
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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Nearby Parks Around Nizhoni Point
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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.