Painted Desert
Painted Desert: a vast, colorful badlands landscape in northern Arizona, known for its layered sedimentary rocks and close proximity to Grand Canyon.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | western United States |
| Subregion | southwestern United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Coconino County |
| District | desert basin and plateau region |
| City | Leupp |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 36.8884 |
| Longitude | -110.0932 |
| Maps |
12:55 PM LOCAL TIMEPainted Desert is a striking region of multicolored badlands and eroded sandstone formations in northern Arizona. Sitting just east of Grand Canyon near U.S. Highway 89 and Route 66, it offers broad vistas of striped cliffs and desert plains. The landscape is carved from layered sedimentary rocks that display a palette of reds, pinks, purples, and browns — a result of mineral-rich deposits over millions of years. Visitors come to photograph sunrise against the vibrant strata, explore short rim trails, or visit the adjacent Visitor Center for interpretive exhibits and pueblo petroglyphs. The region’s climate is arid, with hot summers and cool winters, and facilities are minimal—plan for in-vehicle stops and outdoor gear for variable conditions.
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