Are you looking for an adventure that will take you from the red-rock hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park to the vast, remote wilderness of Kobuk Valley National Park? These two national parks may be worlds apart in terms of their geography, but they both offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Bryce Canyon is known for its unique geological formations, while Kobuk Valley is home to the largest sand dunes in the Arctic. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor, these parks have something to offer for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between these two national treasures and discover which one is the perfect fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park:
– Bryce Canyon National Park offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Rim Trail, which is a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail that offers stunning views of the park’s hoodoos, and the Bristlecone Loop Trail, which is a short, 0.5-mile trail that takes visitors through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines.
– Some of the more strenuous hikes in the park include the Navajo Loop Trail, which is a 1.3-mile trail that descends into the heart of the hoodoos, and the Peekaboo Loop Trail, which is a 5.5-mile trail that takes visitors through a series of narrow slot canyons.
Kobuk Valley National Park:
– Kobuk Valley National Park offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors, ranging from easy to strenuous. The park is also home to the longest sand dune system in the Arctic, the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes.
– Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Kobuk Valley Wilderness Walk, which is a 0.5-mile trail that takes visitors through the park’s scenic landscape and the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which visitors can walk on and explore.
– Some of the more strenuous hikes in the park include the 17-mile round trip hike to the top of the Serpentine Hot Springs and the 17-mile round trip hike to the top of the Hunt Mountain. Both hikes are strenuous and require proper planning and gear.
It’s important to note that park regulations and weather conditions can affect the accessibility of some trails, visitors should check with the park for updates before planning their visit.
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 Kobuk Valley 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both known for their unique natural beauty, but the types of wildlife that can be seen in each park are quite different.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, mountain lions, and coyotes. Visitors may also see smaller mammals such as rock squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots. Birds that are commonly seen in the park include golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and various species of hawks and owls. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including lizards, snakes and the Utah Prairie dog, which is a type of rodent that is native to the area. The park also has a variety of plant species which include pinion pine, juniper, sagebrush, and many types of wildflowers.
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in northern Alaska, is known for its vast expanses of wilderness and its remote location. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, and caribou. Visitors may also see smaller mammals such as Arctic ground squirrels, red foxes, and marmots. Birds that are commonly seen in the park include rough-legged hawks, golden eagles, and gyrfalcons. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including lizards, snakes and the pika, which is a type of rodent that is native to the area. The park also has a variety of plant species which include tundra, mosses, and lichens.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its wide variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, mountain lions, and coyotes, and various species of birds. Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its vast expanses of wilderness and remote location, and its wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, and caribou, and various species of birds.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Savannah Sparrow |
| Barn Swallow | American Kestrel |
| Savannah Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
| Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
| American Kestrel | Green-Winged Teal |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Shoveler |
| American Wigeon | Golden Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Bobcat | Porcupine |
| Striped Skunk | Red Fox |
| Little Brown Bat | Mink |
| Deer Mouse | Wolf |
| Raccoon | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Snowshoe Hare |
| Porcupine | River Otter |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Common Shrew |
| Hoary Bat | Red Squirrel |
| Red Fox | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Lynx |
| House Mouse | Wolverine |
| Mountain Lion | American Marten |
| Mule Deer | Grizzly Bear |
| Common Gray Fox | Moose |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Least Weasel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
| American Badger | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Alaskan Stickleback | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two national parks that offer visitors a chance to experience vastly different landscapes.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah and is known for its unique geological formations known as hoodoos. Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that have been formed by erosion. The park has several viewpoints that offer spectacular views of the hoodoos, including Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunset Point. The park also has several hiking trails, including the Rim Trail and the Queen’s Garden Trail, that offer visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the hoodoos.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Alaska and is known for its vast wilderness and remote location. The park is home to the Kobuk River, which is one of the largest undammed rivers in the United States, and the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which are the largest sand dunes in the Arctic. The park is also home to caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, and other wildlife. The park has several hiking trails, including the Kobuk Valley Overlook Trail and the Caribou Trail, that offer visitors the chance to experience the park’s wilderness and wildlife.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique geological formations and spectacular views, while Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its vast wilderness and remote location. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the American West, but in vastly different ways. Visitors to Bryce Canyon will be able to enjoy the park’s unique hoodoos, while visitors to Kobuk Valley will be able to experience the park’s vast wilderness and remote location.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both popular tourist destinations, but the types of activities that visitors can participate in are quite different.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its unique geologic formations and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, with many trails winding through the park’s hoodoos and rock formations, including the popular Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden trails. Visitors can also take scenic drives through the park, and enjoy camping and picnicking. There are also guided ranger walks and talks, stargazing programs and Ranger led tours that are available for visitors.
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in northern Alaska, is known for its vast wilderness and remote location. Visitors can participate in a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, backpacking, and camping. The park’s main attraction is the Kobuk River, which is a popular destination for river rafting and kayaking. Visitors can also enjoy flightseeing tours, which provide a unique perspective of the park’s landscape. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with visitors often seeing grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, and caribou.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique geologic formations, hiking and scenic drives, camping, picnicking and ranger-led tours, while Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its vast wilderness, river rafting and kayaking, flightseeing tours, and wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park:
– Bryce Canyon National Park has a high desert climate, which means that summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snowy. The park receives most of its precipitation in the form of snow, with an average of over 100 inches of snowfall per year.
– The best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park is during the spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild and the park’s wildflowers and fall foliage are in bloom. During the summer, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it difficult for visitors to hike and explore the park.
– The park is also open all year long, but the facilities and services are limited during the winter and some roads may be closed due to snow and ice.
Kobuk Valley National Park:
– Kobuk Valley National Park is located in the Arctic and has a subarctic climate. The temperature can drop as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter and reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer.
– The best time to visit the park is during the summer when the weather is milder and the park’s facilities and services are available. Visitors can also experience the midnight sun and the park’s famous sand dunes. Winter access is by air only and it’s important to be properly equipped for the harsh conditions.
– The park is also open all year long, but the facilities and services are limited during the winter and some trails may be closed due to snow and ice.
It’s important to note that park regulations and weather conditions can affect the accessibility of some trails, visitors should check with the park for updates before planning their visit.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world, but they are quite different in terms of accessibility and family-friendliness.
Bryce Canyon National Park is generally considered to be more family-friendly than Kobuk Valley National Park. The park has several paved roads and well-maintained hiking trails that are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. The park also has several visitor centers and ranger-led programs that provide educational opportunities for visitors, including children. There are also several picnic areas and campgrounds available for visitors.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness area that is not as easily accessible to visitors as Bryce Canyon National Park. The park has no roads and is only accessible by small aircraft, boat or on foot. The park also has no visitor centers or ranger-led programs, and the park’s hiking trails are rugged and remote. The park is also not as well-suited for visitors with limited mobility or small children.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is more family-friendly than Kobuk Valley National Park, as it offers paved roads, well-maintained hiking trails, visitor centers, ranger-led programs, picnic areas and campgrounds. However, Kobuk Valley National Park is a remote wilderness area that is not as easily accessible and not as well-suited for visitors with limited mobility or small children. If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, Bryce Canyon National Park is the better choice, but if you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience, Kobuk Valley National Park might be the one.