Petrified wood, which is simply wood that aged to stone, "occurs when the tree becomes buried and decomposition does not initially occur due to a lack of oxygen," this source writes. "Minerals such as silica in water deposit in the tree and stone (usually quartz) is formed," and the tree's individual rings can often be observed, the author continues. Though there are other natural occurrences of petrified forests throughout the world, this particular one is thought to be the third-largest in the United States.

The trailhead is located about 20 minutes from Mendora, in the northwest corner of the park's Southern Unit. It can host up to 20 cars, though it is only suitable for smaller passenger vehicles. Neither restrooms nor water are available, though a small kiosk is there to greet you with some additional information about the trail. If hiking the entire 10-mile circuit seems a little too ambitious, an out-and-back into North Petrified Forest is an excellent option that will leave you with plenty of time for other plans.

NPS Dakota Reflections