Petrified Forest National Park

When we departed Gallup, NM we knew we wanted to make a stop at the Petrified Forest National Park about 60 miles west.  Because of time constraints, we missed this park on our 2008 trip.  We had heard and seen pictures from this park but didn't expect to be quite so overwhelmed.  The visitor's center is the place to pick up a map and of course, for us to purchase a book.  The admission fee to this park is $25.00 for cars but since we have the America the Beautiful Pass, the admission fee is covered.  A side note, we purchased the pass in 2015 in St. Augustine, Florida for $10.00.  The passes are $80.00 now.  

Petrified Wood

It is really so difficult to find words to describe the beauty here.  Photographs just can't capture the depth  the eye sees.  As we drove the 28 miles through the park we were continually gasping as we rounded curves.   The different colors are just beautiful and we love that we have done our apartment is some of these gorgeous hues.

Painted Desert Inn

We really enjoyed seeing the Painted Desert Inn which was built in 1920.  It served traveler on Route 66 which cut directly through the park. 

A 1932 Studebaker sits where Route 66 once cut through the park

 The park service has done an excellent job with the stops and almost every point of interest has room for "oversized vehicles".  We took our time, read information signs, and took lots of photographs.  It was about 2 1/2 hours to experience the entire park.  Even Josie was interested!

After leaving the National Park, we continued on I-40 and through Flagstaff to our next Boondocker's Welcome site, The Highest Point on Route 66.  This site is picturesque, level, a pretty gazebo and has electric hook-up!  The old Route 66 comes directly through their property and was used between 1921-1929.  They have amazing relics from all over their ten acres.   We have 2 nights here and will explore Flagstaff today.