sandstone bed near Cameron in 1952. Similar rock formations in the vicinity of Winslow, Holbrook, Joseph City and around the Petrified Forest National Monument showed promising uranium deposits.  

It was the Petrified Forest area comprising eight properties of ore grade material that produced the most uranium for market.

Above, soil layers known as paleosols appears as horizontal colored bands in the Painted Desert. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full article, go here. 

Travel Awaits: Cheap Homes Near National Parks

Above, affordable homes can be found near Petrified Forest National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the red rock mesas across the valley from where I live in New Mexico, it seems like almost living near a national park.

This isn't the case as the red rock mesas are in the Navajo Nation. Parts of the Nation are checkered across Interstate 40 from me.

But living near a national park does sound great, though. The nearest national park to me is Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It is about 105 miles away.

Travel Awaits has posted an article (with prices) on 10 most affordable places to live near national parks. Petrified Forest National Park is one that is mentioned.

The article starts with:

If you love national parks, chances are you’ve thought of buying a house near one. After all, that way you could quickly make your way into the park for the day; and if you’re retired, having a house near a national park means you could visit that park whenever you want.

Of course, there’s just one problem: Paying for that house.

To read more, go here. 

RVing Is Now Trendy and That "Stinks"

Above, The Beast at Petrified Forest National Park in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The old saying goes, "The more, the merrier!"

Well, that doesn't seem to sit very well with some, especially those oldtimer RVers who lament the time when campgrounds weren't crowded and RVing wasn't cool. 

Now RVing is considered "cool" and the safest mode for traveling. 

Chuck Woodbury, publisher of RV Travel, says this new post-pandemic reality "stinks". 

Here's what he had to say and starts with:

In 1981, Barbara Mandrell recorded a song titled “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” For those of you new to RVing, there was a time when RVing wasn’t cool. In fact, 10 years ago it wasn’t cool. It was still “Grandma and Grandpa’s Playhouse” (popular bumper sticker for a few decades). It was for old people. If you were 20, 30 or 40, it was for your parents or grandparents.

The pandemic has changed that. The only safe way to travel now is by RV. For anyone accustomed to hopping a plane to Europe every summer, or booking a cruise in the Caribbean, hitting the road with an RV and exploring the USA sounds a lot better than sitting at home. Europe can wait. Even if you’re 25, RVing is okay. It’s hip! Everybody wants to do it.

But this coolness has come with a huge price – crowding. RV parks are packed. Good luck finding a spot in a National Park campground without reserving it a year ahead. Some National Parks now require a reservation to just drive through the front gate!

To read more, go here.