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