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Date: October 16, 2009
Contact: Hallie Larsen, 928-524-6228 x274

Petrified Forest—The nights are getting longer and autumn is here! Celebrate the season by taking a lantern tour of the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark at Petrified Forest National Park. Learn what the “ghosts of the past” might have to say about the park’s rich heritage and discover the beauty of this historic building.

“This is a very special program, only available at this time of year,” stated Park Superintendent, Cliff Spencer. The tour will take place after the park is closed, a time when most visitors are already gone. As visitors are normally not allowed to tarry after the park closes, you must remain with the ranger during the tour. Afterwards, we will all leave the park together through the north exit onto Interstate 40.

On Friday October 30, 2009, take advantage of this opportunity to watch the sunset (5:26 pm) over the Painted Desert from one of the best overlooks in the park. After dark, the ranger will begin the tour at the Painted Desert Inn at Kachina Point, 2 miles from the north entrance of Petrified Forest National Park, at 5:45 pm MST. As the park closes at 5 pm, please stay at Kachina Point with the ranger after that time.

For information call (928) 524-6228, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time; or write to the Superintendent, Petrified Forest National Park, P.O. Box 2217, Petrified Forest, AZ 86028; or e-mail the park Superintendent.