Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two vastly different national parks, both offering unique experiences for visitors. Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, is a maritime national park known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a desert national park known for its colorful badlands, petrified logs, and ancient fossils. Both parks offer a unique glimpse into the natural world, but in completely different ways. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a fun outdoor adventure, a visit to both Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park is sure to leave you in awe and wanting more. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through two of America’s most captivating national parks.
Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both unique in their own way and offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Biscayne National Park is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida and is primarily made up of water. The park offers a variety of aquatic activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking, but also has a few hiking trails for visitors to explore. The easiest hike in the park is the short, half-mile long, Anhinga Trail, which takes visitors through a mangrove forest and offers the chance to see a variety of birds and other wildlife. The hardest hike in the park is the 7.5-mile long, Cape Florida Trail, which takes visitors through a mangrove forest and over a rocky coastline.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and is known for its colorful badlands, petrified logs, and ancient ruins. The park has a variety of hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s unique geology and history. The easiest hike in the park is the short, 0.3-mile long, Giant Logs Trail, which takes visitors past some of the largest petrified logs in the park. The hardest hike in the park is the 8.0-mile long, Blue Mesa Trail, which takes visitors through a colorful badlands and offers views of the park’s unique geology.
Overall, Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both great places to visit for hiking, but offer different types of trails. Biscayne National Park offers visitors the chance to explore a unique coastal environment and Petrified Forest National Park offers visitors the chance to explore a unique desert environment.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park Walk | 15932.466 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Creek Canal Trail | 2735.878 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Jetty Trail | 1448.406 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Boca Chita Trail | 1287.472 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 3 |
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 Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be commonly seen at each park are quite different.
Biscayne National Park is located on the east coast of Florida, and is primarily made up of waterways and mangrove forests. As a result, the park is home to a wide variety of aquatic life, including dolphins, manatees, and a wide variety of fish species. In addition, there are also many bird species that can be seen at the park, such as ospreys, egrets, and herons. The park is also home to many reptiles, including American crocodiles and sea turtles.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in northeastern Arizona and is best known for its vast expanses of petrified wood. The park is also home to a wide variety of plant life, including cacti, sagebrush, and wildflowers. In terms of wildlife, visitors to the park may be able to spot pronghorn antelopes, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species, such as the peregrine falcon and the golden eagle. In addition, the park is home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including desert tortoises and the Great Basin collared lizard.
Overall, Biscayne National Park is a great destination for families looking to explore the aquatic life of Florida and observe the wide variety of bird species, while Petrified Forest National Park is ideal for those looking to explore the unique desert landscape and see wildlife like pronghorn antelopes and bighorn sheep.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Biscayne 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 |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Mallard |
| American Robin | Canada Goose |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Merlin | American Robin |
| Barn Swallow | Great Horned Owl |
| Savannah Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Flicker |
| American Kestrel | Merlin |
| Bald Eagle | Barn Swallow |
| Song Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| European Starling | Great Blue Heron |
| Northern Pintail | Hermit Thrush |
| American Wigeon | American Kestrel |
| American Pipit | Bald Eagle |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Song Sparrow |
| Killdeer | European Starling |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Northern Pintail |
| Red-Winged Blackbird | American Wigeon |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Biscayne National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | Coyote |
| Striped Skunk | Big Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Bobcat |
| House Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Common Gray Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Deer Mouse |
| White-Tailed Deer | Raccoon |
| Virginia Opossum | Black Bear |
| Black Rat | Porcupine |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Least Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse |
Fish
| Biscayne National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Bluegill | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Common Carp | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Insects
| Biscayne National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Reptiles
| Biscayne National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Biscayne National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer visitors two very different landscapes to explore. Biscayne National Park is located on the east coast of Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and diverse array of marine life. Visitors can explore the park by boat or by snorkeling and diving in the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay. The park is also home to a variety of bird species and the unique mangrove forests.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona and is famous for its vast fields of colorful petrified wood. The park is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by car or by taking a scenic drive through the park. The park also boasts of beautiful badlands, deserts and scenic overlooks, providing a unique geological and paleontological window into the past. Both of the parks offer a unique and distinct experience that will leave visitors with lasting memories.
Things To-Do and Activities in Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer vastly different experiences for visitors. Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, is primarily known for its crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Popular activities at Biscayne National Park include snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and boat tours. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking and camping on one of the park’s many islands.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is known for its colorful badlands and petrified wood. The park offers several hiking trails that take visitors through the badlands and to various viewpoints of the petrified wood. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park to see the different landscapes and rock formations. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led tours and talks on the geology and history of the area. In terms of family-friendliness, Biscayne National Park may be more suitable for families with older children who are comfortable in the water, while Petrified Forest National Park is a great option for families with children of all ages who enjoy hiking and exploring natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both unique in their own ways, with different types of weather and seasons to consider when planning a visit.
Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and experiences a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and high humidity. The park’s peak season is from December to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer months can be very hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms, so it is best to avoid visiting during this time.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona and has a desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. The park’s peak season is during the summer, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for hiking and other outdoor activities. Winter months can be cold, with occasional snowfall, so it is best to avoid visiting during this time.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, Petrified Forest National Park is known for its colorful petrified wood and ancient ruins, while Biscayne National Park is known for its coral reefs and marine life. When planning a visit, it is best to consider the climate and the specific activities you wish to do before deciding which park to visit.
Family Friendliness of Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Biscayne National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both unique and beautiful national parks with much to offer visitors of all ages, but they are quite different in terms of what they have to offer. Biscayne National Park is located in Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. It offers activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours that allow visitors to explore the park’s underwater world. It also has a few hiking trails and picnic areas, but the main focus is on marine activities.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and is known for its colorful badlands and petrified wood. The park has several hiking trails and scenic drives that allow visitors to explore the park’s unique landscapes. It also has a visitor center with exhibits about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife. The park also has a Junior Ranger program for children that allows them to learn about the park in a fun and interactive way.
Both parks are great for families, but the activities and the experience will be quite different. Biscayne National Park may be more suitable for families with older children who are interested in marine life and water activities, while Petrified Forest National Park may be more suitable for families with children of all ages who are interested in geology, history, and hiking.