Geology

Crystal Forest Trail

Apache County, AZ

Coordinate verified

Short paved National Park Service loop through one of Petrified Forest National Park’s richest Triassic log fields, named for quartz and other crystals that glitter in broken petrified wood. Rolling gray-and-purple Chinle badlands frame dense concentrations of colorful silicified trunks — a primary geology stop between the south entrance and Blue Mesa on the park road.

Field facts

RegionApache County, AZ
Coordinates34.8638, -109.7920
ManagerNational Park Service (PEFO)
Trail0.75 mi (1.2 km) accessible loop
GeologyLate Triassic Chinle Formation petrified wood
GNISCrystal Forest Area (feature_id 11042)

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