Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two national parks that couldn’t be more different from each other, yet both offer visitors a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of nature. Arches National Park, located in the red rock desert of Utah, is known for its stunning sandstone arches and otherworldly rock formations. On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park, located in Alaska, is home to the world’s largest caribou herd and offers visitors a chance to experience the remote wilderness of the Arctic. Whether you’re looking to hike through red rock canyons or explore the vast tundra of the Arctic, these two national parks have something for everyone. If you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, read on to learn more about Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park and what makes them so special.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the types of hikes available at each park are quite different due to their unique landscapes and environments.
At Arches National Park, the hiking trails range from easy, short hikes to more strenuous, full-day hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a 2-mile round trip hike that offers visitors a chance to see a variety of natural arches and the Windows Trail, which is a 1.6-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the park’s famous Double Arch. The Delicate Arch Trail is considered one of the most challenging hike in the park, a 3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the park’s most iconic feature, the Delicate Arch. This trail is considered strenuous due to its steep incline, rocky terrain, and limited shade.
At Kobuk Valley National Park, the hiking trails are very different, as the park is known for its vast wilderness and remote backcountry. The park is located in the Arctic and the trails are not maintained. The park is home to the Kobuk River, which is the longest undammed river in the United States, and visitors can take guided river trips to explore the park’s remote wilderness. These trips can be challenging due to the rugged terrain and the park’s remote location, but visitors can also take easier day trips to explore the park’s beautiful sand dunes and see the park’s wildlife.
In summary, while Arches National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its remote wilderness and backcountry adventures. Visitors to Arches National Park can choose from a variety of easy and challenging hikes, while visitors to Kobuk Valley National Park will need to be prepared for rugged terrain and remote wilderness. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore beautiful and unique landscapes, but the type of hiking experience that visitors can expect will vary depending on the park.
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 Kobuk Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both located in the United States, but they are quite different in terms of the wildlife that can be found there.
Arches National Park is located in the desert region of Utah and is known for its unique rock formations and stunning landscapes. Wildlife in the park is relatively limited, but visitors may see a variety of animals such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. Birds such as ravens, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons are also commonly seen in the park. There are also a few types of lizards and snakes that can be found in the park.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its remote wilderness and abundant wildlife. Visitors to the park are likely to see a variety of animals such as caribou, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, wolverines, and moose. Birds such as sandhill cranes, swans, and trumpeter swans can also be commonly seen in the park. The park also has a diverse array of fish species such as Arctic grayling, lake trout and arctic char. This park also has a variety of plant species including dwarf birch, willows, and alders.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but the type of wildlife you’ll see will depend on the park you visit. Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations and landscapes, while Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its remote wilderness and abundant wildlife. Visitors to Arches National Park are more likely to see desert animals and birds, while visitors to Kobuk Valley National Park are more likely to see Arctic animals and birds.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Savannah Sparrow |
| Barn Swallow | American Kestrel |
| Savannah Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
| Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
| American Kestrel | Green-Winged Teal |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Shoveler |
| American Wigeon | Golden Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Arches National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Bobcat | Porcupine |
| Striped Skunk | Red Fox |
| Little Brown Bat | Mink |
| Deer Mouse | Wolf |
| Raccoon | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Snowshoe Hare |
| Porcupine | River Otter |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Common Shrew |
| Hoary Bat | Red Squirrel |
| Red Fox | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Lynx |
| House Mouse | Wolverine |
| Mountain Lion | American Marten |
| American Mink | Grizzly Bear |
| Mule Deer | Moose |
| Common Gray Fox | Least Weasel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Northern Bog Lemming |
| American Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Northern River Otter |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Fathead Minnow | Burbot |
| Common Carp | Coho Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | King Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Alaskan Stickleback | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both known for their unique and spectacular landscapes.
Arches National Park, located in the desert of eastern Utah, is known for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Visitors can also see a variety of other rock formations, such as balanced rocks, fins, and towers, that have been sculpted by erosion. The Park Avenue, Windows, and Devil’s Garden are some of the must see attraction in the park. The park also offers scenic drives and several hiking trails that provide visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock landscapes.
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its remote wilderness and vast tundra landscapes. The park is home to the world’s largest caribou herd and offers visitors the chance to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The park also offers scenic drives, as well as hiking and backpacking opportunities, which provide visitors with the chance to explore the park’s rugged terrain and see its unique landscapes, such as the Kobuk River valley and the sand dunes of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. The park also offers the chance to see the aurora borealis during winter.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, rock formations and scenic drives and hiking trails that offer visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock landscapes. While Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its remote wilderness, vast tundra landscapes, home of the world’s largest caribou herd, scenic drives, hiking and backpacking opportunities and the chance to see the aurora borealis during winter.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both national parks in the United States, but they offer very different types of experiences for visitors.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its unique rock formations and stunning landscapes. The park is popular for hiking, sightseeing, and photography. Visitors can explore a variety of short and easy hikes, such as the Park Avenue Trail and the Windows Loop Trail, to see the park’s famous arches and other rock formations. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the 18-mile long scenic drive, that takes visitors through some of the park’s most famous landscapes. Photography is also a popular activity in the park, as visitors can capture stunning shots of the park’s unique rock formations and landscapes.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, located in Alaska, is known for its remote wilderness and abundant wildlife. The park is popular for backpacking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the park’s backcountry on foot, by boat, or by floatplane and experience the park’s rugged wilderness and remote location. Camping is also a popular activity in the park, as visitors can set up camp in the park’s backcountry and experience the park’s wilderness. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in the park, as visitors can see a variety of animals such as caribou, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, wolverines, and moose.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but the type of activities that are available will depend on the park you visit. Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations and landscapes, while Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its remote wilderness and abundant wildlife. Visitors to Arches National Park are more likely to enjoy hiking, sightseeing, and photography, while visitors to Kobuk Valley National Park are more likely to enjoy backpacking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both located in the United States but have vastly different climates and weather patterns. The seasonal weather at each park can greatly affect when is the best time of year to visit.
Arches National Park is located in the desert of southeastern Utah and has a hot, arid climate. The park is known for its scorching hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. The best time to visit the park is from April to May, and from September to October, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Arctic region of Alaska, and the weather is much colder and harsher. The park experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, from June to September, when the park’s rivers are free of ice and visitors can take guided rafting and kayaking trips to explore the park’s remote wilderness.
In summary, while Arches National Park is best visited during the cooler months, Kobuk Valley National Park is best visited during the summer months when the weather is milder and the rivers are free of ice. Visitors to Arches National Park should be prepared for hot temperatures and limited shade, while visitors to Kobuk Valley National Park should be prepared for cold temperatures and rugged terrain. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore beautiful and unique landscapes, but the type of weather that visitors can expect will vary depending on the park.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Both Arches National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature. However, the type of experience offered by each park may differ depending on the interests and ages of the children in the group.
Arches National Park is considered to be a more family-friendly option, as it offers a variety of shorter and relatively easy hikes that are suitable for children of all ages. The park also has several picnic areas and a visitors center where families can learn about the park’s natural and cultural history. The park also offers ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and campfire talks, which can be a fun and educational experience for children.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is a more remote and rugged destination that may not be as suitable for younger children. The park has limited facilities and services, and visitors must be prepared for self-sufficient wilderness camping. However, for older children and families who are up for an adventure, the park offers a unique and exciting experience of remote wilderness, including the chance to see the world’s largest caribou herd and the aurora borealis during winter.
In summary, Arches National Park is considered to be more family-friendly option, offering a variety of shorter and relatively easy hikes, picnic areas and visitors center. Ranger-led programs and guided hikes also make it a fun and educational experience for children. While Kobuk Valley National Park is a more remote and rugged destination, it offers a unique and exciting experience of remote wilderness, including the chance to see the world’s largest caribou herd and the aurora borealis during winter, but it may not be as suitable for younger children.