Arches National Park and Everglades National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. However, these two parks could not be more different. Imagine standing in a red rock desert surrounded by 2,000 natural sandstone arches and then picture yourself in a subtropical wilderness surrounded by mangrove forests, sawgrass prairies and wetlands. Arches National Park and Everglades National Park are worlds apart, both geographically and climatically.
On one hand, Arches National Park is located in the high desert of Utah, and it offers a stark, barren landscape that is punctuated by towering red rock formations. The park’s hiking trails take visitors through a maze of narrow canyons, past delicate natural bridges and under massive sandstone arches. On the other hand, Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida, and it offers a lush, subtropical wilderness that is teeming with wildlife. The park’s hiking trails take visitors through mangrove forests, sawgrass prairies, and wetlands, where alligators, panthers, and a wide variety of bird species can be found.
If you’re looking for a rugged and otherworldly outdoor experience, Arches National Park might be the perfect destination. But if you’re looking for a more tropical and biologically diverse outdoor experience, Everglades National Park is the place to go. Both parks offer unique experiences and are worth visiting, but which one you choose may depend on your personal preferences and what kind of adventure you’re looking for.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Everglades National Park
Arches National Park and Everglades National Park both offer a wide variety of hiking trails, each with their own unique features and levels of difficulty.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its stunning natural arches and rock formations. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail, a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon and past a number of large rock formations. Another easy hike is the Double Arch Trail, a 0.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the base of two large natural arches. For more challenging hikes, visitors can explore the Delicate Arch Trail, a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the base of the park’s most iconic arch, or the Devils Garden Trail, a 7.2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a number of arches and rock formations.
Everglades National Park, located in Florida, offers a diverse range of hiking trails that take visitors through a variety of habitats, including wetlands, pine rocklands, and mangrove forests. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Anhinga Trail, a 0.8-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a wetland habitat and offers views of alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife. Another easy hike is the Gumbo Limbo Trail, a 0.3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a coastal hardwood hammock and offers views of a variety of plants and wildlife. For more challenging hikes, visitors can explore the Shark Valley Loop, a 15-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a wetland habitat and offers views of alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife, or the West Lake Trail, a 8.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a variety of habitats and offers views of a variety of plants and wildlife.
Overall, Both Arches National Park and Everglades National Park offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, from easy, short trails to more challenging, longer hikes. Arches National Park is known for its stunning natural arches and rock formations, while Everglades National Park offers a diverse range of hikes through a variety of habitats and with an array of wildlife and plants.
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 Everglades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Everglades National Park
Arches National Park in Utah and Everglades National Park in Florida are both known for their unique wildlife and diverse ecosystems. However, the types of wildlife you’ll see at each park are quite different.
Arches National Park is located in the high desert of Utah and is home to a variety of wildlife species that are well-adapted to the harsh desert environment. Some of the animals commonly seen in the park include:
– Coyotes: These small wild dogs can be seen throughout the park, and are often active during the early morning and late evening.
– Desert Bighorn Sheep: These large mammals can be seen on the park’s rocky cliffs and cliffs, and are known for their large curved horns.
– Pronghorn: These fast-moving mammals can be seen on the park’s open desert, and are known for their speed and agility.
– Black-tailed prairie dog: These social rodents can be found in the park’s grasslands, and visitors can spot them by the burrows they dig.
Arches National Park is also home to a variety of bird species, including:
– Golden Eagles: These large birds of prey can be seen soaring above the park’s red rock cliffs.
– Peregrine Falcons: These birds are found in the park’s cliffs, and are known for their fast flight.
– Raven: These large black birds can be seen throughout the park and are known for their intelligence and curiosity.
Everglades National Park in Florida is known for its unique subtropical ecosystem, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Some of the animals commonly seen in the park include:
– Alligators: These ancient reptiles can be seen throughout the park, and are often found in the park’s freshwater marshes and swamps.
– Manatees: These large marine mammals can be seen in the park’s waterways, and are often seen near warm-water outflows from power plants.
– Roseate Spoonbills: These large wading birds can be seen in the park’s shallow coastal waters, and are known for their striking pink plumage.
– White-tailed deer: These common deer can be seen throughout the park, and are known for their distinctive white tails.
Everglades National Park is also home to a wide variety of plant species, including:
– Sawgrass: This tall grass is found throughout the park’s wetlands, and is an important part of the park’s ecosystem.
– Mangroves: These salt-tolerant trees can be found along the park’s coastline and provide important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species.
– Cypress: These tall trees can be found in the park’s freshwater wetlands, and are known for their distinctive “knees” which help them to survive in flooded areas.
Overall, Arches National Park and Everglades National Park are both home to a wide variety of unique wildlife species and diverse ecosystems. While Arches National Park is known for its desert wildlife, Everglades National Park is known for its subtropical wildlife and its unique wetlands ecosystem.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Everglades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Arches National Park | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Bobcat |
| Muskrat | Striped Skunk |
| Big Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Bobcat | Red Fox |
| Striped Skunk | House Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Mink |
| Deer Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Raccoon | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Black Bear | White-Tailed Deer |
| Porcupine | Eastern Cottontail |
| Silver-Haired Bat | House Rat |
| Hoary Bat | Spotted Skunk |
| Red Fox | Fox Squirrel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Eastern Gray Squirrel |
| House Mouse | Feral Hog |
| Mountain Lion | Northern Short-Tailed Shrew |
| American Mink | Least Shrew |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Northern River Otter |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Everglades 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 | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Bluegill |
| Bluegill | Golden Shiner |
| Fathead Minnow | Yellow Bullhead |
| Common Carp | Channel Catfish |
| Speckled Dace | Black Crappie |
| Yellow Bullhead | Mosquitofish |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Everglades National Park
Arches National Park and Everglades National Park are both known for their unique and beautiful landscapes.
Arches National Park is famous for its towering red rock formations and its 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The most famous landscape in the park is Delicate Arch, a free-standing arch that stands at a height of over 60 feet. The arch is a popular spot for hikers and photographers, and it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding desert landscape. Other notable landscapes in the park include Balanced Rock, a massive rock formation that appears to be precariously balanced on a small base, and the Windows, a group of three large arches that offer great views of the surrounding desert.
Everglades National Park is famous for its vast subtropical wilderness, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The most famous landscape in the park is the “River of Grass” which is the vast sawgrass prairie that covers much of the park. The park also home to various types of wetlands and mangrove forests that are home to alligators, panthers, and a wide variety of bird species. Visitors can take an airboat tour or hike the Anhinga Trail to see the park’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. Other notable landscapes in the park include the Shark Valley, a wetland area that is home to a large number of alligators and other wetland animals, and the Gulf Coast, a beautiful stretch of coastline that offers great views of the Gulf of Mexico and the park’s many islands.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its towering red rock formations and its 2,000 natural sandstone arches, with Delicate Arch as the most famous landscape. Everglades National Park is famous for its vast subtropical wilderness, with the “River of Grass” as the most famous landscape, and also the diverse wildlife and wetlands like Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Everglades National Park
Arches National Park in Utah and Everglades National Park in Florida are both popular national parks that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the types of activities available at each park are quite different due to the diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
Arches National Park is known for its red rock cliffs, arches, and other natural rock formations. Some of the most popular activities at the park include:
– Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous, backcountry trails. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Delicate Arch Trail, the Park Avenue Trail, and the Devils Garden Trail.
– Scenic Drives: The park offers a scenic drive that takes visitors through the park’s red rock landscape and provides access to some of the park’s most popular viewpoints and arches.
– Photography: The park’s red rock landscape and natural rock formations provide a beautiful backdrop for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can take pictures of the park’s arches, cliffs, and other natural features during the day or at sunset.
– Rock Climbing: The park’s red rock cliffs and arches offer a variety of climbing opportunities for experienced climbers.
Everglades National Park in Florida is known for its unique subtropical ecosystem, and offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities at the park include:
– Boat Tours: The park offers a variety of boat tours that take visitors through the park’s waterways and provide access to some of the park’s most remote areas. Visitors can see alligators, manatees, and other wildlife from the boat.
– Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous, backcountry trails. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Anhinga Trail, the Gumbo Limbo Trail, and the Pa-hay-okee Overlook Trail.
– Fishing: The park’s waterways offer a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers. Visitors can fish for tarpon, snook, redfish and other species.
– Kayaking and Canoeing: The park’s waterways offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park by kayak or canoe. Visitors can paddle through the park’s mangrove forests and see a wide variety of wildlife from the water.
– Wildlife Viewing: The park’s subtropical ecosystem is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including alligators, manatees, and a wide variety of bird species. Visitors can see these animals from the park’s hiking trails, boat tours, and other activities.
Overall, Arches National Park and Everglades National Park are both popular national parks that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. While Arches National Park is known for its red rock landscape and natural rock formations, Everglades National Park is known for its unique subtropical ecosystem and the variety of wildlife it offers. Both parks are great places to visit for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the United States.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Everglades National Park
Arches National Park and Everglades National Park are located in different regions of the United States and as such, have vastly different weather patterns and seasons.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, has a desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. The park is known for its high temperatures and low humidity, with summer temperatures often reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are more mild and the park’s wildflowers and fall foliage are in bloom. The park is also less crowded during these seasons.
Everglades National Park, located in Florida, has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and warm winters. The park is known for its heavy rainfall, with the most rain falling during the summer months. The best time to visit Everglades National Park is during the winter, when temperatures are cooler and the park’s wildlife is more active. The park is also less crowded during this season.
Overall, the best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are more mild and the park’s wildflowers and fall foliage are in bloom. The best time to visit Everglades National Park is during the winter, when temperatures are cooler and the park’s wildlife is more active. Keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always best to check the forecast and come prepared for any conditions.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Everglades National Park
Both Arches National Park and Everglades National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they offer very different experiences and have different levels of accessibility for families with children.
Arches National Park is a great destination for families with children who are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing and photography. The park offers a variety of easy and moderate trails that are suitable for families, such as the Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail and the Park Avenue Trail. The park also offers ranger-led programs such as Junior Ranger program, and family-friendly campground. However, some of the trails in the park can be rocky and uneven, and the desert heat can be intense during the summer months, so it’s important to plan accordingly and make sure that children are properly hydrated and protected from the sun.
Everglades National Park is also a great destination for families with children who are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The park offers a variety of easy and moderate trails that are suitable for families, such as the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail. The park also offers ranger-led programs such as Junior Ranger program, and family-friendly campground. However, it’s important to note that some areas of the park can be buggy, and the heat and humidity can be intense during the summer months, so it’s important to plan accordingly and make sure that children are properly hydrated and protected from the sun and insects.
If you’re traveling with young children and looking for an easy, family-friendly experience, Arches National Park may be the better choice, as it offers a variety of easy and moderate trails that are suitable for families and many ranger-led programs for children. However, if you’re traveling with older children or teenagers who are interested in wildlife and nature, Everglades National Park may be the better choice, as it offers a diverse wilderness and many opportunities to see a wide variety of animals and birds.