| Ever since I first set eyes on the Painted Desert | | | | Just 35 miles east of Flagstaff is Meteor Crater, a |
| in northern central Arizona I was immediately | | | | visually stunning impact crater that was caused by |
| captivated by it's unique rugged beauty. Covering | | | | a meteorite penetrating the earth's atmosphere |
| 7,500 square miles starting from the Grand | | | | and slamming into the Arizona rock some 50,000 |
| Canyon and spreading itself 150 miles in a south | | | | years ago. Used by Nasa to train the Apollo |
| easterly direction, it's width varying between 15 | | | | astronauts for the moon landings, this will get |
| and 50 miles. Many mesas and buttes contour this | | | | your camera clicking. |
| sparse and arid land, with the multi layered Chinle | | | | A short 12 mile drive north of Flagstaff will give |
| formation displaying many different colours, | | | | you access to a loop road to Sunset Crater, this |
| sunrise and sunset have to be seen to be | | | | 1000 feet high volcano last erupted nearly 800 |
| believed. These wonderful badlands are home to | | | | years ago and gets it's name from the bright red |
| special places and fascinating people that will make | | | | cinder cone at it's summit. By paying one entrance |
| your visit here a memorable one. | | | | fee you also gain access to Wupatki National |
| Petrified Forest National Park is situated at the | | | | Monument, where well preserved ancient multi |
| very southern reaches, and features a 27 mile | | | | storey pueblos can be viewed at leisure. |
| drive that can be taken at your leisure with many | | | | The vast majority of the Painted Desert is the |
| vantage points where petrified conifer trees from | | | | homeland of the Navajo Indians, whose tribal |
| the Triassic period can be inspected up close. | | | | capital is Window Rock just south of Canyon de |
| Some of the stop offs have paved trails that you | | | | Chelly. A very informative museum in the capital |
| can stroll at your own pace, while others like the | | | | will enlighten you of the Navajo past and lodgings |
| Blue Mesa and Jasper Forest can only be seen | | | | are also available here. The Navajo farm and |
| from the viewpoints due to the delicate nature of | | | | work the canyon floor, and if you do decide to |
| the soil. | | | | take the tour, you can witness first hand the |
| A house made entirely from petrified wood and | | | | making of a Navajo rug and the interior of a |
| some world famous petroglyphs are just two of | | | | hogan. Some of the most picturesque parts of |
| the many interesting, and educational features of | | | | these Arizona badlands are on Navajo soil. |
| this beautiful park. | | | | Living atop 3 spectacular mesas, the Hopi Indian |
| Drive the north and south rims of Canyon de | | | | reservation is completely encircled by Navajo land. |
| Chelly by car, stopping off and walking down a | | | | The Hopi are well known for their wicker |
| trail to the white house ruins, this is free but can | | | | basketry and pottery, but it is their very skilful |
| be tiring depending on your level of fitness. Here | | | | work with sterling silver jewelry that makes them |
| you will be greeted by the sight of a fabulous cliff | | | | world famous. To be amongst the Hopi is indeed |
| dwelling built by the Anasazi and set into the | | | | an experience, be sure to learn about the kachina |
| sandstone sheer canyon wall. Access to the floor | | | | dolls while you are there. |
| of the canyon is only permitted if you take a tour | | | | Well there you have it, six very good reasons to |
| with a Navajo guide, this you will have to | | | | visit the Painted Desert, or El Desierto Pintado as |
| purchase but I guarantee the views will be | | | | the spanish named it. |
| breathtaking. | | | | |