21 Underrated National Parks for Avoiding Summer Crowds
16. Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona): Heat-Thinned Crowds, Ancient Wonders
Located right off I-40, Petrified Forest is easily accessible but its intense Arizona summer heat naturally keeps peak crowds lower than cooler parks. Plan activities for early morning or late afternoon to explore its unique wonders comfortably: walk trails amidst glittering, rainbow-hued petrified logs dating back over 200 million years, marvel at the pastel badlands of the Painted Desert from scenic overlooks like Blue Mesa, and discover ancient petroglyphs. It’s a quick but fascinating immersion into deep time, manageable even in summer with smart planning.
