Petrified
Forest National Park marked a memorable milestone for Chris, Kellisa, and
Egypt. During their cross-country move from Jacksonville, Florida, to
Roseville, California in January 2016, Arizona became the 40th state
that the three explored together. The stop was part of a whirlwind journey
west, proving that even while relocating across the country, there is always
time to add another adventure to Kellisa's growing list of accessible hikes.
The
photos capture a landscape unlike almost anywhere else in America. They show
Kellisa smiling beside enormous, fossilized tree trunks that have been
transformed into colorful stone over more than 200 million years. Other images
highlight sweeping views across the Painted Desert, where layers of red,
purple, gray, and orange stretch to the horizon. We also photographed the
surreal Blue Mesa badlands, whose soft blue and lavender hills resemble another
planet, along with overlooks where the wheelchair could be positioned safely to
enjoy the scenery. Together, the pictures emphasize that the park is about much
more than petrified logs—it is a place of vast open vistas, remarkable geology,
and shared family memories.
Petrified Forest National Park
Arizona
January 2016
Kellisa and Laurel states hiked together: 40/50
For
travelers with mobility challenges, Petrified Forest is one of the more
accessible national parks in the Southwest. Because the park is connected by a
28-mile scenic road with frequent overlooks, visitors can experience many of
its best views without long hikes. The Painted Desert Visitor Center and
Rainbow Forest Museum offer accessible parking, restrooms, exhibits, and
captioned films. Several overlooks provide outstanding panoramic views directly
from paved paths.
Several
trails are particularly welcoming for wheelchair users:- Puerco Pueblo Trail is a short, paved loop leading
to ancient Puebloan ruins and petroglyphs and is suitable for many manual
and power wheelchairs.
- Tawa Trail features a firm, groomed surface
that meets accessibility standards for outdoor developed areas.
- Crystal Forest Trail is mostly paved and allows
visitors to get remarkably close to brilliantly colored petrified logs,
though some grades may require assistance.
- Blue Mesa Trail, while one of the park's most
spectacular walks, includes a steep descent near the beginning and is
generally not accessible for most mobility devices without significant
assistance.
For
Chris, Kellisa, and Egypt, Petrified Forest represented more than another state
on a checklist. It was the 40th chapter in a journey proving that meaningful
outdoor adventures are possible for families traveling with a wheelchair. The
photographs reflect not only the colorful stone logs and painted landscapes,
but also the joy of continuing a tradition that would eventually take them to
all 50 states together.
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