Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. While they may seem vastly different at first glance, they both offer an incredible array of natural wonders and outdoor experiences that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Arches National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its stunning red rock formations and ancient sandstone arches that have stood the test of time. Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, is a land of vibrant colors and ancient history, where visitors can explore petrified wood, colorful badlands, and ancient ruins. If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you to the edge of time and space, both Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are perfect destinations. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the hidden treasures of these two incredible national parks.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Arches National Park is known for its iconic red rock formations, and the park offers a range of hikes that take visitors through these unique landscapes. Some of the easiest hikes at Arches include the Park Avenue Trail and the Windows Trail, both of which are relatively short and offer stunning views of the park’s famous arches. The Delicate Arch Trail, on the other hand, is considered one of the more challenging hikes at Arches, as it is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the park’s most famous arch.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its petrified wood, and the park offers a variety of hikes that take visitors through these ancient landscapes. Some of the easiest hikes at Petrified Forest include the Giant Logs Trail and the Crystal Forest Trail, both of which are relatively short and take visitors through fields of petrified wood. The Painted Desert Rim Trail, on the other hand, is considered one of the more challenging hikes at Petrified Forest, as it is a 7-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the park’s highest point, offering panoramic views of the colorful Painted Desert.
While both parks offer unique and beautiful hikes, the type of hikes and the level of difficulty can vary greatly between the two parks. Arches National Park is known for its iconic red rock formations and challenging hikes, while Petrified Forest National Park is known for its ancient landscapes and relatively easy hikes.
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 Petrified Forest National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mesa Trail | 1448.406 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Crystal Forest Trail | 1448.406 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Desert Rim Trail | 1770.274 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Scenic Drive | 46027.124 | 297.7896 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Giant Logs Trail | 965.604 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Onyx Bridge Trail | 7402.964 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail | 3379.614 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puerco Pueblo Trail | 482.802 | 2.7432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Devil’s Playground Loop | 12070.05 | 144.78 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Jasper Forest Road | 4184.284 | 53.9496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, but the types of wildlife found at each park are quite different.
Arches National Park is located in the high desert of Utah and is home to a variety of desert animals such as lizards, snakes, and rodents. Common mammal species found in the park include deer, mountain lions, and coyotes. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of birds such as eagles, hawks, and falcons. The park also has a diverse plant life that includes sagebrush, cacti, and wildflowers.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in the high desert of Arizona and is known for its fossils and petrified wood. The park is home to a variety of desert animals such as lizards, snakes, and rodents. Common mammal species found in the park include pronghorn, elk, and coyotes. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of birds such as eagles, hawks, and falcons. The park also has a diverse plant life that includes sagebrush, cacti, and wildflowers.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are home to a variety of desert animals such as lizards, snakes, and rodents, as well as a diverse plant life that includes sagebrush, cacti, and wildflowers. However, Petrified Forest National Park is known for its fossils and petrified wood, while Arches National Park is known for its natural arches, spires, and other rock formations.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Petrified Forest 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 | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Wolf |
| American Mink | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Badger |
| Common Gray Fox | California Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| American Badger | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| California Myotis | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Northern River Otter | Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Milksnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Milksnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Tree Lizard | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Western Whiptail | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Arches National Park in Utah is known for its striking red rock formations, including more than 2,000 natural stone arches. The park’s most famous landscape is the Delicate Arch, a stunning freestanding arch that can be seen from a distance or hiked to for a closer look. The Park Avenue and Balanced Rock trails offer spectacular views of the park’s iconic red rock formations.
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is known for its colorful petrified wood and ancient ruins. The park’s most famous landscape is the Painted Desert, a colorful badlands area with striking rock formations and petrified wood scattered throughout. The park also features ancient ruins of the Puebloan people, including petroglyphs and cliff dwellings at Newspaper Rock. The Long Logs and Crystal Forest trails offer the chance to see some of the park’s petrified wood up close.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique and diverse experiences for visitors.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches and other rock formations. Popular activities at Arches National Park include hiking, rock climbing, and sightseeing. Visitors can hike to famous arches such as Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch. Rock climbers can take on challenging routes such as Park Avenue, Tower of Babel, and Sheep Rock. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, scenic drives through the park offer great views of the arches and other rock formations.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its colorful petrified wood and other fossils, as well as its ancient Native American ruins. Popular activities at Petrified Forest National Park include hiking, sightseeing, and backcountry camping. Visitors can hike to ancient ruins such as the Painted Desert Inn and the Puerco Pueblo, as well as through the colorful badlands of the Chinle Formation. Backcountry camping is also a popular activity, with several backcountry campsites available for overnight visitors.
Both Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer visitors the chance to explore unique and diverse landscapes, but the focus of the activities are different. Arches National Park with its rock formations and Petrified Forest National Park with its fossils, ancient ruins and colorful badlands.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and have very different seasonal weather patterns that can affect when is the best time to visit.
Arches National Park is located in the high desert of Utah and has hot summers with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) and cold winters with temperatures dropping below freezing. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are more moderate, and wildflowers are in bloom. Summer can be a bit too hot to explore the park, but in the Winter the park is still accessible, but some roads and trails may be closed due to snow and ice.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in the high desert of Arizona and has hot summers with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) and mild winters with temperatures averaging in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius). The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are more moderate and wildflowers are in bloom. Summer can be a bit too hot to explore the park, but in the Winter the park is still accessible, but some roads and trails may be closed due to snow and ice.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park have hot summers and mild winters, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate and wildflowers are in bloom. It is important to note that the park may have some road and trail closures in the winter due to snow and ice.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Both Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by families. However, the type of activities and the difficulty level of the trails may vary between the two parks.
Arches National Park is known for its stunning rock formations, including over 2,000 natural stone arches. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, with some easy trails suitable for families with children. The Park Avenue Trail and the Delicate Arch Trail are popular choices for families with kids. These trails offer beautiful views of the park’s natural wonders while remaining relatively easy to navigate.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful badlands, petrified logs, and ancient ruins. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, but some of them can be quite strenuous and not suitable for families with young children. However, the park also has some easy trails that are suitable for families. The Giant Logs Trail, Crystal Forest Trail, and the Blue Mesa Trail are some of the easiest trails in the park and offer great views of the park’s natural wonders.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer family-friendly activities, but the type of activities and the difficulty level of the trails may vary between the two parks. Families with children may find Arches National Park more suitable for a visit as it offers a variety of easy trails that offer beautiful views of the park’s natural wonders.