Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most diverse and spectacular national parks in the United States. Bryce Canyon is known for its otherworldly hoodoos, the tall, thin spires of rock that rise up from the canyon floor, while Katmai is famous for its grizzly bears, brown bears, and sockeye salmon that can be found in Brooks River. If you’re looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, then you’ll find that Bryce Canyon and Katmai have plenty to offer, but they are vastly different in terms of their geology, flora and fauna. While Bryce Canyon is a desert park with unique rock formation, Katmai is a wilderness park with diverse wildlife, especially bears, and a variety of landscapes including mountains, glaciers, and wetlands. The contrast between the two parks is what makes them both so special and unique, visiting one is like visiting two different worlds.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Bryce Canyon National Park:
– The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park from the rim of the canyon, and the Mossy Cave Trail, which is a short, 0.8-mile round-trip hike to a small waterfall and cave. One of the most challenging hikes in the park is the Peekaboo Loop, a 5.5-mile loop trail that takes hikers deep into the hoodoos and offers a strenuous climb with steep switchbacks.
Katmai National Park & Preserve:
– The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry routes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Brooks Camp Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop that takes visitors through the heart of the Brooks Camp, and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the site of the eruption of Novarupta in 1912. One of the most challenging hikes in the park is the Dumpling Mountain Trail, a 12-mile round-trip hike that climbs to the summit of Dumpling Mountain for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area.
It is important to note that Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged wilderness, and visitors should be prepared for challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. The park is also known for its bears, and visitors should take appropriate precautions and follow park guidelines when hiking in bear country.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail | 4184.284 | 189.8904 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Fairyland Loop Trail | 11909.116 | 469.6968 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Peekaboo Loop Trail | 8368.568 | 442.8744 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Navajo Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 139.9032 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 175.8696 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Sunset Point to Sunrise Point | 1770.274 | 24.9936 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail | 1609.34 | 35.9664 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Queen Victoria via Queen’s Garden Loop | 3379.614 | 123.7488 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tower Bridge Trail | 5471.756 | 251.7648 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail) | 10138.842 | 456.8952 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both known for their diverse wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park are quite different.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah and is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations and colorful vistas. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. Other common mammals in the park include coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the American goldfinch, mountain bluebird, and the violet-green swallow. Common plant species in the park include pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged wilderness and abundant wildlife. The park is home to a large population of brown bears, as well as wolves, wolverines, and lynx. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the common loon. Common plant species in the park include cottonwood, alder, and willow.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations, colorful vistas and it’s home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. Birds such as American goldfinch, mountain bluebird, and the violet-green swallow can also be seen. While Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged wilderness, abundant wildlife, and large population of brown bears, as well as wolves, wolverines, and lynx. Birds such as bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the common loon can also be seen. The plants in both parks are different, but in Bryce Canyon you can find pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush, while in Katmai you can find cottonwood, alder, and willow.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | American Wigeon |
| Northern Pintail | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Gray Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Varying Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Northern River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Masked Shrew |
| Red Fox | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Montane Shrew |
| House Mouse | Lynx |
| Mountain Lion | Wolverine |
| Mule Deer | American Marten |
| Common Gray Fox | Grizzly Bear |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Meadow Vole |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Moose |
| American Badger | Least Weasel |
| Ermine | Pygmy Shrew |
| California Myotis | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern Bog Lemming |
Reptiles
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink |
Fish
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Redband Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its otherworldly hoodoos, the tall, thin spires of rock that rise up from the canyon floor. The park’s main attraction is the Bryce Amphitheater, a natural bowl-shaped depression that is home to the largest collection of hoodoos in the park. Visitors can take the Rim Trail, a scenic drive that winds its way along the rim of the canyon, providing breathtaking views of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape. Other popular landmarks in the park include Thor’s Hammer, a unique hoodoo formation, and the Natural Bridge, a natural arch that spans a small stream.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse wildlife. The park is home to the Brooks River, which is the most famous area of the park and is known for its large population of grizzly bears and brown bears that come to the river to catch sockeye salmon. The Brooks River also has an observation platform and boardwalks for visitors to watch the bears from a safe distance. Another famous landmark in the park is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an ash-filled valley formed by the eruption of Novarupta volcano in 1912. The valley is home to a variety of volcanic features, including fumaroles, which are vents that emit steam and volcanic gases. The park also have the Brooks Camp which is a popular spot for visitors to access the Brooks River and watch bears.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique rock formation called hoodoos and other natural wonders such as Thor’s Hammer and Natural Bridge, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged wilderness, diverse wildlife, especially bears, and volcanic features such as the Brooks River and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the American West.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both popular national parks, but the most popular activities at each park are quite different.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations and colorful vistas. Visitors to the park enjoy hiking, with some of the most popular trails being the Rim Trail, the Bristlecone Loop Trail, and the Navajo Loop Trail. Other popular activities at the park include scenic drives, stargazing, and ranger-led programs. Visitors can also enjoy camping and picnicking at the park.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its rugged wilderness and abundant wildlife. Visitors to the park enjoy wildlife viewing, with the most popular activity being bear-watching in Brooks Camp. Other popular activities include fishing, hiking, and backpacking. Visitors can also enjoy camping and picnicking at the park.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations, colorful vistas, and visitors enjoy activities such as hiking, scenic drives, stargazing and ranger-led programs, camping and picnicking. While Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged wilderness and abundant wildlife, the most popular activity is bear-watching in Brooks camp, fishing, hiking, and backpacking, camping, and picnicking are also enjoyed by visitors.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Bryce Canyon National Park:
– The park has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F (32°C) during the day and drop to around 40°F (4°C) at night. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall.
– Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the park, as the temperatures are mild and the park’s colorful rock formations are at their most vibrant.
Katmai National Park & Preserve:
– The park has a subarctic climate, with mild summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 60°F (16°C) during the day and drop to around 40°F (4°C) at night. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with heavy snowfall and strong winds.
– The park is best visited during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s wildlife is most active. This is also the best time to see the park’s bears, as they are most active during the salmon runs in July and September.
It is important to note that the weather in both parks can be unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions. Visitors should also be aware of the park’s specific weather hazards such as thunderstorms, flash floods, snow and freezing conditions.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve both offer visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the American West, however, they differ in terms of their level of family-friendliness.
Bryce Canyon National Park is generally considered to be more family-friendly than Katmai National Park & Preserve. The park offers a variety of activities that are suitable for children of all ages, such as hiking along the Rim Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program, which is an educational program that encourages children to learn about the natural and cultural resources of the park. Additionally, the park has several visitor centers, picnic areas, and campgrounds, which are great options for families who are looking to spend a day or more in the park.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, while offering visitors the opportunity to experience the rugged wilderness and diverse wildlife of Alaska, is generally considered to be less family-friendly than Bryce Canyon National Park. The park is remote and can be difficult to access, and many of the park’s activities and facilities are geared towards adult visitors. The park has a high level of bear activity, so visitors need to be prepared to take necessary precautions. The park’s main attraction, the Brooks River, is known for its large population of grizzly bears and brown bears, which can be dangerous if not respected and approached with caution, it might not be suitable for younger children. Additionally, the park has limited facilities and services, which may not be as convenient for families with young children.
In summary, while both Bryce Canyon National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the American West, Bryce Canyon National Park is generally considered to be more family-friendly than Katmai National Park & Preserve. If you’re traveling with children, Bryce Canyon National Park might be a better option, due to its variety of activities and facilities that are suitable for children of all ages and its more accessible location. But if you’re looking for a more rugged wilderness experience, Katmai National Park & Preserve is still a great option, just be prepared and make sure to take necessary precautions and be aware of the park’s bear activity before you visit.