Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both natural wonders in the United States, but they offer vastly different experiences for visitors. Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to some of the largest trees on earth, including the famous General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree by volume in the world. Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to camping, but each park has its own unique set of highlights. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines the beauty of natural arches with the awe-inspiring size of giant sequoias, then these two parks are perfect for you. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a nature lover, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in both Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Keep reading to find out more about what these two parks have to offer and which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both popular destinations for hikers, offering a wide range of trails for visitors to explore.
Arches National Park has a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, paved walks to strenuous backcountry routes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a 1.8-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon lined with towering red rock cliffs. Another easy hike is the Windows Trail, a 0.8-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the North Window and South Window arches. The Delicate Arch Trail, on the other hand, is a moderately strenuous hike with a 3-mile round trip distance, which takes visitors to one of the most iconic arches in the park.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their towering giant sequoias, the largest trees on earth, and the park’s trail system allows visitors to get up close and personal with these natural wonders. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Big Trees Trail, which is a 0.5-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a grove of giant sequoias, and the Congress Trail, which is a 1.8-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a variety of different sequoia groves. On the other hand, the strenuous hike that the park offers is the Mist Falls Trail which is a 8.5 mile round trip hike, that rewards hikers with a beautiful waterfall.
In summary, Arches National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, paved walks to strenuous backcountry routes, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their towering giant sequoias, the largest trees on earth, and the park’s trail system allows visitors to get up close and personal with these natural wonders. Both parks offer easy and strenuous hikes for visitors to enjoy, but Arches National Park focuses on the unique geological formations, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks focuses on the giant trees.
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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both home to a wide variety of wildlife. At Arches, visitors can expect to see a variety of small mammals such as the North American porcupine, black-tailed prairie dog, and rock squirrels. Birds such as the golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, and peregrine falcon can also be spotted. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including the desert tortoise, and lizards like the collared lizard and the western fence lizard. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including the yucca, prickly pear cactus, and Joshua tree.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, is known for its vast array of wildlife. The park is home to a variety of large mammals such as black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer. Visitors can also spot smaller mammals like marmots, ground squirrels, and beavers. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the Clark’s nutcracker, mountain bluebird, and Steller’s jay. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including the giant sequoia, the world’s largest tree species, and the western white pine, which can grow over 300 feet tall.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer unique and diverse wildlife viewing experiences. However, if you’re looking for a chance to spot larger mammals and the world’s largest tree species, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks would be the better choice.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Arches National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | Badger |
| Northern River Otter | Ermine |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Racer |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Nightsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Milksnake | Nightsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Tree Lizard | Western Skink |
| Western Whiptail | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Green Sunfish |
| Common Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Speckled Dace | European Carp |
| Yellow Bullhead | Black Bullhead |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Some of the most famous arches in the park include Delicate Arch, which is the most photographed arch in the park, and Landscape Arch, which is the longest natural arch in the world. The park also features other unique rock formations such as Balanced Rock, which is a large boulder that appears to be precariously balanced on a small rock base, and the Windows, a group of three arches that frame the surrounding landscape.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are home to some of the largest trees on earth, including the famous General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree by volume in the world. The park also boasts other famous landscapes such as the Giant Forest, which is home to many of the largest sequoias in the park, and the Grant Grove, which is home to the General Grant Tree, the second largest tree by volume in the world. The parks also features mountain ranges such as the High Sierra, which offers spectacular views and great hiking opportunities, and the Kings Canyon, a deep glacial canyon that offers great scenery and a chance to see the famous General Grant Tree. Other natural wonders include the Crystal Cave, a limestone cavern filled with stunning crystal formations, and the Tokopah Falls, a stunning waterfall that drops 1,200 feet.
Both parks offer a diverse range of landscapes, with Arches National Park being known for its unique rock formations, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks for its giant sequoias and other natural wonders such as mountain ranges, caves and waterfalls.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Arches National Park in Utah and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different types of activities and experiences.
At Arches National Park, the most popular activity is hiking. Visitors can explore over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, as well as other unique rock formations such as balanced rocks and fins. Some of the most popular hikes include Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch. The park also offers scenic drives, rock climbing, and camping.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a variety of activities for visitors. Hiking is also popular here, with trails leading to some of the world’s largest trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. The parks also offer scenic drives, horseback riding, and camping. Additionally, visitors can also take a scenic drive on the Generals Highway, which takes you through the Giant Forest, home to many of the park’s famous giant sequoias.
While both parks offer unique natural beauty and outdoor activities, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks may be more suitable for families with children as it offers a wider variety of activities such as scenic drives, horseback riding, and the chance to see the largest trees in the world. Arches National Park, on the other hand, is more focused on hiking and rock formations.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both located in the western United States and have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can greatly affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Arches National Park is located in Eastern Utah and has a desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the least favorable time to visit the park for most people. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate. During the spring, the park’s wildflowers are in bloom, and during the fall, the park’s red rock cliffs take on a warm, golden hue. Winter can be a great time to visit the park as well, as temperatures are cooler, and the crowds are smaller. However, the park can get snowy during this time, so visitors should be prepared for winter conditions.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains in California and have a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, cool winters, and a moderate amount of rainfall. Summer temperatures can reach well over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the least favorable time to visit the park for most people. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the wildflowers are in bloom. Winter can be a great time to visit the park as well, as snowfall can make the park’s giant sequoias even more spectacular. However, visitors should be prepared for winter conditions, as some of the park’s roads and trails may be closed due to snow.
In summary, the best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate, while the best time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is also during the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate and the wildflowers are in bloom. Both parks can be visited in the winter as well, but visitors should be prepared for colder weather and possible snow. The weather in each park greatly affects the best time of year to visit, and visitors should plan accordingly and check the park’s website for current conditions and closures before planning a trip.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Both Arches National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are great choices for families, but each park offers a different experience.
Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations and offers a variety of easy to moderate hikes that are suitable for families. Some of the most popular family-friendly hikes include the Park Avenue trail, which offers a great introduction to the park’s unique rock formations, and the Double Arch trail, which is a short and easy hike that takes you to two of the park’s most famous arches. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that is popular among children, which encourages them to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural resources through interactive activities.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are home to some of the largest trees on earth and offers a variety of easy to moderate hikes that are suitable for families. Some of the most popular family-friendly hikes include the Big Trees Trail, which takes you through the Giant Forest and passes by some of the largest sequoias in the park, and the trail to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume in the world. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that is popular among children, which encourages them to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural resources through interactive activities.
Both parks have family-friendly amenities such as visitor centers, campgrounds and picnic areas, and both have Junior Ranger program for children. So, it depends on what your family is looking for. If your family is excited about seeing unique rock formations, Arches National Park is a great option. If they’re fascinated by giant trees, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks may be a better fit.