Layers of Time at Puerco Pueblo

Weathered layers of sandstone create a striking natural pattern at Puerco Pueblo in Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. Seen from close to the rock surface, thin bands, fractures, and rippling textures reveal the effects of erosion and immense spans of geologic time. Desert vegetation rises above the stone beneath a brilliant blue Southwestern sky, contrasting fragile life with the ancient landscape below. #EngelPhotography #PuercoPueblo #PetrifiedForestNationalPark #Arizona #PaintedDesert #Sandstone #RockFormation #Geology #Erosion #RockTexture #DesertLandscape #Southwest #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography

Photographer James Engel

Date & Time Sunday, March 29th, 2026 at 9:34 AM America/Phoenix

Focal Length 24mm

Shutter Speed 1/160 sec

Aperture ƒ/11

ISO 64

Location North America, The United States of America, Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park, Puerco Pueblo, Puerco Pueblo Archaeology Exhibit

Keywords Desert Landscape, Landscapes & Nature, National Park, Painted Desert, Rock

Camera Nikon D850

Lens NIKON 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens

Approximate Map Location

Latitude: 34.975105
Longitude: -109.793892
Altitude: 1,604.0 meters / 5,262.5 feet