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Petrified Forest National Park is located in the greater Painted Desert—they are not two separate parks. While the Painted Desert encompasses about 1500 square miles, the park is over 200,000 acres—and not desert! Actually the main environment is short-grass prairie or intermountain-basin, semi-arid grassland. It is dry here, but there is snow in the winter and rain during the monsoon. Explore the varied species that make their home in this demanding environment.
![]() Petrified Forest Nat'l Wilderness AreaPetrified Forest National Wilderness Area was designated in 1970 ![]() AnimalsPronghorn, Pai whiptails, and pygmy-blues, oh my! ![]() PlantsFrom mosses to trees, hundreds of species of plants live in the park. ![]() Environmental FactorsRain, snow, wind, waves, and sun shape the park’s life and landscapes. ![]() Natural Features & EcosystemsExplore the park’s ecology and geology. ![]() ResearchScientific research is ongoing at the park. ![]() |
Last updated: October 12, 2019