We packed up camp and Headed for Petrified Forest National Park. We spent most of the day working our way down the road through the Park. There are lots of overlooks and short trails along the way.
The south end of the park has more of the petrified wood, but it can be found all through the park. Mid park there are pueblo ruins and Newspaper rock petroglyphs. The north end of the park gets into the painted desert and some Route 66 memorabilia.
At the north end of the park the Painted Desert Inn offers a nice overlook of the desert and exhibits. We had a nice discussion with the Ranger about how she thought the Park was missing out on revenue by not using the restored luncheon counter and Hotel rooms to offer a retro experience to travelers. All of the furniture is reproduction and set up like a museum; do not sit,food sign has historic prices, and do not cross this line. There is currently no camping (backcountry permits are available) or lodging in the park.
The road leads north out of the park and right onto interstate 40.
Before long we were back in New Mexico having pizza at a local pizza joint (Fratelli’s)in Gallup, NM.
We made it to the Colorado State Line by 8:30 and stopped for the night in Cortez, just outside of Mesa Verde NP.
