Past Preserved: Photos of the Petrified Forest

Newspaper Rock

Within the boundary of the national park is found evidence that early man lived in and among the ancient forest of stone. Here, on a sandstone boulder known as "Newspaper Rock," early Native Americans left many petroglyphs carved into the large stones.

Impressive Sight

The variety in size and colors of petrified wood found in the Petrified Forest National Park is impressive for all who take the time to travel through this most unusual geological landscape. The ancient forest of tropical trees that now lie as stone upon the high desert ground is proof of the ever-changing forces that continue to shape the earth.

Imagine the Treasure Trove

One can only imagine the treasure trove of Triassic fossils that are still buried deep within the sedimentary rocks of the Chinle Formation of the Petrified Forest National Park. There is little doubt that an even greater forest of petrified wood will be exposed on the surface of the barren land some time in the far distant future. [Top 10 Least Visited National Parks]