Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are unique in their own way, offering visitors breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable outdoor experiences. But which one is right for you?
Imagine standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking out over the vast chasm that stretches for 277 miles. The colors of the rock formations change with the shifting light, and the sound of the Colorado River is a constant background hum. Now, imagine kayaking through the icy waters of Kenai Fjords, surrounded by towering glaciers and wildlife like whales and sea otters.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature. But the experiences they offer are vastly different. So, are you a desert lover or a fan of the great outdoors? Do you want to hike through the wilderness or explore by boat?
This article will compare the two parks and help you decide which one is right for your next adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone at Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park.
Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer scenic hiking trails that allow visitors to experience the stunning beauty of nature. However, the hiking trails at these two parks are very different.
The Grand Canyon is known for its challenging hiking trails that descend into the canyon. Some of the most popular and strenuous hikes include the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail. On the other hand, easier hikes like the Rim Trail offer breathtaking views of the canyon from above.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is best known for its glaciers and fjords. Hiking trails here are relatively easy, with trails like the Exit Glacier Nature Trail offering a breathtaking view of the glaciers. The park also offers more strenuous hikes, such as the Harding Icefield Trail, which is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the park.
Both Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer a unique experience for visitors. The Grand Canyon is perfect for those seeking a challenging hike, while Kenai Fjords is ideal for those looking for an easier hike with stunning views of glaciers and fjords. Regardless of the level of difficulty, both parks offer breathtaking scenery that is sure to be a highlight of any hiking trip.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail | 28485.318 | 1525.8288 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge | 4988.954 | 358.7496 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail | 8690.436 | 635.8128 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop | 26875.978 | 1400.8608 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point | 2896.812 | 210.9216 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Grand Canyon Rim Trail | 8690.436 | 106.9848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village | 34761.744 | 1614.8304 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Shoshone Point Trail | 3379.614 | 45.72 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail | 19633.948 | 961.9488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point | 8690.436 | 602.8944 | Hard | out and back | 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 Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Canyon and Kenai Fjords National Parks, both located in the United States, offer visitors unique wildlife experiences. At Grand Canyon, visitors can spot a variety of mammals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. A wide range of bird species, such as the California Condor and the Peregrine Falcon, can also be seen soaring above the canyon. In addition to its wildlife, Grand Canyon is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including cacti and wildflowers.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords is known for its marine wildlife, including harbor seals, sea lions, and orcas. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species, including puffins, bald eagles, and cormorants. The park is also home to several glaciers, including the Harding Icefield, which supports a unique ecosystem of plants, including mosses and lichens.
Both parks offer a unique and exciting wildlife experience, but for those interested in terrestrial animals, Grand Canyon is the way to go. On the other hand, for those interested in marine wildlife, Kenai Fjords is a must-visit. Regardless of which park you choose, be sure to bring your binoculars and camera to capture the breathtaking sights and sounds of the natural world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Canyon 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 |
| 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Grand Canyon National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Black Bear | Gray Wolf |
| Porcupine | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | California Myotis |
| Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Northern River Otter |
| House Mouse | Masked Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Red Squirrel |
| Mule Deer | Montane Shrew |
| Gray Fox | Lynx |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolverine |
| Long-Eared Myotis | American Marten |
| Badger | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| California Myotis | Brown Bear |
| North American River Otter | Meadow Mouse |
| Fringed Myotis | Moose |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Grand Canyon National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Burbot |
| Largemouth Bass | Silver Salmon |
| Green Sunfish | Chinook Salmon |
| Bluegill | Slimy Sculpin |
| Fathead Minnow | Threespine Stickleback |
| Golden Shiner | Red Salmon |
| European Carp | Pink Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Chum Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Dolly Varden |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Grand Canyon National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Grand Canyon National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| Canyon Treefrog | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Grand Canyon National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both stunning natural wonders in the United States, each offering its own unique landscapes and vistas. Grand Canyon National Park is famous for its breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. The canyon itself is over a mile deep and 277 miles long, and it offers visitors a chance to view the incredible geological formations and rock layers that have been carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. Another famous landmark in the park is the South Rim, which provides panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. The park is home to the Harding Icefield, which covers over 300 square miles and is one of the largest icefields in the United States. Visitors can hike to the top of the icefield for breathtaking views or take a boat tour to see the glaciers and fjords up close. Another popular natural feature in the park is the Exit Glacier, which is one of the few glaciers in the world that is easily accessible by road. Visitors can hike to the glacier, see the stunning blue ice, and learn about the effects of climate change on the glacier and the surrounding ecosystem.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. While these two parks are located on opposite sides of the country, they both offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors.
At Grand Canyon National Park, visitors love to explore the park’s vast canyon, either by hiking down to the bottom or taking a scenic drive along the rim. One of the most popular activities is to take a helicopter tour, which provides breathtaking views of the canyon. In addition, visitors can go rafting down the Colorado River, which runs through the bottom of the canyon.
At Kenai Fjords National Park, visitors enjoy exploring the park’s glaciers and fjords. Popular activities include boat tours, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also hike along the park’s trails to get a closer look at the glaciers and to see the local wildlife, such as whales, sea lions, and sea otters.
Both Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or an up-close look at glaciers and wildlife, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska are two of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. Although they are very different in geography and climate, both are popular tourist destinations. The weather at each park affects the best time of year to visit.
At the Grand Canyon, temperatures range from cool to warm, with hot summers that can reach over 100°F. Winter temperatures are mild, with occasional snow. The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are comfortable and there is less likelihood of thunderstorms.
Kenai Fjords National Park is much cooler, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the high 50s. Summer temperatures are only slightly warmer, with occasional rain. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, with snow and ice common. Despite the cooler weather, the best time to visit Kenai Fjords is during the summer, when the park’s glaciers and wildlife are easily accessible by boat.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for sudden weather changes and pack accordingly, regardless of the season. The Grand Canyon is known for its strong winds and sudden storms, while Kenai Fjords can be foggy and overcast, even in the summer.
In conclusion, both Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit each depends on the weather and what you want to see and do while you’re there. Whether you want to hike the Grand Canyon’s iconic trails or explore the glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords, be sure to check the forecast and plan accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have different strengths and weaknesses.
Grand Canyon National Park offers a variety of activities that are suitable for families with children. There are several fun and educational ranger-led programs available, as well as easy-to-navigate trails. The park also has a number of picnic areas and campgrounds that are perfect for families.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is better suited for families who enjoy outdoor recreation. There is plenty of hiking, fishing, and boating to be enjoyed, and the park’s stunning glaciers and fjords provide an unforgettable backdrop for these activities. However, the park can be more challenging for families with small children, as some of the trails are more strenuous and the park’s remote location can make it more difficult to access certain areas.
In conclusion, both Grand Canyon National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are fantastic destinations for families. Ultimately, the best park for you and your family will depend on your interests and the age of your children. If you’re looking for a more traditional family vacation, with plenty of opportunities for learning and relaxation, Grand Canyon National Park is the better choice. But if you’re looking for a more adventurous family vacation, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, Kenai Fjords National Park is definitely worth considering.