Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most unique and captivating national parks in the United States. While one showcases the stunning beauty of towering mesas and deep canyons, the other transports visitors back in time with its ancient fossilized trees. These two parks offer a contrast of experiences, but both are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff, looking out over the sprawling landscape of Canyonlands, or walking among the petrified logs that have been preserved for millions of years in Petrified Forest. The choice is yours, but whichever park you choose, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime. So, pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to explore the wonders of Canyonlands and Petrified Forest National Parks!
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park both offer a diverse range of hiking trails, each with its own unique features and challenges. Canyonlands is known for its rugged terrain and challenging hikes, with trails that lead through canyons, up mesas, and to stunning overlooks. Some of the hardest hikes in Canyonlands include the Chesler Park Loop, which is a strenuous 11-mile trail that takes visitors through a maze of sandstone fins, and the Peekaboo Trail, a 5.2-mile hike that involves steep climbs and narrow ledges.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, has a mix of easy and moderate trails that offer a variety of experiences, from scenic walks through ancient forests to hikes that take visitors to the top of mesas for panoramic views. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Giant Logs Trail, a 0.3-mile trail that takes visitors past some of the largest petrified logs in the park. The park’s hardest hike is the Blue Mesa Trail, a 3.2-mile trail that takes visitors to the top of a mesa for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a range of hiking trails to suit all levels of experience and fitness. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, both parks have something to offer. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and always follow park rules and regulations for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Arch Trail | 965.604 | 18.8976 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand View Point Trail | 2896.812 | 52.7304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chesler Park Loop Trail | 18668.344 | 589.788 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| False Kiva Trail | 3057.746 | 136.8552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail | 2414.01 | 91.7448 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Aztec Butte Trail | 2092.142 | 66.7512 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Druid Arch Trail | 15288.73 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Shafer Trail | 30899.328 | 949.7568 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| White Rim Overlook Trail | 2896.812 | 48.768 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Syncline Loop | 13840.324 | 496.824 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
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 Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both home to a diverse range of wildlife, each with its own unique species of animals, birds, and plants.
Canyonlands is located in the high desert and is home to a variety of mammals, including coyotes, pronghorns, and desert bighorn sheep. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds, including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and American kestrel. The park’s vegetation is primarily composed of desert shrubs and cacti, such as creosote bush, yucca, and prickly pear cactus.
Petrified Forest National Park is located in the semi-arid grasslands and is home to a variety of mammals, including pronghorns, black-tailed jackrabbits, and coyotes. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 150 species of birds, including the greater roadrunner, western meadowlark, and northern harrier. The park’s vegetation is primarily composed of grasses and shrubs, such as sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and saltbrush.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife, with each park having its own special species of animals, birds, and plants. Whether you’re interested in desert mammals or grassland birds, both parks have something to offer for wildlife enthusiasts. Just be sure to keep a safe distance from wildlife and always follow park rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable wildlife viewing experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands 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
| Canyonlands 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 |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Wolf |
| American Mink | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Badger |
| Common Gray Fox | California Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| American Badger | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Ermine | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| California Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Western Rattlesnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Common Kingsnake | Nightsnake |
| Nightsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Milksnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Tree Lizard | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Glossy Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both known for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders that leave visitors in awe.
Canyonlands National Park is famous for its towering mesas, deep canyons, and breathtaking overlooks. The park’s most famous landscape is the Island in the Sky, a flat-topped mesa that offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and mesas. Another popular destination is the Needles, a region of the park known for its towering rock formations and challenging hikes. Other natural wonders in the park include Upheaval Dome, a large circular depression thought to have been caused by a meteor impact, and the Colorado River, which runs through the park and offers opportunities for rafting and kayaking.
Petrified Forest National Park is famous for its ancient fossilized trees and colorful badlands. The park’s most famous landscape is the Painted Desert, a colorful landscape of red, yellow, and blue rock formations that stretch for miles. Another popular destination is the Crystal Forest, an area of the park where visitors can see petrified logs that have been preserved for millions of years. Other natural wonders in the park include the Blue Mesa, a mesa that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Teepee Rocks, a group of tall, cone-shaped rock formations.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a diverse range of landscapes and natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re looking for towering mesas or ancient fossilized trees, both parks have something to offer for nature lovers and landscape photographers.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences and attractions for visitors.
Canyonlands National Park:
– Hiking: There are numerous trails for all levels of hikers, offering scenic views of the park’s canyons, mesas, and rock formations.
– Camping: The park has several designated campgrounds for those who want to spend the night in the park.
– Rafting/Kayaking: The Colorado and Green Rivers run through Canyonlands, providing opportunities for rafting and kayaking trips.
– Scenic Drives: Visitors can drive along scenic roads to see the park’s diverse landscapes and take in the views.
Petrified Forest National Park:
– Hiking: There are several trails in the park, including the popular Painted Desert Rim Trail, which offers scenic views of the park’s colorful badlands.
– Scenic Drives: The park has a scenic drive that takes visitors through the park’s unique landscapes, including the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest.
– Fossil Hunting: Visitors are allowed to collect small amounts of petrified wood for personal use, making for a fun activity for those interested in geology and fossils.
– Ranger-led Programs: The park offers ranger-led programs, including walks and talks, for visitors to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.
Both parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic beauty, but Canyonlands is more geared towards outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and rafting, while Petrified Forest is more focused on scenic drives, ranger-led programs, and fossil hunting.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park both have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can greatly impact when is the best time to visit.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the high desert and experiences hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach well over 100°F, making it important to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow is not uncommon in the higher elevations of the park. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and clear skies that offer ideal conditions for hiking and exploring the park’s stunning landscapes.
Petrified Forest National Park is located in the semi-arid grasslands and experiences hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach the high 90s, and thunderstorms are not uncommon during the monsoon season, which typically runs from July to September. Winter temperatures are mild, with occasional snow and freezing temperatures. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and clear skies that offer ideal conditions for exploring the park’s stunning landscapes and ancient fossilized trees.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can greatly impact when is the best time to visit. If you’re planning a trip to either park, it’s important to consider the weather and plan your visit accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both great destinations for families looking to experience the beauty of nature and the great outdoors. However, each park offers a different type of experience, and one may be better suited for your family’s needs than the other.
Canyonlands National Park is a great destination for families who love adventure and are looking for a more rugged outdoor experience. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging, and the breathtaking landscapes and stunning vistas are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages. However, the park’s remote location and rough terrain can make it a bit challenging for families with young children or those who are not used to rugged outdoor environments.
Petrified Forest National Park is a great destination for families who love history and the natural sciences. The park’s unique landscapes and ancient fossilized trees are sure to spark the imagination of visitors of all ages. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate, and the park’s relatively flat terrain makes it a great destination for families with young children or those who are not used to rugged outdoor environments.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are great destinations for families looking to experience the beauty of nature and the great outdoors. However, the best park for your family will depend on your family’s interests and the type of outdoor experience you are looking for. If your family loves adventure and rugged outdoor environments, Canyonlands National Park may be the better choice. If your family loves history and the natural sciences, Petrified Forest National Park may be the better choice.