The Tepees
These cone-shaped hills lie along the park's main road, in the southern unit of Petrified Forest.
Guide Sections
Use The Tepees's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.
The Tepees Details
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
N/A
These cone-shaped hills lie along the park's main road, in the southern unit of Petrified Forest. Named for their resemblance to teepees, these hills are part of the approximately 220-million-year-old Blue Mesa Member; they comprise thick deposits of gray, blue, purple, and green mudstones and minor sandstone beds, and are characterized by stripes of sediment that look purple and blue. The Blue Mesa member is the second-oldest part of the Chinle Formation, which serves as the geological basis for much of the Painted Desert. The Rainbow Forest Museum highlights this area in an exhibit. There are several pull offs located along the park road for viewing the Tepees area. Parking is available for the Blue Forest Trail Off The Beaten Path Hike.