Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park are two vastly different national parks that offer unique and spectacular experiences. Imagine standing in awe at the 2,000 natural stone arches in Arches National Park, while in Biscayne National Park, you can go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters and explore the colorful coral reefs, shipwrecks and aquatic life. One park will leave you marveling at the power of erosion, while the other will leave you mesmerized by the beauty of the ocean’s depths. Both parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, but they cater to different types of adventure seekers. Whether you’re looking for a rugged and breathtaking desert landscape or a serene and tropical aquatic paradise, these two parks have got you covered. Take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover the natural wonders these two parks have to offer!
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park
Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park are both popular hiking destinations, but they offer vastly different hiking experiences. Arches National Park is known for its beautiful natural rock formations and has a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a short and easy hike that takes you through a beautiful canyon and offers a great introduction to the park’s geology. The Windows Trail is another easy hike that takes you to some of the park’s most famous arches, including the North Window and the South Window. These hikes are relatively short and are suitable for families with children.
On the other hand, Biscayne National Park is an aquatic park, and the main trail is the Maritime Heritage Trail, which is a 4-mile loop trail that takes you through the park’s mangrove forests, and offers great bird-watching opportunities. For more adventurous hikers, the park also has a number of backcountry trails that are more strenuous, such as the 9-mile Elliott Key Trail, which takes you through the island’s tropical hardwood hammocks and mangrove forests. The park also offers a guided snorkeling and kayaking tours to explore the park’s coral reefs and shipwrecks.
In summary, Arches National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous and are perfect for families with children. Biscayne National Park is an aquatic park, it offers great opportunities for bird-watching and snorkeling, and it has a short loop trail that is suitable for families, but the park’s strenuous backcountry trails are intended for more experienced hikers.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park Walk | 15932.466 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Creek Canal Trail | 2735.878 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Jetty Trail | 1448.406 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Boca Chita Trail | 1287.472 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 3 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park
Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park are both home to a wide variety of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park are quite different.
Arches National Park is located in the desert, and as such, the park’s wildlife is adapted to living in this harsh environment. Some of the animals that are commonly seen in the park include desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn, and coyotes. Birds such as golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures are also commonly seen in the park. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including lizards, snakes, and toads. Plants that are commonly seen in the park include sagebrush, cacti, and yucca.
Biscayne National Park, on the other hand, is located on the coast and is home to a wide variety of aquatic wildlife. Some of the animals that are commonly seen in the park include manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. The park is also home to a wide variety of fish, including snapper, grouper, and tarpon. Birds such as pelicans, herons, and ospreys are commonly seen in the park, and a variety of shorebirds can be seen along the park’s beaches. The park is also home to a wide variety of plants, including mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.
In summary, Arches National Park is home to a wide variety of desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn, and coyotes, as well as a variety of birds, reptiles, and plants that are adapted to living in the desert. Biscayne National Park, on the other hand, is home to a wide variety of aquatic wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, fish, and a variety of birds, as well as a variety of plants that are adapted to living in the coastal environment.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Canada Goose | American Robin |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Northern Flicker |
| American Robin | Merlin |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | American Kestrel |
| Barn Swallow | Bald Eagle |
| Savannah Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | European Starling |
| Hermit Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| American Kestrel | American Wigeon |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Red-Winged Blackbird |
| Green-Winged Teal | Blue-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Arches National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Bobcat |
| American Beaver | Striped Skunk |
| Muskrat | Raccoon |
| Big Brown Bat | House Mouse |
| Bobcat | Common Gray Fox |
| Striped Skunk | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | White-Tailed Deer |
| Deer Mouse | Virginia Opossum |
| Raccoon | Black Rat |
| Black Bear | Eastern Gray Squirrel |
| Porcupine | Least Shrew |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| American Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Northern River Otter |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Bluegill |
| Bluegill | Golden Shiner |
| Fathead Minnow | Common Carp |
| Common Carp | Yellow Bullhead |
| Speckled Dace | Black Crappie |
| Yellow Bullhead | Brown Bullhead |
Insects
| Arches National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park
Arches National Park is located in eastern Utah and is known for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Other popular landscapes in the park include the Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, and the Windows section which features three large arches. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is primarily made up of Biscayne Bay, which is known for its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. Visitors to the park can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and boat tours to see the coral reefs and shipwrecks that are located within the park. The park also offers mangrove swamp, hardwood hammocks and coastal prairies, with a chance to spot a variety of birds and small mammals.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park
Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, is known for its red rock formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Popular activities at the park include hiking, rock climbing, and sightseeing. Visitors can also take a scenic drive on the park road, which offers views of many of the park’s natural features. There are multiple hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, and the most famous being Delicate Arch.
Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, is known for its coral reefs and marine life. Popular activities at the park include snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the park to see the coral reefs and the mangrove forests. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities, as visitors can explore the park’s many shallow bays and mangrove islands. Fishing is also a popular activity, with visitors able to catch a variety of saltwater fish species such as snapper and grouper.
In summary, Arches National Park is well known for its natural arches and red rock formations, and visitors often enjoy hiking and sightseeing while Biscayne National Park is known for its coral reefs and marine life, and visitors often enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park
Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park have vastly different seasonal weather patterns due to their geographic locations and climates.
Arches National Park is located in the desert region of Utah and typically experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and mild winters with temperatures dropping to around freezing. The park receives very little rainfall, with most of it falling during the monsoon season between July and September. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the park as the temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. Summer is the busiest season and it can get very hot, making it challenging to hike and explore the park.
Biscayne National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Florida and has a subtropical climate. The park experiences hot and humid summers with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and mild winters with temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The park receives the most rainfall during the summer months, making it a great time to explore the park by boat. Winter and spring are the best seasons to visit the park as the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. Summer is the busiest season and it can get hot and humid, making it less comfortable to explore the park.
In summary, The best time to visit Arches National Park is spring and fall as the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. The best time to visit Biscayne National Park is winter and spring as the weather is mild and the park is less crowded.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park
Both Arches National Park and Biscayne National Park are beautiful natural spaces that offer unique experiences, but they differ in terms of accessibility and child-friendliness.
Arches National Park is located in Utah and is known for its stunning rock formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Families with children can enjoy the park’s scenic drive, take a short hike to see the famous Delicate Arch, and visit the park’s visitor center.
Biscayne National Park, on the other hand, is located in Florida and is mostly water, with 95% of the park under water. It offers excellent snorkeling, diving, fishing and boating opportunities. There are also some hiking trails, but the main activities in Biscayne are water-based. The park also offers ranger-led snorkeling and boat tours.
In general, Arches National Park is more family-friendly for visitors with children. The park offers several shorter and easy trails, a scenic drive, and a visitor center with educational exhibits. Biscayne National Park is more geared towards water activities, and while still a great place to visit, it may not be as enjoyable for families with young children.