Gallup, NM to Holbrook, Arizona

We left Gallup after breakfast and were soon at the Arizona state line. We left Mountain time and entered Pacific time. Much of this short section provided some breathtaking views.

 Once in Arizona the old Rte 66 frontage road also known as Highway 118 runs along at the foot of red-rock cliffs.

We made a detour to drive through the Painted Desert in the Petrified Forest National Park and it was well worth it. The Petrified Forest is so named because of the large deposits of petrified wood found there.

The Painted Desert which consists of layers of clay and sandstone  derives its name from the multitude of colours ranging from blues to shades of grey with vibrant reds, orange and pink. It is a long expanse of badland hills and buttes. It covers an area of 93,500 acres and is part of the Navajo nation. While it is barren and austere at times it offers a beautiful landscape of colours.

                                       

After we left the Painted Desert it wasn't long before we reached Holbrook, our base for the night. We stayed in a teepee in the iconic Wigwam Motel.

Sylvia at door of teepee.