Get ready for some laughs on this leg of our adventure as Leesa and I (and my trusty wheelchair, walker, and Firefly of course!) hit the road from our last stay in Sedona. Our chariot for this escapade was aimed squarely at Gallup, New Mexico, a good 220 miles away. Our first mission? Fueling up! We snagged some sweet, sweet gas at a 76 station for a mere $2.89 a gallon. Score!
Exploring the Fiery Past at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
You know, sometimes the best adventures are the unplanned ones! Since we were cruising through Flagstaff, we spontaneously decided to make a detour to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Now, living practically in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, you’d think a volcanic crater wouldn’t exactly blow our socks off. And honestly, the visitor center didn’t exactly set our world on fire (pun intended!). But we pressed on, and boy, are we glad we did!
What we found was a massive, truly gargantuan crater surrounded by impressive lava flows, stunning scenery, and majestic mountains. It turns out, this isn’t just any old crater; it’s a testament to the raw power of nature. Sunset Crater erupted around A.D. 1085, which, geologically speaking, makes it practically a newborn! The crater earned its name from the brilliant, reddish-orange summit. This is due to oxidized iron minerals that make it glow like a sunset. Or a sunrise, if you’re an early bird.
While you can’t conquer the summit of Sunset Crater (they’re trying to protect its delicate slopes, which I totally get – less chance of me rolling down it accidentally!), there’s a fantastic Lava Flow Trail. This paved, accessible path winds through an otherworldly landscape of jagged a’a (pronounced “ah-ah”) and ropy pahoehoe (pronounced “pa-hoy-hoy”) lava. It’s like walking on a giant, solidified ripple in time. Keep an eye out for “squeeze-ups” and “hornitos” – basically, nature’s way of making mini-volcanoes out of cooling lava.
Despite the seemingly barren volcanic rock, life always finds a way! Hardy Ponderosa pines and pioneering plants are slowly reclaiming the landscape, proving that nature is the ultimate comeback kid.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a must-see for geology enthusiasts. It’s also ideal for those interested in natural history. Additionally, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to witness the incredible power of our planet.
It’s just outside of Flagstaff. It pairs perfectly with visits to the nearby Wupatki National Monument. This site has ancient pueblo ruins. It also pairs well with Walnut Canyon National Monument, known for its cliff dwellings. So, if you’re in the area, prepare to be amazed by the raw power and surprising beauty of Sunset Crater!
Standing on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona
You know how some songs just stick with you? As we rolled into Winslow, Arizona, only one tune was playing in my head. “Well, I’m standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see.” It’s Leesa, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford, slowing down to take a look at me!
We had to get the classic photo with the eagle wings mural. This is because when in Winslow, do as the Eagles (the band, not the bird) would do! We took a quick peek into the “Take It Easy” store. It was every bit as fun and cute as it sounds. It was a delightful, whimsical stop on our journey!
We also couldn’t leave town before a stop at Sonic because, you know, that’s our thing!
Petrified Forest National Park: Where Trees Turn to Stone
Next up on our itinerary was Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona. Now, don’t let the name fool you – you won’t find any actual trees doing the photosynthesis thing here. Instead, you’ll discover a vibrant, high-desert wonderland brimming with petrified wood, which is essentially millions of years of natural art.
Petrified Perfection (and a Bit of a Warm-Up Act)
Leesa and I rolled into the Petrified Forest National Park Visitor Center. The minute we spotted the path, I had a good feeling. It looked Firefly-friendly. For those unfamiliar, this means the path appeared smooth. My trusty Firefly (essentially a 5 speed electric wheel) could transform my wheelchair into a zippy three-wheeled scooter. At a balmy 85 degrees, it was practically brisk for Arizona in July. Leesa hooked up the Firefly. Off we went, ready to conquer the path behind the Visitor Center.
We zipped along, getting up-close and personal with some truly ancient, fallen petrified logs. The path was gloriously paved and incredibly accessible – a smooth, sloped loop that made for an effortless exploration. It’s truly mind-boggling to see these once-living trees turned to stone. It’s like Mother Nature decided to play a permanent game of “freeze tag” with a forest. After our exhilarating loop amongst the geological wonders, we finally peeled ourselves away from the outdoor beauty. We checked out the Visitor Center itself. Then, we continued our drive through the rest of the park.
Imagine a tropical forest eons ago. Trees fell and got buried under layers of sediment and volcanic ash. Over vast stretches of time, groundwater, practically dripping with dissolved minerals (especially silica), seeped into the wood. This slow dance of chemistry replaced every single organic cell with colorful quartz. This transformation resulted in the breathtaking rainbow of fossilized logs we see today. The vibrant reds, oranges, blues, and purples? Those are just impurities like iron and manganese showing off their artistic flair. It’s like Mother Nature decided to become a master sculptor and left us with these incredible, stony masterpieces.
Petroglyphs: Ancient Stories Etched in Stone
But wait, there’s more to Petrified Forest National Park than just sparkly logs! This park is also a treasure trove of ancient human history, etched right into the rocks themselves. We’re talking about petroglyphs. These are fascinating images. They were carved by the early inhabitants, mostly ancestors of modern Pueblo people. This happened over hundreds, even thousands, of years. It’s like reading an ancient comic book!
Imagine staring at a sandstone cliff, not just seeing rock, but deciphering a story. That’s what the petroglyphs here allow you to do. You’ll find an incredible array of designs. They range from abstract geometric shapes – like spirals, circles, and zigzags – to recognizable figures. If you look closely, you might even spot human-like forms, some sporting elaborate headdresses or holding tools. Animals are also popular. They depict everything from bighorn sheep and deer to birds and even insects. This reflects the diverse wildlife that once roamed these lands.
One of the easiest and most popular spots to witness this ancient artistry is Newspaper Rock. It is a huge boulder literally covered in a dense collection of carvings. Many of these petroglyphs probably served multiple purposes. They recorded important events and marked territories. They also expressed spiritual beliefs or simply sketched out everyday observations.
Thanks to the park’s dry climate, these delicate carvings have been remarkably preserved. This preservation allows us to connect with people who lived here long before written history. They’re a powerful reminder that Petrified Forest National Park isn’t just a geological wonder. It’s a living museum of human ingenuity and cultural heritage. It whispers silent but profound narratives of those who came before us. So, when you visit, don’t just look down at the colorful wood. Look up at the rocks. Discover the stories etched in stone.
Painted Desert: Nature’s Masterpiece
Beyond the iconic petrified logs, the park’s Painted Desert is an absolute showstopper. It’s a breathtaking panorama of badlands. Hills and mesas are sculpted by erosion. They display an incredible spectrum of natural colors, from soothing lavenders and grays to fiery reds and oranges. It’s like Mother Nature decided to try her hand at abstract painting and completely nailed it. The park also boasts a rich paleontological record, with fossils of ancient plants and animals providing insights into prehistoric life.
Visitors to Petrified Forest National Park can explore numerous scenic overlooks, short hikes, and even longer backcountry trails. The park’s well-maintained roads offer easy access to its diverse landscapes. This makes it relatively simple for me to get around. I could use my wheelchair and Firefly if I had wanted to explore. It’s a place where geology meets paleontology. Natural beauty converges here too. This offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible power of time and the artistry of nature.
As Leesa describes it there are not words or pictures that can truly express the beauty of the painted desert. The different colors of sandstone, the layering and just the vast openness is beautiful. We stopped at several places and viewed the landscape. There was a historic building in it that used to be an Inn. Now it’s a visitor center and it was made of adobe.
Arriving in Gallup, NM
After leaving the park, it was about a hundred miles to Gallup, where our luxurious (or so we hoped!) La Quinta awaited. We booked a 1-bedroom accessible suite, and let me tell you, the room was HUGE! Refrigerator, microwave – the works. I don’t think I’ve ever had a La Quinta room with a separate bedroom before. That was a pleasant surprise.
Now, about the “accessible” part of the toilet… it was a bit underwhelming, to be honest. It had bars on both sides, which sounds great in theory, but their placement seemed a little… off. They weren’t particularly useful to me. This just goes to show that “accessible” can mean different things to different people. Sometimes, “different” just means “not quite right.” Ah, the joys of travel with mobility aids!
For dinner, we ventured across the parking lot to Denny’s. And for the first time in my life, I ordered a senior meal! You know, that moment when you realize you’ve officially crossed into “senior discount” territory. I was a little disappointed the waiter didn’t ask for ID proving my newfound seniority. I jokingly demanded he ask for it. Bless his heart, he played along and chuckled. Then he walked away without actually checking. Guess my “old man” charm worked its magic!
On to Taos, NM tomorrow.
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