New Mexico to Flagstaff through the Petrified Forest: A Roadside Nature of Arizona Travel Guide for Interstate 40

Interstate 40 from the New Mexico state line to Flagstaff, Arizona crosses the southeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau, which is dominated by the West Virginia-sized (27,000 square miles) Little Colorado River Basin. Despite draining such a huge area, the Little Colorado River (LCR) runs at a trickle, except during brief periods, usually in spring or summer, when it is a raging, muddy torrent. When the LCR is not “blown out,” (flooded) the riparian forests offer good bird-watching, and some of the clear-running tributaries near Winslow, including Chevlon Creek and East Clear Creek, are prime wildlife watching corridors.

Lush riparian forests are the exception along this drive. Most of the habitat you will observe is considered Colorado Plateau semi-arid grassland, which supports fairly diverse wildlife species. Pronghorn antelope can sometimes be seen from the Interstate, as can coyotes, ravens, and raptors. Side trips afford opportunities to see lizards, mule deer, elk, prairie dogs, and a variety of other wildlife species—even American bison.
Geology enthusiasts will love this trip, especially with a few short side-trips. The towering sandstone cliffs of the Navajo Reservation, Meteor Crater, and the badlands of the Painted Desert are easily accessible from I-40.

The crown jewel of I-40’s geological extravaganza, with some good wildlife watching to boot, is Petrified Forest National Park near the halfway point between New Mexico and Flagstaff. This National Park is one of the country’s oldest and most fascinating, and well worth a visit. Also, if you have time, the Painted Desert Drive side trip to Holbrook makes for an unforgettable, surreal experience.