Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Tourism in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park has never been so popular. Ancient petrified trees, unique rock formations and ancient history combine to make it a must see stop for locals and visitors alike. In fact, it is home to a species of tree that is now extinct, as well as ancient native cave drawings and volcanic remains.

The Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, is found not far from Navajo and Holbrook. It is home to the planet's biggest concentration of petrified trees, as well as the incredible Painted Desert. It has been attracting visitors for centuries, who go to the park not only for its scenery, but the amazing history of the local Native American tribes that once called it home.

The park comprises of 2 big regions that are linked by a northward to southward route. To the north, great rocky formations form the Painted Desert. To the south the bright colors of the ancient and extinct petrified forest adorn the terrain. However, the park's most famous attraction is by far the south's ancient aboriginal petroglyphs, and the famous 30's Agate House, an aboriginal building made from the ancient wood.

The history of the forest is fascinating because it starts millions of years ago with trees that endured tropical conditions and floods. As volcanic activity increased in the region, the forest was suddenly buried in layers of volcanic ash and water from erupting volcanoes and flash floods. In fact, it was the ash content that helped to preserve the trees, and coloring them due to their heavy manganese and iron contents, which oxidized over time. Interestingly enough, some of these trees are not in their original spots, having been carried to their current location in the raging waters. In fact, one just has to recall the rushing waters that filled with ash and trees during the Mt. St. Helen's eruption back in the 1980's to understand the incredible process.

Sadly, one of the biggest problems with the forest is the continued theft of the wood. Despite heavy fines and constant monitoring, wood poachers still drag away these priceless logs. If only these people were aware that along with the wood, fossilized leaves, salamanders, clams, snails and ancient crocodiles may well be contained within their bounty. These fossils are the area's testament to some of the earliest dinosaurs in North America.