Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most unique and captivating parks in America. While both are protected lands, they couldn’t be more different from each other. Dry Tortugas is a remote tropical paradise located off the coast of Florida, where turquoise waters and historic forts mix together to create a breathtaking experience. Meanwhile, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a rolling landscape of multi-hued rock formations and ancient fossils that date back millions of years.
Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor adventurer, or just seeking a little peace and quiet, these two parks are sure to impress. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two amazing parks, taking a closer look at their unique features and what makes each one so special. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable journey. It’s time to explore the wonders of Dry Tortugas and Petrified Forest National Park!
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park both offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. Dry Tortugas, located in Florida, is a group of seven small islands accessible only by boat or seaplane. The park offers several hiking trails, including the Fort Jefferson Nature Trail, a 2.2-mile loop that takes visitors through the historic Fort Jefferson ruins. The trail is considered easy, with a flat and well-maintained path. Another easy trail is the Garden Key Trail, which is a 2-mile round trip hike to the Garden Key lighthouse.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, has a much different landscape than Dry Tortugas, with its vast expanses of multi-hued petrified wood and badlands. The park has several hiking trails, including the Long Logs Trail, which is a 1-mile round trip hike through a field of petrified logs. This trail is considered easy and is accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. The harder hikes in Petrified Forest National Park include the Blue Mesa Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the top of a mesa with stunning views of the surrounding badlands, and the Rainbow Forest Nature Trail, which is a 1.6-mile loop that takes visitors through a forest of petrified wood.
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 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 Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two vastly different parks that offer unique wildlife experiences. Dry Tortugas is a remote island located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida and is known for its abundant sea life. Visitors to this park can expect to see a variety of marine animals such as sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral reefs. The crystal clear waters also make it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, offers a completely different type of wildlife experience. The park is home to a wide variety of cacti and desert plants, including the iconic Joshua tree. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of mammals such as pronghorns, coyotes, and black-tailed jackrabbits. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, who can observe species such as the roadrunner, Gilded Flicker, and Peregrine Falcon.
In conclusion, Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two unique parks that offer visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife. Whether you’re interested in marine life or desert plants and animals, these parks have a lot to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas 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 |
| 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 | American Kestrel |
| European Starling | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Killdeer | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | |
| Bobcat | |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island park located in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles west of Key West. The most famous landmark of the park is Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century brick fortress that sits on Garden Key. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the park, with their abundant marine life, make it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona and is known for its extensive fossilized wood deposits, formed over 218 million years ago. The most famous landscape in the park is the Painted Desert, a colorful landscape of red, orange, and yellow rock formations. Visitors can also explore the park’s many petrified logs, some of which are over 100 feet long, and the Blue Mesa, a scenic mesa that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Both Dry Tortugas and Petrified Forest National Parks offer unique landscapes and natural wonders that provide spectacular vistas and the opportunity for outdoor recreation. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic sites, snorkeling in clear waters, or admiring colorful rock formations, these parks offer a diverse range of experiences to visitors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, is a popular destination for those who love water activities. Snorkeling, fishing, and boat tours are some of the most popular activities here. Visitors can also take a ferry to Fort Jefferson, a historic fort located on Garden Key, and explore the fort and its surrounding waters.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is well known for its scenic drives and hiking trails. The park offers several scenic drives, including the Painted Desert Rim Drive, which offers stunning views of the colorful Painted Desert. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to more challenging backcountry hikes. The park’s abundance of petrified wood is a major draw, and visitors can learn about the geology, natural history, and Native American culture of the area through ranger-led walks and talks.
Whether you prefer water activities or land-based adventures, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer unique and memorable experiences. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and explore historic fortifications at Dry Tortugas, or take in the breathtaking views of the Painted Desert and learn about the history of petrified wood at Petrified Forest.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two distinct national parks with varying seasonal weather patterns. Dry Tortugas, located off the coast of Florida, has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, but the hottest months are June through September. During these months, visitors can expect daily temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s with high humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Winter temperatures are more mild, with daytime highs in the mid 60s to low 70s.
In contrast, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it a perfect time for visitors to experience the park’s scenic drives, backcountry hiking, or ranger-led programs. Winter temperatures are mild with daytime highs in the mid 50s to low 60s, making it an ideal time to visit the park’s scenic overlooks, hike the trails, and see the park’s unique petrified wood formations.
The best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is between March and May, or October to November, when the weather is mild and there are fewer visitors. For Petrified Forest National Park, the best time to visit is from September to November or from April to June, when the weather is mild, and the park’s scenic drives, trails and formations are at their best. Regardless of when you visit, both parks offer unique opportunities to explore and discover the beauty of the American Southwest and the subtropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located off the coast of Florida, and Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, are two unique parks with different offerings for families.
Dry Tortugas National Park is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and swimming. The park also offers historic fortifications to explore, including Fort Jefferson, which provides a rich cultural experience for families. However, getting to the park is more challenging and may not be suitable for families with young children. It is only accessible by ferry or seaplane, and overnight camping is not allowed.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park is more accessible and offers a range of activities for families. The park features scenic drives, hiking trails, and educational programs. The highlight of the park is the petrified wood, which is an excellent opportunity for families to learn about geology and natural history. Additionally, the park has picnic areas, campgrounds, and a visitors center, making it a more convenient option for families.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are family-friendly destinations with unique offerings. However, Petrified Forest National Park may be the better choice for families traveling with children due to its accessibility and range of activities.