Painted Desert is a desert badlands region in Arizona that is renowned for its austere beauty, as well as its grandiose size. This region extends eastward from Grand Canyon National Park all the way over to Petrified Forest National Park, and much of it is found within the Navajo Nation. The majority of the Painted Desert visitors choose to explore the region that is found within the Petrified Forest National Park, as this region is the easiest to approach. A number of visitor centers can be found in the Painted Desert National Park region, and there are plenty of accommodations in area towns such as Holbrook and Winslow.

Regardless of where you choose to base yourself in the area or where you access the Painted Desert, you should prepare to be amazed by the beauty of the landscape. A range of colors, including pink, lavender, red, orange, and gray characterize the terrain, as do a collection of hills and buttes, creating a most dazzling natural display. It's a verifiable wonderland with a barren appeal that is hard to put a finger on. In many ways, as is true of so many other Arizona attractions, the Painted Desert is as much a state of mind as it is a destination. Absent are the noises of everyday life, such as traffic, and manmade structures are found in pleasantly short supply, making the Painted Desert region an ideal place to escape to when you need a break from the norm.

Mudstones, shales, and siltstones are present in good number in Painted Desert National Park, and they are often layered in a stratified form that is truly magnificent. Multi-colored hills are common, and viewing them against the backdrop of the blue sky is something to behold. Forgetting to bring your camera along on a visit to the Painted Desert in Arizona is not a good thing, as you'll likely feel the urge to snap photo after photo. It's hard to take a bad picture in Painted Desert National Park, and colorful hills aren't the only things worth snapping photos of. The petrified wood in the region is just as fascinating, especially in the Petrified Forest National Park Region. Hiking through the region is the best way to take in the splendor, and guided hikes are relatively easy to arrange in the national park region.

Arizona Map

It took millions of years for the Painted Desert in Arizona to take shape, and contributing factors in terms of the area's design include the wind and water. The landscape is ever changing, thanks in part to the conditions and soil erosion, but one thing remains constant, and that's the stark beauty of it all. Painted Desert Arizona lodging is fairly easy to come by if you want to include this amazing region on your travel itinerary, and since it is affordable on the whole, you might look to base yourself in the area. In addition to adding the Painted Desert to the agenda, those who find lodging in northeast Arizona can also consider visiting some of the other top regional attractions, including Meteor Crater, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Four Corners, to name a few.

Many travelers who are in need of Painted Desert Arizona lodging choose to look in the towns of Holbrook and Winslow, as they are closest to the national park area. It is also possible to find a vacation rental in the region or stay at one of the area campgrounds. Backcountry camping within the national park boundaries is always an option for those who are interested in Painted Desert Arizona lodging of a more natural kind. You will need a backcountry permit to camp at Painted Desert National Park, and these permits can be picked up at any one of the park's visitor centers.