Nizhoni Point in Petrified Forest National Park

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.

Plan Around Nizhoni Point

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Nizhoni Point Details

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."

Difficulty

Low

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Estimated time

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Nearby Parks Around Nizhoni Point

Compare nearby parks around Nizhoni Point when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

0.8 mi away

Petrified Forest

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Saguaro

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221.4 mi away

Bryce Canyon

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231.1 mi away

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Nizhoni Point

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Nizhoni Point while the map context is still fresh.

0.2 mi away

Whipple Point

Whipple Point was named for U.S. Army Lt. Amiel Whipple, who passed this way in 1853 on a surveying mission.

0.6 mi away

Lacey 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.

0.7 mi away

Painted Desert Visitor Center

Just off Interstate 40 is the Painted Desert Visitor Center, in the north unit of the park.

0.7 mi away

North Entrance Station

The North Entrance Station for Petrified Forest National Park is just north of Interstate 40 near the park's main visitor center.

0.8 mi away

Petrified Forest National Park

The Late Triassic period may have occurred 225 million years ago, but it comes to life again at Petrified Forest National Park.