Lone Star Travelers Blog

Four miles into the park we come to Nizhoni Point.  In Navajo Nizhoni means pretty or beautiful.  Here you will find the site of a 200 million year unconformity.  This is a gap in the geologic record.  The Bidahochi formation that caps the cliffs was deposited between 4 and 8 million years ago.  The Bidahochi consists of brown mudstone and black basalt that flowed from a volcano that erupted here.  The pink mudstone below belongs to the Chinle formation that was deposited some 225 million years ago.  The question is where did 200 million years of geologic history between the Chinle and Bidahochi formations go?

Pintado in Spanish means painted.  2.9 miles into the park and at 6,000 feet you are standing at the highest point in Petrified Forest National Park.  This is said to be some of the cleanest air in the United States.  You usually have a 120 mile view and can see the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff Arizona.  In the foreground stands Pilot Rock just 7 miles away.  Note:  If you have an RV or larger trailer avoid this turn out due to the tight space in the parking lot.

In Navajo Chinde means unwelcome ghost or evil spirit.  Think of the pre-dinosaur era when giant reptiles and amphibians ruled.  Chinde Point is notable for an important archeological find.  In 1984 he fossil bones of a very early, small (4 ft tall) dinosaur were discovered.  Named chindesaurus bryansmali, this is the  only known specimen of this type of dinosaur.  Chinde Point is the 5th overlook you may stop at and 2.3 miles into the park.  When you are touring Petrified Forest National Park make note that picnic facilities and restrooms are located here.     

There are no campgrounds in Petrified Forest National Park.  If you want to camp in the back country wilderness you must obtain a free permit (for up to 14 days) at Painted Desert Visitor Center, Painted Desert Inn or Rainbow Forest Museum at least one hour before the park closes.  At the north side of the park the entrance to the 43,000 acres of wilderness area is at Kachina Point adjacent to the Painted Desert Inn.  300 ft of steep switch back trail will take you to the desert floor.  You may set up camp once you have crossed the Lithodendrom Wash approximately one mile in a westerly direction.   On the south side of the park the wilderness area is located at mile marker 24 known as The Flats.  Head west into the 7,000 acres for at least one mile before you set up camp.  You must pack in everything you need and pack it all out.  There is no water in the wilderness areas.  Carry all the water you will need.  Recommended is one gallon per person per day.