Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most unique and captivating national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of natural wonders, from stunning landscapes to ancient fossils and rock formations. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for an adventure, these two parks have something to offer for everyone.
Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, is a vast and rugged desert landscape with towering mountains and canyons. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park also offers a glimpse into the history of the area, with ancient Native American rock art and historical ranch sites.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is a fascinating landscape of colorful rock formations and ancient petrified wood. The park’s centerpiece is the petrified forest, a collection of fallen trees that have been turned to stone over time. There are also several hiking trails through the park, which offer great views of the colorful rock formations. The park also offers a glimpse into the history of the area, with ancient Native American rock art and historic sites.
So, whether you’re looking to explore the rugged beauty of the desert, or discover the ancient history hidden in the rock formations, both Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are worth a visit. With so much to see and do, these two parks will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both known for their diverse landscapes and hiking trails, but they offer different experiences.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is known for its rugged terrain and backcountry hiking trails. Some of the most popular hikes include the Chisos Basin Loop, which offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains, and the South Rim Trail, which takes hikers along the edge of a 1,500-foot cliff. For more experienced hikers, the Outer Mountain Loop is a challenging, backcountry hike that takes you through the heart of the Chisos Mountains.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in the semi-arid badlands of northeastern Arizona. The park is famous for its colorful badlands, petrified logs, and ancient ruins. Some of the easiest hikes include the Crystal Forest Trail, which is a short, paved trail that takes you through a forest of petrified logs, and the Giant Logs Trail, which is a 0.3-mile loop that takes you past some of the largest petrified logs in the park. For more experienced hikers, the Blue Mesa Trail is a challenging, backcountry hike that takes you through the heart of the badlands.
Overall, Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged backcountry hiking trails that offer stunning views of the desert landscape, while Petrified Forest National Park is known for its easy and short trails that take you through the colorful badlands and petrified logs. Both parks are great places to visit for hikers of all skill levels, but Big Bend National Park may be more suitable for families with children who are looking for a more challenging hiking experience.
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 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 Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both home to a wide variety of wildlife. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of animals, birds, and plants in their natural habitats. However, the types of wildlife and the habitats they can be found in differ between the two parks.
Big Bend National Park is located in the desert and is home to a variety of desert-adapted animals. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include mule deer, javelina, mountain lions, black bears, and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including golden eagles, roadrunners, and peregrine falcons. The park’s desert landscape is also home to a wide variety of cacti and other desert plants, including agave, yucca, and prickly pear cactus.
Petrified Forest National Park is located in the semi-arid grassland and is home to a variety of grassland-adapted animals. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include pronghorn, elk, bison, and coyotes. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including turkey vultures, sage grouse, and golden eagles. The park’s grassland landscape is also home to a wide variety of grasses and other plants, including sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and cacti.
In summary, Big Bend National Park has a diverse range of animals and plants that are adapted to the desert environment, while Petrified Forest National Park has a diverse range of animals and plants that are adapted to the semi-arid grassland environment. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife and plants in their natural habitats, making them both great places to visit for nature enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend 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
| Big Bend 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 |
| Deer Mouse | Raccoon |
| Raccoon | Black Bear |
| Black Bear | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Gray Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Badger |
| American Badger | California Myotis |
| California Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Fringed Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Desert Kingsnake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Texas Nightsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Mexican Milksnake | Nightsnake |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Milksnake |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | Striped Whipsnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Glossy Snake | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both incredibly diverse and offer a wide range of natural features to explore.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscapes. Some of the most famous landscapes at the park include the Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande, and the Santa Elena Canyon. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views from the park’s numerous overlooks.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in northeastern Arizona and is known for its vast expanses of colorful petrified wood, as well as its badlands, and painted desert. Some of the most famous landscapes at the park include the Painted Desert, the Crystal Forest, and the Blue Mesa. Visitors can also enjoy hiking through the park’s backcountry, where they can see ancient petroglyphs and ruins.
Both parks are great for visitors who love to explore the outdoors and experience unique and diverse landscapes. While Big Bend National Park offers a more rugged and remote experience, Petrified Forest National Park is better suited for visitors who prefer a more developed experience with facilities and more maintained trails.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Each park offers a unique set of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
At Big Bend National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, bird watching, and stargazing. There are over 150 miles of backcountry trails that offer breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande. The park also offers guided ranger-led tours and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful badlands, petrified wood, and ancient ruins. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park and stop at various overlooks to take in the stunning views. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, some of which lead to ancient ruins and petroglyphs. The park also offers guided ranger-led tours and educational programs to help visitors understand the park’s rich history and geology.
Both Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a unique set of activities and experiences. Big Bend is a great destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts while Petrified Forest is great for those who are interested in geology, ancient history, and natural beauty. Both parks can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, but it depends on the individual interests and preferences.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are located in two very different regions of the United States, which results in significant differences in the seasonal weather patterns at the two parks.
Big Bend National Park is located in southwest Texas and is known for its hot summers and mild winters. The park typically experiences high temperatures during the summer months, with average highs in the upper 90s Fahrenheit (around 36°C) in July and August. The park also receives very little precipitation during the summer, with an average of less than an inch of rain during the summer months. The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is from November to April, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is more likely.
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona and experiences a much different climate than Big Bend. The park experiences hot summers, with average highs in the upper 90s Fahrenheit (around 36°C) in July and August, but also has cool winters, with average lows in the mid-20s Fahrenheit (-4°C) in December and January. The park also receives more precipitation than Big Bend, with an average of around 6 inches of rain per year. The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is from April to October, when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of snow or ice on the park’s roads.
In conclusion, Big Bend National Park is best visited from November to April, while Petrified Forest National Park is best visited from April to October. The climate and weather patterns of each park are different, and the best time to visit each park will depend on what type of weather you prefer.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Big Bend National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but each park offers unique experiences for visitors.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged terrain and spectacular views of the Chisos Mountains, as well as its diverse plant and animal life. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including some that are easy enough for children to enjoy. The park also offers ranger-led activities and Junior Ranger programs for kids.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful petrified wood and ancient fossils. The park offers several short and easy hikes, such as the Giant Logs Trail and the Crystal Forest Trail, that are suitable for families. The park also offers ranger-led activities and a Junior Ranger program.
Overall, both parks are great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors and learn about the natural world. However, if your family is particularly interested in hiking and rugged terrain, Big Bend National Park might be a better choice, while Petrified Forest National Park would be ideal for families who are more interested in fossils and petrified wood.