The Painted Desert, Arizona
In Northern Arizona just off Interstate 40 is the Painted Desert adjoining the Petrified Forest National Park. The painted Desert is a stunning location made up of 146 square miles of Arizona Badlands.
My wander around here was confined to the area of 'The Little Painted Desert County Park' beside Highway 89. You cannot believe these incredible painted rocks initially but looking across the horizon they stretch for so many miles that you have to. They look more like a Sci-Fi movie scene than any other place I have seen before or since.
From the parking area high above where a trail-head allows you to descend to the valley floor the absolute wonder of this incredible scene is not initially apparent, though it is clear that the desert here is of a different colour to that just a few miles beyond. But just a short walk along the top of the rise quickly changes any preconceived notions you may have held about the area.
as you descend the trail toward the valley and the angle of view changes you are amazed by the spectacle that surrounds you.
It may be hotter than hell down in the valley in July but it was still well worth the effort, this is an incredibly beautiful area that I would definitely revisit and see more of should the opportunity to do so arise.