The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. From the towering peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park to the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s no shortage of natural wonders to explore. But what about the parks that are a little more off the beaten path? Two such parks are Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. These two parks offer a unique and exciting experience, but which one is right for you?
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote paradise located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. This park is home to crystal-clear waters, abundant wildlife, and historic Fort Jefferson, a massive brick fortress that played a key role in the Civil War. Meanwhile, Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is one of the most rugged and awe-inspiring parks in the country. From glaciers and fjords to whales and sea lions, this park is a true wilderness adventure.
So, which park is right for you? If you’re looking for a remote getaway filled with history, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, Dry Tortugas National Park is the perfect choice. But if you’re looking for a rugged adventure that will take you to the far reaches of the wilderness, Kenai Fjords National Park is the way to go. Read on to learn more about these two amazing parks!
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique hiking experiences. Dry Tortugas, located in Florida, is an island chain accessible only by boat or seaplane. The park is known for its clear waters, abundant sea life and historic Fort Jefferson, but it also has several hiking trails. The most popular hike is the Garden Key Trail, a 1-mile loop that takes you to the top of the island for scenic views of the surrounding waters. The hardest hike in the park is the Long Key Trail, a 3-mile round trip hike that takes you through mangrove forests and offers views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Kenai Fjords National Park, in Alaska, is known for its glaciers and wildlife. The park has several hiking trails, but most of the park’s hiking is done on the glaciers. The best and easiest hike in the park is the Exit Glacier Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the edge of the Exit glacier. The hardest hike in the park is the Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of the Harding Icefield for panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and fjords. The trail is strenuous, but the views are worth it.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
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 Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a chain of seven small islands located in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a popular destination for birdwatchers and snorkelers, who come to see the diverse bird species and underwater life in the area. Commonly seen animals include sea turtles, manatees, and a variety of fish species. The park is also home to several species of migratory birds, including frigatebirds, pelicans, and terns.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers and rich marine life. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including whales, sea otters, and seals. The park is also home to a diverse range of bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and murres. In addition to its wildlife, the park is also famous for its glaciers and ice formations, which can be seen from the park’s many hiking trails. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a scenic location, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and breathtaking experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas 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 |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Pintail |
| American Pipit | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| Killdeer | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Red Fox | |
| Mink | |
| Black-Tailed Deer | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| Northern River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Brown Bear | |
| Meadow Mouse | |
| Moose | |
| Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Red Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, is famous for Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fort in the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can take a ferry to the park and explore the fort, as well as go snorkeling and camping on the surrounding islands. The clear turquoise waters are home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, which give the park its name.
Kenai Fjords National Park, in Alaska, is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. The park is home to the Harding Icefield, which covers over 700 square miles and is one of the largest ice fields in the United States. Visitors can take boat tours to see the glaciers up close, or go kayaking and hiking in the park to see the glaciers and wildlife, including whales, sea otters, and seals.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are well worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic forts or breathtaking glaciers, Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of activities, but they are different in many ways. Dry Tortugas is located in the Gulf of Mexico, while Kenai Fjords is located in Alaska.
At Dry Tortugas, visitors can enjoy a range of water-based activities, including snorkeling, swimming, and boating. The park is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. Visitors can also take a ferry tour to Fort Jefferson, a historic fort located on an island in the park.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords is a popular destination for wildlife watching, especially for whales and sea otters. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these animals in their natural habitat, or they can go kayaking or fishing. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, with glaciers, fjords, and forests to explore.
Both parks offer unique experiences and provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy nature in their own way. Whether you prefer water-based activities or land-based activities, both Dry Tortugas and Kenai Fjords have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and spectacular landscapes, but the weather patterns in each park are very different.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Florida Keys and has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is from December to May, when the weather is warm and dry. During the summer months, the park can be hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska has a subarctic climate with cool temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is warmest and the park is accessible by boat. During the winter months, the park is covered in snow and ice, making it difficult to access.
The weather patterns in each park greatly affect when is the best time to visit. Dry Tortugas National Park is best visited during the winter and spring months, while Kenai Fjords National Park is best visited during the summer months. Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are sure to take your breath away, so be sure to plan your visit based on the seasonal weather patterns to get the most out of your experience.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both popular tourist destinations, but they cater to different audiences. Dry Tortugas is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a great destination for snorkeling, swimming, and birdwatching. On the other hand, Kenai Fjords is located in Alaska and is home to glaciers, fjords, and whales, making it a great destination for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Dry Tortugas is the better option for families with young children. The park has a sandy beach and calm waters, making it a great place for children to swim and play in the water. Additionally, there is a ferry that takes visitors from Key West to the park, so families don’t need to worry about navigating their own boat.
Kenai Fjords, while still a great destination for families, is better suited for older children or families who are looking for more of an adventure. The park is more remote and the activities offered, such as kayaking and hiking, require more physical exertion and skill. In addition, the wildlife in the park can be dangerous, so it’s important for families to take caution and follow park guidelines.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are great destinations for families, but Dry Tortugas is the better option for families with young children who are looking for a more relaxed and less physically demanding experience. Kenai Fjords is better suited for older children or families who are looking for an adventure.