Painted Desert, Arizona (May 2024)

The Painted Desert is a picturesque arid region located in northern Arizona, USA, stretching from the Grand Canyon National Park and intersecting the Petrified Forest National Park. Renowned for its vibrant and varied hues, the landscape of the Painted Desert showcases an array of red, orange, pink, and purple tones, primarily caused by the oxidation of iron and manganese compounds found in the stratified layers of sedimentary rocks. These colorful vistas are the result of millions of years of geological processes, including volcanic activity and erosion.
The desert spans an area of approximately 19'400 km² and includes a variety of landforms such as mesas, buttes, and badlands. This region has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, notably the Navajo and Hopi tribes, who have left behind a rich tapestry of archaeological sites, petroglyphs, and cultural artifacts.