Our travel from Phoenix to Petrified Forest NP took us though the TontoNational Forest and across the White Mountains.  Flat, mesquite strewn desert gave way to 7000-8000 foot mountains the dark green color of towering Ponderosa Pines.  Lakes were strewn among them.  It is a marvelous surprise for all the senses.  The best thing, I saw an elk.  I didn’t know they lived in modern day Arizona.