The Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area was designated with a bunch of others, the first ones in the National Park System, in 1970. With about 50,000 acres of wild lands, you can imagine it is a wonderful place to explore and discover both natural and cultural resources of the park. You can day hike and backpack overnight in the wilderness area. The latter needs a free permit that you can get at the visitor centers on the day you need them. Credit NPS/Jacob Holgerson. (hl) #PetrifiedForest #petrifiedforestnationalpark #scenic #scenery #wilderness #NPSWilderness #NationalWildernessMonth