Crystal Forest
In the southern unit of the park, about 5 miles from the south entrance, is the Crystal Forest.
Plan Around Crystal Forest
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Crystal Forest Details
In the southern unit of the park, about 5 miles from the south entrance, is the Crystal Forest. Named for the crystals that can be found in the petrified wood deposits littering the region, the formations are the result of periodic flooding and erosion that took place 218 million years ago. Sediment and ash were carried downstream, settling on fallen trees. Over time, groundwater dissolved silica from the volcanic ash into the porous bodies of the fallen trees, creating the petrified logs on display today. The area is accessible via a short hike, starting at the Crystal Forest parking lot.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
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Region
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Nearby Parks Around Crystal Forest
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Crystal Forest
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0.0 mi away
Crystal Forest Trail
This .75-mile loop trail begins in the Crystal Forest parking area.
0.1 mi away
The Battleship
Just to the west of the Crystal Forest Trail is the Battleship.
1.0 mi away
Dry Wash
Dry Wash connects to the Puerco River west of the ghost town of Adamana and runs south towards Agate Bridge and Jasper Forest.
1.9 mi away
Martha's Butte Hike
This one-mile hike takes hikers to a petroglyph site at the base of Martha's Butte.
1.9 mi away
Jasper Forest Hike
The Jasper Forest Hike offers an easy 2.5-mile round trip hike along a 1930's road into Jasper Forest, a well-preserved garden of petrified wood.
