Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most stunning and unique national parks in the United States. Both offer a different and captivating experience for visitors, but which one is right for you?
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a vast wilderness of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. Here, visitors can witness the power of nature as glaciers calve, creating thunderous booms that echo throughout the park. Meanwhile, Petrified Forest National Park is a land of ancient wonders, where visitors can walk among petrified trees that are over 200 million years old.
Whether you prefer the raw power of glaciers or the ancient beauty of petrified wood, both of these national parks offer a once in a lifetime experience. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the unique features of each park and help you decide which one is best for your next adventure. So if you’re ready to escape the mundane and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, let’s get started!
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with breathtaking glaciers and rugged wilderness that offer a variety of hiking experiences. The park has a number of easy hikes, including the West Arm, which takes visitors along a scenic shoreline and offers stunning views of glaciers and wildlife. The Bartlett Cove Trail is another easy hike, offering visitors a chance to see glaciers and wildlife up close.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its vast, otherworldly landscapes and unique geological features. The park offers several easy hikes, including the Giant Logs Trail, which takes visitors through a forest of ancient, fossilized trees. The Rainbow Forest Loop is another easy hike that offers panoramic views of the park’s colorful badlands.
For more experienced hikers, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offers the challenging Muir Inlet Trail, which takes visitors through rugged terrain and offers stunning views of glaciers and the park’s rugged coastline. The park also has the challenging Mount Fairweather Trail, which rises over 4,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers and wilderness.
Petrified Forest National Park also offers challenging hikes for experienced hikers. The Blue Mesa Trail takes visitors through the park’s badlands and offers panoramic views of the park’s unique landscapes. The Painted Desert Rim Trail is another challenging hike that takes visitors along the rim of the park’s Painted Desert, offering stunning views of the park’s colorful badlands.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett Cove Forest Loop Trail | 1770.274 | 33.8328 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bartlett River Trail | 11104.446 | 266.7 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Bartlet Lake Trail | 9495.106 | 141.732 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Tlingit Trail | 1770.274 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Point Gustavus | 20116.75 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
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 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and offers visitors a unique wildlife experience. This park is home to a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, and seals. Visitors can also see bald eagles, puffins, and a variety of gulls along the coast. On land, visitors can spot black and brown bears, moose, and caribou.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is a different experience entirely. Here, visitors can see a variety of desert animals such as pronghorns, rattlesnakes, and lizards. The park is also a great place for bird watching, with species like the roadrunner, hawk, and quail being commonly seen. The park’s rich history and stunning views of the petrified trees are just as much a part of the experience as its wildlife.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to see unique and diverse wildlife, but the type of animals and birds one will see will depend on the park they visit. Whether you choose to see the marine mammals of Glacier Bay or the desert animals of Petrified Forest, both parks are sure to provide a memorable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | 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
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Bobcat |
| Deer Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Black Bear | Little Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Deer Mouse |
| Red Fox | Raccoon |
| House Mouse | Black Bear |
| Mountain Lion | Porcupine |
| Mink | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Mule Deer | Hoary Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Red Fox |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | Mountain Lion |
| River Otter | Mule Deer |
| Masked Shrew | Gray Fox |
| Water Shrew | Wolf |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Montane Shrew | Badger |
| Long-Tailed Vole | California Myotis |
| Lynx | Fringed Myotis |
| Wolverine | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Marten | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Grizzly Bear | Western Harvest Mouse |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | 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 |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is famous for it’s stunning glaciers and abundant wildlife. The park is home to the largest ice field in North America and offers visitors the chance to witness glaciers calving into the sea, providing a truly awe-inspiring experience. In addition, Glacier Bay is a popular destination for whale watching and is home to a variety of marine mammals and bird species.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its unique landscape of petrified wood, as well as its well-preserved fossils and ancient Native American artifacts. The park’s most famous feature is the colorful and beautifully preserved fallen logs, many of which are over 200 million years old. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails and scenic drive, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the Painted Desert.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and power of nature, with each park offering its own unique landscapes and attractions. Whether you’re interested in glaciers and marine life, or ancient fossils and petrified wood, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are must-see destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two very different parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. While Glacier Bay is known for its glaciers, whale watching and kayaking opportunities, Petrified Forest is famous for its colorful petrified wood, ancient Native American petroglyphs, and scenic drives.
Glacier Bay is an excellent park for outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore the wilderness and observe wildlife. The park offers a range of activities, including kayaking, whale watching, and boating. Visitors can take a guided tour or rent a kayak to explore the glaciers, see the whales, and admire the breathtaking scenery. In addition, the park also offers ranger-led walks and talks, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the park’s history and the wildlife that calls it home.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is perfect for visitors who are interested in geology and natural history. The park’s main attraction is the colorful petrified wood, but visitors can also hike and explore the park’s scenic drives, including the Blue Mesa and Painted Desert Rim drives. In addition, the park is home to ancient Native American petroglyphs and historic homesteads. Visitors can take a guided tour or hike one of the park’s trails to learn more about the park’s history and geology.
In summary, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park offer unique experiences that cater to different interests. Visitors who love the outdoors and wildlife will enjoy Glacier Bay, while those interested in geology and natural history will love Petrified Forest.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two unique national parks located in Alaska and Arizona, respectively. Both parks have distinct climates that affect the best time of year to visit.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its cool and wet climate. This park is located in Southeast Alaska and its weather is affected by its proximity to the ocean. Summer temperatures average in the mid-50s to low 60s, with high humidity and frequent rain. Winter temperatures can be below freezing, with the potential for snow and ice. The best time to visit Glacier Bay is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild and wildlife is most active.
Petrified Forest National Park has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, while winter temperatures can dip below freezing. This park is located in northeastern Arizona and its weather is affected by its proximity to the deserts of the Southwest. The best time to visit Petrified Forest is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are mild and the park’s unique landscapes are at their most vibrant.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience unique landscapes and wildlife, but the weather conditions during different seasons can greatly affect the overall experience. It is important to consider the weather when planning a visit to either park, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks offer unique experiences for families traveling with children. However, there are some key differences that make one park better suited for families than the other.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is a vast wilderness area that offers breathtaking views of glaciers, wildlife, and the ocean. This park is best suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Children will love exploring the park’s glaciers, watching whales and bears, and learning about the park’s rich cultural history. However, this park can be more challenging for families with young children, as the rugged terrain and remote location can be difficult to navigate.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a great option for families who are looking for a more relaxed and educational experience. The park is home to one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, as well as a rich cultural history. The park’s well-maintained trails and scenic drives are perfect for families with young children, and the park’s visitors center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs. Petrified Forest National Park is a great choice for families who want to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Southwest.
In conclusion, while both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are great options for families, each park offers a unique experience. For families with young children who are looking for a more relaxed and educational experience, Petrified Forest National Park is the better choice. On the other hand, families who enjoy outdoor activities and are looking for a more challenging experience will find Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve to be a better fit.