Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. Each park offers a unique experience and is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you’re a fan of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, or wildlife, these two parks have something for everyone.
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming and is home to some of the most stunning mountain vistas in the world. With its towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife, it’s easy to see why this park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is a rugged and remote park that offers a different kind of beauty. With its glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine life, it’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for an adventure.
Both parks have a lot to offer, but they are also very different in many ways. In this article, we will take a closer look at these parks, comparing and contrasting their features, activities, and attractions. So, whether you’re planning a trip to one of these parks or just curious about them, read on to find out more!
Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Teton 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 hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes.
In Grand Teton National Park, some of the easiest hikes include String Lake Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that follows the shore of String Lake, and Colter Bay Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop that takes you through the forest to Colter Bay. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Teton Crest Trail is a 40-mile trek that offers stunning views of the Teton Mountain Range and takes several days to complete.
In Kenai Fjords National Park, the Exit Glacier Trail is an easy 1.5-mile hike that leads to the base of the Exit Glacier. For a more difficult hike, the Harding Icefield Trail is a strenuous 8.2-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of the icefield for panoramic views of the park.
Both Grand Teton and Kenai Fjords offer a range of hiking options for all skill levels, but the Teton Crest Trail in Grand Teton and the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords are two of the most challenging hikes in the parks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a multi-day backpacking adventure, these two national parks have something to offer for every type of hiker.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Canyon Trail | 15610.598 | 343.8144 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Jenny Lake Trail | 12391.918 | 221.8944 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake Loop | 6598.294 | 130.7592 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Delta Lake via Amphitheater Lake Trail | 14484.06 | 709.8792 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail | 14323.126 | 896.7216 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 179.832 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Phelps Lake Trail | 11265.38 | 220.98 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Lake Solitude Trail | 25749.44 | 803.7576 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| String Lake Trail | 5954.558 | 79.8576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop | 9656.04 | 231.9528 | Moderate | 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 Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both popular destinations for wildlife viewing. In Grand Teton, you can expect to see a variety of mammals including moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears. The park is also home to many bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys. In addition to its wildlife, Grand Teton is known for its stunning vistas of the Teton Range and its glistening alpine lakes.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its diverse marine wildlife. Visitors can expect to see whales, sea lions, harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds, including puffins and guillemots. The park’s rugged coastline is also home to a number of glaciers and offers spectacular views of the surrounding fjords. On land, visitors may encounter black bears and moose, as well as a variety of plant life, including wildflowers and dense forests of spruce and hemlock.
In conclusion, both Grand Teton and Kenai Fjords National Parks offer unique wildlife viewing experiences. While Grand Teton is known for its terrestrial mammals and breathtaking mountain vistas, Kenai Fjords is recognized for its diverse marine life and stunning coastal landscapes. Whether you are interested in observing land-dwelling creatures or marine mammals, both parks offer opportunities to experience some of the most beautiful and diverse wildlife in the United States.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Teton 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 Teton 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 |
| Red Fox | Northern River Otter |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Masked Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Red Squirrel |
| Mink | Montane Shrew |
| Mule Deer | Lynx |
| Wolf | Wolverine |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Marten |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Badger | Brown Bear |
| Ermine | Meadow Mouse |
| California Myotis | Moose |
| Snowshoe Hare | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Grand Teton National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Burbot |
| Lake Trout | Silver Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | Chinook Salmon |
| Longnose Dace | Slimy Sculpin |
| Speckled Dace | Threespine Stickleback |
| Arctic Grayling | Red Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Reptiles
| Grand Teton National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Grand Teton National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning mountain range, with the Grand Teton peak rising 13,000 feet above the valley floor. Visitors can drive the scenic Teton Park Road to get views of the range from various overlooks, and hike to hidden alpine lakes and glaciers. In addition to the mountains, the park also boasts impressive wildlife with over 300 species, including grizzly bears, moose, and wolves.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, features the stunning Harding Icefield, a massive expanse of ice and snow that covers over 300 square miles. Visitors can take boat tours to see glaciers calving into the ocean, watch sea otters and whales in their natural habitats, and hike to scenic overlooks with views of the fjords and mountains. The park is also home to the Exit Glacier, which visitors can hike to for a closer look at the glacier and its surroundings.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of America’s most beautiful natural areas. Although they are both national parks, they offer very different experiences. Grand Teton is known for its rugged peaks and pristine lakes, while Kenai Fjords is known for its glaciers and stunning fjords.
In Grand Teton, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a large population of moose, elk, and other wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors can explore the park’s glaciers and fjords by boat or kayak. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity here, with opportunities to see whales, sea lions, and other marine life. Hiking is also an option, with several trails offering breathtaking views of the park’s stunning landscapes. Additionally, visitors can participate in ranger-led programs and guided tours to learn more about the park’s unique ecosystems and wildlife.
Both Grand Teton and Kenai Fjords offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all interests, but they each have their own unique offerings. Whether it’s fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, or exploring glaciers and fjords, these two national parks offer unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two stunning national parks located in the United States. Although they are both famous for their natural beauty, they have very different climates. The weather at Grand Teton National Park is typically mild in the summer months and cold in the winter months, with temperatures ranging from an average high of 80°F in July to an average low of 5°F in January. On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska, which has a colder climate, with temperatures that range from an average high of 60°F in July to an average low of 20°F in January.
The weather conditions at these two parks affect when the best time of year to visit is. Summer is the peak season at Grand Teton National Park, with warm temperatures and long days, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Winter is also a popular time to visit, as the park becomes a winter wonderland with snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes. On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is best visited in the summer when the weather is mild and the fjords are accessible by boat. Winter is also a popular time to visit, as the park transforms into a magical winter wonderland with snow-covered glaciers and northern lights.
Family Friendliness of Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both great places to visit with family, but each has its own unique features that make it more suitable for families with children.
Grand Teton National Park is more family-friendly due to its accessibility and variety of activities. The park is located in Wyoming and is a great place to visit for families who love the outdoors. There are many trails for hiking and scenic drives, and the park is also home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Children will love the wildlife viewing opportunities, and families can also enjoy fishing, boating, and horseback riding.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is a more rugged and remote destination that is better suited to families with older children or teenagers. The park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. While there are many opportunities for adventure and exploration, the park can be challenging for younger children due to its remote location and rugged terrain. However, families who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with breathtaking views and unique wildlife encounters.
Overall, both Grand Teton National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are great places to visit with family, but each is better suited to different types of families. If you’re traveling with younger children, Grand Teton National Park is the better choice. For families with older children or teenagers, Kenai Fjords National Park is a great choice for a more challenging and adventurous family vacation.