Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of America’s most diverse and spectacular national parks, offering visitors a chance to experience some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and natural wonders in the country. From the rugged Chihuahuan Desert in Texas to the rugged coastal fjords of Alaska, these two parks offer vastly different experiences but both are equally mesmerizing. Imagine yourself exploring the vast desert landscape of Big Bend National Park, where you can hike through canyons, marvel at the starry sky or enjoy a scenic drive through the park. Now, picture yourself in Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can witness glaciers calving into the sea, watch whales and sea otters play in the water or take a boat tour to see the abundant wildlife. Both parks are truly unique and offer an opportunity to explore nature in different ways. Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful getaway, these two parks are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both located in the United States and offer visitors a variety of hiking trails to explore. However, the two parks have very different landscapes and climates, which results in different types of hiking experiences.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas and offers over 150 miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The park has a variety of trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Chisos Basin Nature Trail, which is a 0.5-mile loop trail that offers great views of the Chisos Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape. Another easy hike is the Lost Mine Trail, a 4.8 miles round trip that takes you through a scenic desert landscape and offers great views of the Chisos Mountains.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and offers visitors the chance to explore the beautiful fjords and glaciers of the Kenai Peninsula. The park has a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Exit Glacier Nature Trail, which is a 0.8-mile round trip trail that takes you to the base of Exit Glacier and offers great views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape. Another easy hike is the Harding Icefield Trail which is an 8.2 mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of the icefield, offering a panoramic view of the entire park.
In summary, Big Bend National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, with some easy hikes like Chisos Basin Nature Trail and Lost Mine Trail. Kenai Fjords National Park also offers a variety of hiking trails, with some easy hikes like Exit Glacier Nature Trail and Harding Icefield Trail. The park’s landscapes are different where Big Bend is desert and Kenai Fjords is coastal and glaciers.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords 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 | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, each with its unique characteristics.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, and as such, the park is home to a wide variety of desert-dwelling animals such as pronghorn, white-tailed deer, javelina, and desert bighorn sheep. The park also has a healthy population of coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. Birds such as roadrunners, golden eagles, and black hawks are also commonly seen in the park. Additionally, Big Bend is home to a wide variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes, lizards, and desert tortoises.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is home to a wide variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife. The park is best known for its abundance of marine mammals, including orcas, humpback whales, and sea otters. Visitors also have the opportunity to see sea lions, seals and porpoises. On land, visitors can spot bears, moose, wolves, and mountain goats. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and bald eagles.
In terms of plants, Big Bend is home to a wide variety of desert plants such as cacti, yucca, and ocotillo. Kenai Fjords is home to a variety of tundra plants such as mosses, lichens, and wildflowers, as well as spruce and hemlock forests.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of desert-dwelling animals and plants, while Kenai Fjords National Park is home to a wide variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife, as well as unique tundra plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Big Bend National Park | Kenai Fjords 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
Big Bend National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
Bobcat | Black Bear |
Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
Deer Mouse | Red Fox |
Raccoon | Mink |
Black Bear | Black-Tailed Deer |
Porcupine | Gray Wolf |
Silver-Haired Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
Hoary Bat | California Myotis |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
House Mouse | Northern River Otter |
Mountain Lion | Masked Shrew |
Mule Deer | Red Squirrel |
Common Gray Fox | Montane Shrew |
Gray Wolf | Lynx |
Long-Legged Myotis | Wolverine |
American Badger | American Marten |
California Myotis | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fringed Myotis | Brown Bear |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Meadow Mouse |
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Moose |
Western Harvest Mouse | Pygmy Shrew |
Reptiles
Big Bend National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
---|---|
Sonoran Gophersnake | |
Prairie Rattlesnake | |
Ring-Necked Snake | |
Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
Desert Kingsnake | |
Texas Nightsnake | |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
Mexican Milksnake | |
Central Texas Whipsnake | |
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
Eastern Collared Lizard | |
Glossy Snake | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
Big Bend National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
---|---|
Barred Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
American Bullfrog | |
Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
Big Bend National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
Bluegill | Burbot |
Fathead Minnow | Silver Salmon |
Common Carp | Chinook Salmon |
Longnose Dace | Slimy Sculpin |
Yellow Bullhead | Threespine Stickleback |
Channel Catfish | Red Salmon |
Mosquitofish | Pink Salmon |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park both offer a wide variety of landscapes and natural features that are sure to take your breath away.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in West Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscape. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Chisos Mountains, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding desert and are a popular spot for hiking and camping. The park also features several canyons, including the Santa Elena Canyon, which is a popular spot for river rafting and kayaking. Additionally, the park is home to several hot springs, including the Terlingua Hot Springs, which are a popular spot for relaxing and soaking in the warm water.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged coastal landscapes and abundant wildlife. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Harding Icefield, which is the largest icefield in the United States and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The park also features several glaciers, including the Exit Glacier, which is a popular spot for hiking and viewing wildlife such as bears, moose, and mountain goats. Additionally, the park is home to several fjords, including Aialik Bay, which is a popular spot for kayaking and viewing marine wildlife such as whales and sea otters.
Both Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer visitors a chance to experience some of the most spectacular landscapes and natural wonders in the country. Whether you’re looking to hike and camp in the desert, raft and kayak in canyons, or witness glaciers calving into the sea, these two parks offer a wide variety of activities and natural features that are sure to leave you in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but each park offers a unique set of activities that visitors can enjoy.
Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, with over 150 miles of trails that vary in difficulty. The park’s most popular hikes include the Chisos Basin Loop, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the desert floor, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow, 1,500-foot-deep canyon. Additionally, the park offers camping and picnicking, as well as river trips and stargazing.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is known for its spectacular glaciers and marine wildlife. Visitors can take boat tours to see the park’s glaciers, including the Harding Icefield, which is the largest icefield entirely within the United States. Visitors can also take boat tours to see marine wildlife such as humpback whales, sea otters, and sea lions. Additionally, the park offers kayaking and fishing opportunities, as well as hiking and backpacking trails.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, camping and picnicking, river trips and stargazing, while Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its spectacular glaciers and marine wildlife, boat tours, kayaking and fishing opportunities, as well as hiking and backpacking trails.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both located in the United States, but they have very different climates and weather patterns. The weather in these two parks can greatly affect when is the best time of year to visit.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas, and the weather can be quite hot during the summer months. The park’s high temperature in the summer can reach up to 100°F (38°C) and above, with little to no shade available on the trails, making it challenging for visitors to hike and explore the park. The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is during the spring and fall months when the temperatures are milder. The park also has a mild winter, with high temperatures usually in the 60s and low 70s Fahrenheit, making it a good time to visit for those who can tolerate the cold temperatures.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and experiences a subarctic climate. The weather in the park can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to the mid-50s Fahrenheit (around 15°C) in the summer. The park’s weather also can be rainy, and visitors should be prepared for it. The best time to visit Kenai Fjords National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is milder and the days are longer. The park also offers a unique opportunity to see the wildlife, like whales and sea otters, during the summer months.
In summary, the best time to visit Big Bend National Park is during the spring and fall months when the temperatures are milder, while the best time to visit Kenai Fjords National Park is during the summer months when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Visitors should be prepared for the hot and sunny weather in Big Bend and the unpredictable and often rainy weather in Kenai Fjords.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Both Big Bend National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are great options for families looking to experience the natural beauty of the United States, however, the type of activities and the difficulty level of the park may vary depending on your family’s preferences and the age of the children.
Big Bend National Park is considered to be a great option for families with children as it offers a variety of easy and moderate hikes, scenic drives and ranger-led programs that are suitable for families with children of all ages. The park also offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations, such as campsites and RV hookups, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds. Additionally, the park is home to several hot springs, which can be a great spot for families to relax and soak in the warm water. Overall, Big Bend National Park offers a variety of activities that are suitable for families with children of all ages, and the park’s relatively mild climate makes it a great destination year-round.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is considered to be a more challenging destination for families with children, as the park’s rugged coastal landscapes and abundant wildlife can be quite strenuous, and the weather can be quite unpredictable. Many of the park’s activities, such as hiking on glaciers or taking a boat tour to see wildlife, can be quite difficult for young children or elderly family members. That being said, the park offers ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and tours, which can be a great way for families with children to experience the park’s natural beauty in a safe and educational way. Overall, while Kenai Fjords National Park is a great destination for families who are looking for an adventure, it may be more challenging for families with young children or elderly family members.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is considered to be a more family-friendly destination as it offers a variety of easy and moderate hikes, scenic drives and ranger-led programs that are suitable for families with children of all ages. Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is considered to be a more challenging destination for families with children, with activities that are more strenuous and the weather can be unpredictable.