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Whipple Point: A Painted Desert Panorama

Experience breathtaking vistas of the Painted Desert from Whipple Point in Petrified Forest National Park, a landmark steeped in history and natural beauty.

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Whipple Point offers stunning panoramic views of the Painted Desert within Petrified Forest National Park. Named after Lt. Amiel Whipple, it's a window into a landscape shaped by time and geology, showcasing vibrant colors and ancient history.

A brief summary to Whipple Point

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting to capture the vibrant colors of the Painted Desert.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as shade is limited.
  • Check the visitor center for ranger-led programs to enhance your understanding of the park.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From the Petrified Forest National Park's Painted Desert Visitor Center (near the north entrance), drive south on Petrified Forest Road/Route 180 for approximately 4 miles. Whipple Point will be on your right, with a designated parking area. The park entrance fee is $25 per vehicle, valid for seven days; debit or credit cards are the only accepted payment methods.

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Discover more about Whipple Point

Whipple Point, within Petrified Forest National Park, is a scenic overlook that presents visitors with sweeping vistas of the Painted Desert. The point is named for Lt. Amiel Whipple, who in 1853, led an expedition surveying a potential transcontinental railroad route to the Pacific Ocean. Whipple's team was the first to document the area's abundant petrified wood, naming the seasonal river Lithodendron Wash, meaning 'stone tree'. From Whipple Point, the eye is drawn to the colorful badland topography, especially vibrant during sunrise and sunset. The views extend towards Pintado Point and Pilot Rock, formations capped with basalt from the Bidahochi Formation, which sits above the red Chinle Formation of the Painted Desert. This location has been a natural travel corridor for over 13,000 years, used by Ice Age hunters, Native Americans, and modern travelers on Route 66 and I-40. Visitors can appreciate the geological history and the sheer scale of the landscape. The area's vivid hues and unique rock formations provide ample opportunities for photography and quiet contemplation.

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