Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park couldn’t be more different from one another. One is located in the deserts of Utah, known for its red rock formations and arid climate, while the other is situated in the Caribbean, known for its lush tropical vegetation and crystal-clear waters. Yet both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the United States in unique and spectacular ways. Imagine hiking through a landscape of towering sandstone arches in one park, and then snorkeling through a coral reef teeming with marine life in the other. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking to relax and soak in the sun, a visit to Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Arches National Park in Utah and Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer very different hiking experiences.
Arches National Park is known for its red rock formations and natural arches. The park has a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, short hikes to challenging, full-day treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Park Avenue Trail, which takes visitors through a scenic canyon, and the Balanced Rock Trail, which is a short, 0.3-mile loop trail. The most challenging hike is probably the Devils Garden Trail, a 7.2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to several natural arches in the park.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park offers a completely different hiking experience. The park, which is located on the island of St. John, is known for its tropical rainforest and beaches. The park has several hiking trails, but they are generally easy, with well-maintained and clearly marked paths. Some of the most popular hikes include the Reef Bay Trail, which takes hikers through the rainforest and down to the beach, and the Annaberg Plantation Trail, which leads to the ruins of a sugar plantation.
In terms of family-friendly activities, Virgin Islands National Park may be a better option for families with young children or those looking for a more relaxed hiking experience. The park’s trails are generally easy and offer a chance to explore the island’s beautiful beaches and rainforest. Arches National Park, on the other hand, may be more suitable for families with older children or those looking for more of a challenge. Both parks offer ranger-led hikes and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
In summary, Arches National Park offers a more challenging hiking experience with many red rock formations and natural arches, while Virgin Islands National Park offers an easy hiking experience with beautiful beaches and rainforest. Both parks are great options for families looking to explore nature together, though Virgin Islands National Park may be the better option for those who want a more relaxed hiking experience.
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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two very different national parks in terms of their wildlife.
Arches National Park in Utah is located in a desert environment and is home to a variety of desert-adapted animals, birds, and plants. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include rock squirrels, desert bighorn sheep, and mule deer. Birds that are commonly seen in the park include golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures. The park is also home to a variety of cacti and other desert plants such as Joshua trees and yucca.
Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands is located in a tropical environment and is home to a variety of tropical animals, birds, and plants. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include lizards, iguanas, and mongooses. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the yellow-shouldered blackbird, the bananaquit, and the green-throated Carib. The park is also home to a variety of tropical plants, including coconut palms, mangroves, and sea grapes.
In summary, Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two very different national parks in terms of their wildlife. Arches National Park is located in a desert environment and is home to a variety of desert-adapted animals, birds, and plants, while Virgin Islands National Park is located in a tropical environment and is home to a variety of tropical animals, birds, and plants. If you are interested in the desert wildlife, Arches National Park might be a better option, if you are interested in the tropical wildlife, Virgin Islands National Park might be a better option.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Arches National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Mink |
| American Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Wolf |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | North American River Otter |
| Northern River Otter | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Bullsnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Racer |
| Eastern Racer | Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned 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 | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Flathead Minnow |
| Common Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Speckled Dace | Carp/European Carp |
| Yellow Bullhead | Northern Pike |
| Burbot | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are vastly different in terms of the landscapes and natural features they offer. Arches National Park is located in the desert of southern Utah and is known for its stunning red rock arches, towering spires, and otherworldly landscapes. The park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch, which is considered the symbol of the state of Utah. Visitors can hike, climb and explore the park’s many trails and canyons for a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical forests. The park is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay. Visitors can snorkel, swim, and hike the park’s many trails, including the popular Reef Bay Trail, which leads to an ancient sugar plantation and petroglyphs. The park also offers a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, iguanas, and a variety of bird species.
In summary, Arches National Park offers a chance to explore a unique and otherworldly desert landscape, while Virgin Islands National Park offers a chance to relax on beautiful beaches and explore a lush tropical environment. Both parks are incredibly unique and offer visitors a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two very different national parks in terms of the activities that people love to do when visiting them.
Arches National Park in Utah is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing. The park is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, which are the main attraction of the park. Hiking trails range from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backcountry routes. The park also offers a variety of rock climbing opportunities, with routes for climbers of all skill levels. Other popular activities in the park include camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Virgin Islands National Park on the other hand is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is a popular destination for snorkeling, swimming, and beach activities. The park is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, including Trunk Bay, which is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. The park also has a variety of hiking trails that lead through the lush tropical rainforest, where visitors can see a variety of tropical plants and wildlife. Other popular activities in the park include kayaking, fishing, and sailing.
In summary, Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two very different national parks in terms of the activities that people love to do when visiting them. Arches National Park is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing, while Virgin Islands National Park is a popular destination for snorkeling, swimming, and beach activities. If you’re looking for a more outdoor, adventure-filled vacation, Arches National Park might be a better option, if you’re looking for a more relaxing, beach-filled vacation, Virgin Islands National Park might be a better option.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are very different in terms of seasonal weather. Arches National Park is located in the desert of southern Utah and is known for its hot and dry summers, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Caribbean and has a tropical climate. The park experiences a rainy season from September to November and a dry season from December to August. The best time to visit is during the dry season, when the weather is sunny and warm, and there is less chance of rain. However, it is also a great time for water activities like swimming and snorkeling. Visitors should be aware that the park can be affected by hurricanes during the rainy season.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Arches National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer vastly different experiences for families. Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its towering red rock formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, allowing families to find a trail that suits their abilities. The park also has a visitor center and ranger-led activities that provide educational opportunities for children.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is known for its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation. The park offers snorkeling, swimming, and beachcombing opportunities for families. There are also hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s rainforest, where they can see a variety of tropical plants and animals. However, the park is less developed than Arches National Park, and there are fewer ranger-led activities and educational opportunities for children.
In summary, Arches National Park is better for families looking for a variety of outdoor activities and educational opportunities, while Virgin Islands National Park is better for families looking for a tropical beach vacation.