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Petrified Forest NP, Arizona
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The trail is home to the 'Old Faithful' log, which measures nearly 10 feet in diameter and is one of the largest petrified logs in the Petrified Forest National Park.
The logs along the Giant Logs Trail are estimated to be over 200 million years old, dating back to the Late Triassic period.
The vibrant hues of the petrified wood come from minerals like iron, manganese, and carbon that replaced the original organic material over millions of years.
The petrification process began when trees fell and were buried by sediment, which protected them from decay and allowed minerals to seep in and replace the organic material.
The trail is located within the Petrified Forest National Park, which spans over 146 square miles and includes both the Painted Desert and the Rainbow Forest.
The trees that became the petrified logs were originally part of a lush, tropical forest that existed in the region during the Late Triassic period.
The trail is a short, paved loop that is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for visitors of all abilities to explore the petrified logs.
