Nizhoni Point
Visitors who enter Petrified Forest National Park at the north entrance can head north past a number of scenic overlooks, each providing a view of the Painted Desert.
Guide Sections
Use Nizhoni Point's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.
Nizhoni Point Details
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
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Region
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Visitors who enter Petrified Forest National Park at the north entrance can head north past a number of scenic overlooks, each providing a view of the Painted Desert. Heading north and traveling counterclockwise from the visitor center, drivers will come upon Tiponi, No Name, Tawa, Kachina, Chinde, Pintado, Nizhoni, Whipple and Lacey Points, each offering panoramic views and a spot to pull over. Nizhoni Point is noted for views of the 200-million-year gap in the geological record: a section of missing rock between the Chinle and Bidahochi formations in the cliffs you see here. Mystery aside, you'll agree with the Navajo about the panorama: the word "nizhoni" means "beautiful."
