Increase in Visitation for November 2006

Date: December 12, 2006
Contact: Janet Fernandes, [phone] ext.238

Increase in Visitation at Petrified Forest National Park for November 2006

Petrified Forest, AZ – Park Superintendent Lee Baiza announced that visitation increased by 7% this November from last year with 30,585  visits compared to last year’s 28,666. The year-to-date total is 561,363 which is down by 2% from last year.

The famous mountain lion petroglyph is again on display inside the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark. This ancient carving on sandstone is of a mountain lion with huge claws, a big mouth, and staring eyes. It was found near Blue Mesa in 1934 and has always been a favorite of visitors. The Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more information call [phone] weekdays, 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.