Finally stopped by this roadside attraction

Coppertone and I had passed by the Petrified Forest a couple of times in the past and always remarked we should visit someday.  Recently, we say that the park was up for sale.  Though the family that owns it appears to be looking for the "right" buyers, we have some concerns about how things might turn out.  If nothing else, we had better get our visit in while we can!

We start off our hike near the combined ticket booth and gift shop.  A very handy interpretive guide and trail map recommends a clockwise direction so we head left.

The trail surface will vary from packed dirt, gravel, pavement and "natural concrete".  The natural concrete is actually exposed volcanic ash that has solidified.  In general, the trail is easy to traverse with only a later paved segment providing a steep, but short, descent.

The guide's 21 markers provide insight into both petrified trees but also some currently living trees.  The main draw for the park are the petrified samples and there are plenty here.  Many of the trees felled here were ancestors of our modern day Redwoods so some of the long trunks are impressively large.

The Main Trail consists of a half mile loop.  All but one of the stations from the guide are situated along it.  The optional Meadow Trail adds another half mile (out and back) to the outing.  The end of the Meadow Trail provides nice views of the petrified forest's culprit, nearby Mount St. Helena.

We overheard a couple discussing when the volcano last erupted.  The husband indicated it last erupted in 1980.  Obviously, he was confusing Mount St. Helena with Mount St. Helens in Washington.  Imagine a catastrophic eruption in Napa Valley just a few decades ago!

After our enjoyable hike we stopped by the souvenir shop to buy a few things to remind us of our visit.  We really hope that we won't look back on these items in the future with nostalgia about a long gone attraction.