Nearly 15,000 Additional Acres Of Petrified Forest National Park Now Open

LAS VEGAS - April 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Petrified Forest National Park, Az. – Bindlestiff Tours, one of the nation’s leaders in Southwest Adventure Tours for small groups, today announces consideration of expanded tour areas of the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.  Bindlestiff Tours has been providing tours of the Petrified Forest National Park for private groups for several years, and today announces potential group exploration of an additional 14,650 acres of land that was previously private, and therefore not accessible to tour groups.  The area includes remote and rugged country including an outcrop known as Devil’s Playground.  Through a transfer of ownership to the park from private individuals (9850 acres) as well as a transfer from the Bureau Of Land Management (4800 acres) since the Petrified Forest Expansion Act of 2004, which authorized the expansion of the 93,533 acre park by 125,000 additional acres.

Park expansion was first proposed in the 1993 General Management Plan, when the additions of adjacent lands rich in both paleontological and archeological resources was approved.  The last park expansion happened in 1962 when the Painted Desert portion was added.

The new land addition to be opened includes Billings Gap, a route between mesas that boasts 220 million year old clam beds.  Although there are currently no established trails in the area, terrain information and maps are available at the park’s website and visitor center.  Additional areas known as the Devil’s Playground are available by free permit only, and will reduce access hiking by 2/3 from the current distances.

The National Parks Service has made this land acquisition with help from The Conservation Fund, as well as the National Parks Conservation Association.

Bindlestiff Tours will be considering the areas most conducive to touring and exploration for private group tours currently offered.

About Bindlestiff Tours
Bindlestiff Tours are experts in leading small group adventure travel. Founded by highly experienced Southwest USA Tour Leaders in 2010, our team brings to you over 15 years of experience leading USA Southwest tours,  and our staff, having lived and worked all over the world, share your passion for adventure through travel.

Phone: 1-800-557-6989 http://www.bindlestifftours.com