Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park may seem vastly different at first glance, but both offer breathtaking natural beauty and unique outdoor experiences. Imagine hiking through the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, with their orange and pink hues casting a warm glow over the landscape, and compare that to the rugged glaciers and fjords of Kenai Fjords, where the icy blue water meets the towering snow-capped peaks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through a natural wonderland or a challenging backcountry adventure, these two parks offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to explore these two natural gems of the United States.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both known for their natural beauty and hiking opportunities, but the types of hiking trails available in each park are quite different.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations and colorful vistas. The park has a variety of hiking trails to choose from, with something for all skill levels. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Rim Trail, a paved trail that offers scenic views of the hoodoos, and the Bristlecone Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that winds through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines. Some of the more challenging hikes in the park include the Navajo Loop Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that descends into a narrow slot canyon, and the Peekaboo Loop Trail, a 5-mile trail that takes hikers through a series of steep switchbacks.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its rugged wilderness and spectacular coastal views. The park has a variety of hiking trails to choose from, with something for all skill levels. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Exit Glacier Nature Trail, a 1.8-mile trail that leads to the face of the Exit Glacier, and the Harding Icefield Trail, a 8.2-mile trail that takes hikers to an overlook of the Harding Icefield. Some of the more challenging hikes in the park include the North Face Trail, a 4.5-mile trail that climbs to the top of Mt. Marathon, and the Lost Lake Trail, a 8.4-mile trail that takes hikers through a rugged and remote wilderness.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, some of the easiest hikes include Rim Trail and Bristlecone Loop Trail, while some of the more challenging hikes include Navajo Loop Trail and Peekaboo Loop Trail. Kenai Fjords National Park also offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, some of the easiest hikes include Exit Glacier Nature Trail and Harding Icefield Trail, while some of the more challenging hikes include North Face Trail and Lost Lake Trail.
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 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 Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park:
– Wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park includes mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, elk, and many small mammals such as chipmunks, marmots and ground squirrels. The park also has a diverse bird population, with over 150 species of birds including the American dipper, the peregrine falcon and the white-throated swift.
– Additionally, Bryce Canyon is home to a variety of plants, including sagebrush, juniper, and pinyon pine trees. Wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush, lupines, and sego lilies can also be seen in the park, particularly in the spring and early summer.
Kenai Fjords National Park:
– Wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park includes marine mammals such as humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and seals, as well as land mammals like moose and black bears. The park is also home to many bird species including the bald eagle, the tufted puffin, and the common murre.
– The park also has a variety of plant life, including Sitka spruce, western hemlock and shore pine trees, as well as wildflowers and berries. Visitors can also see various types of moss, lichens and ferns in the park.
It is important to note that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed and visitors should be respectful of the animals and their habitat, and should follow park guidelines for wildlife viewing.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Bryce Canyon 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
| Bryce Canyon 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 |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Black Bear | Gray Wolf |
| Porcupine | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | California Myotis |
| Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Red Fox | Northern River Otter |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Masked Shrew |
| House Mouse | Red Squirrel |
| Mountain Lion | Montane Shrew |
| Mule Deer | Lynx |
| Common Gray Fox | Wolverine |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Marten |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| American Badger | Brown Bear |
| Ermine | Meadow Mouse |
| California Myotis | Moose |
| Snowshoe Hare | Pygmy Shrew |
Reptiles
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Redband Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Red Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both known for their natural beauty and spectacular landscapes, but the specific features that make each park famous are quite different.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations. These hoodoos are spire-shaped rock formations that stand several stories tall and are made up of colorful layers of rock. The park’s most famous landscape is the Bryce Amphitheater, a large natural amphitheater that is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos in the park. Visitors can view the hoodoos from several overlooks along the park’s scenic drive, or hike the park’s trails to get a closer look. The park is also known for its colorful sunsets and sunrises, which cast a warm glow over the hoodoos and create some of the most photographed landscapes in the park.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its rugged wilderness and spectacular coastal views. The park’s most famous landscape is the Harding Icefield, a massive icefield that covers over 300 square miles and is the source of 38 glaciers. Visitors can hike the Harding Icefield Trail to get a closer look at the icefield, or take a boat tour to see glaciers calving into the sea. The park is also known for its wildlife, including whales, sea otters, and seals. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these animals in their natural habitats. The park also offers scenic vistas of the Kenai Mountains, which rise over 7,000 feet above sea level, and the park’s many fjords, which are deep and narrow inlets of the sea that are surrounded by steep cliffs.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations, particularly the Bryce Amphitheater, and is famous for its colorful sunsets and sunrises. Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its rugged wilderness, spectacular coastal views, Harding Icefield, wildlife viewing and scenic vistas of the Kenai Mountains and the park’s many fjords.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park:
– Hiking is the most popular activity at Bryce Canyon National Park, with visitors able to explore the park’s many trails and hike through the hoodoos and other unique rock formations.
– Photography is also a popular activity, as visitors can capture the park’s beautiful landscapes and unique geology.
– Ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and stargazing events, are also available to visitors.
Kenai Fjords National Park:
– Boat tours are the most popular activity at Kenai Fjords National Park, as visitors can take a cruise to see the park’s glaciers and marine wildlife.
– Hiking is also a popular activity, with visitors able to explore the park’s backcountry trails and see the park’s glaciers and fjords from a different perspective.
– Fishing is also a popular activity in the park, with visitors able to catch salmon and other species of fish in the park’s waters.
– Ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and wildlife viewing, are also available to visitors.
It is important to note that weather, season and park regulations can affect the availability of certain activities, visitors should check with the park for updates before planning their visit.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both located in the western United States and are known for their spectacular natural beauty, but the seasonal weather at each park is quite different.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah and has a high desert climate. The park’s elevation ranges from 6,620 to 9,115 feet above sea level. The park is known for its hot summers and mild winters. The summer months of June, July and August are the warmest, with temperatures reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit during the day and dropping to the 40s and 50s at night. Spring and Fall are the best time to visit the park as the weather is mild and the park is less crowded.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and has a maritime subarctic climate. The park’s elevation ranges from sea level to 6,390 feet above sea level. The park is known for its cool summers and cold winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are the warmest, with temperatures reaching into the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit during the day and dropping to the 40s at night. The park is also known for its heavy rainfall during summer months. The best time to visit the park is from May to September when weather is mild, and the park is less crowded.
In summary, while both Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the American West, the seasonal weather at each park is quite different. Bryce Canyon National Park has hot summers and mild winters, while Kenai Fjords National Park has cool summers and cold winters. Spring and Fall are the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park, while May to September is the best time to visit Kenai Fjords National Park. It’s important to consider the weather when planning your visit to either of these parks, as it can affect your experience and enjoyment of the park’s natural beauty.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both great places to visit, but they offer different experiences and have different levels of family-friendliness.
Bryce Canyon National Park is considered to be a more family-friendly option as it offers a wide range of activities that are suitable for families with children. The park has several well-maintained hiking trails that are easy to moderate in difficulty, and many of the park’s overlooks can be easily accessed by car. The park also offers ranger-led programs, guided tours and other educational activities that are suitable for children. Additionally, the park’s visitors center has interactive exhibits and educational materials that are designed to appeal to children.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is considered to be a more challenging option for families with children. The park’s rugged wilderness and remote location make it more difficult to access and explore. While the park does offer some easy hiking trails and guided boat tours, much of the park’s beauty can only be fully experienced by taking a strenuous hike or by taking a boat tour. Many of the park’s most spectacular landscapes, such as the Harding Icefield, can only be reached by taking a strenuous hike that may not be suitable for young children. Additionally, the park’s wildlife viewing opportunities can be limited, especially for those who are not comfortable with strenuous hiking.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is considered to be a more family-friendly option as it offers a wide range of activities that are suitable for families with children, while Kenai Fjords National Park is considered to be a more challenging option as it requires more strenuous hikes and boat tours to see the park’s most spectacular landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.