Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most breathtaking and unique national parks in the United States. Each park has its own unique beauty and offers visitors a chance to experience the great outdoors in a new and exciting way. Whether you are looking for a peaceful hike through the mountains, a thrilling boat tour through the fjords, or a chance to see the stars like never before, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe.
In this article, we will compare and contrast Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, highlighting the unique features and experiences that each park has to offer. From towering peaks and deep valleys to glaciers and wildlife, these parks are truly a nature-lover’s paradise. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, an amateur astronomer, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape, you will find something to love about these incredible parks. So, come on a journey with us as we explore the beauty and wonder of Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park!
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park both offer a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
Great Basin National Park is home to the popular Bristlecone Pine trail, which is a 1.5 mile round trip that takes visitors to the ancient bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living organisms on earth. On the other hand, the strenuous Wheeler Peak trail is a 13.5-mile round trip that takes hikers to the highest point in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Kenai Fjords National Park boasts a variety of coastal hikes, including the easy Exit Glacier trail, which is a 0.8 mile round trip to the face of the glacier. For more experienced hikers, the challenging Harding Icefield trail is a strenuous 8.2-mile round trip that takes visitors to the top of the icefield for breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and fjords.
Both parks offer something for every type of hiker, from those seeking a leisurely stroll to those seeking a challenging backcountry adventure. Whether you are looking for a scenic walk through ancient forests or a rugged hike to the top of a glacier, Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
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 Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two popular national parks known for their unique wildlife. Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its diverse range of wildlife including several species of bats, mule deer, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s abundant birdlife, including the pinyon jay, gray flycatcher, and western bluebird. The park is also home to a variety of rare and endangered plants including the Bonneville monkeyflower and the Great Basin lady’s slipper.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is well-known for its incredible marine wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of whales, sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals. The park is also home to a large population of birds, including bald eagles, puffins, and kittiwakes. In addition, the park is home to several species of fish and marine plants, including the halibut and kelp. With its rugged coastline and abundant wildlife, Kenai Fjords National Park is an excellent destination for those interested in marine biology.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin 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
| Great Basin 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 |
| Porcupine | Gray Wolf |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | California Myotis |
| Red Fox | Snowshoe Hare |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Northern River Otter |
| House Mouse | Masked Shrew |
| Lion | Red Squirrel |
| Mink | Montane Shrew |
| Mule Deer | Lynx |
| Gray Fox | Wolverine |
| Gray Wolf | American Marten |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Brown Bear |
| Badger | Meadow Mouse |
| Ermine | Moose |
| Californis Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Burbot |
| Mottled Sculpin | Silver Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Chinook Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Red Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, features the Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak, and the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees. Lehman Caves is a series of interconnected limestone caverns that offer a unique subterranean landscape, with stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. Wheeler Peak, the second highest peak in Nevada, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The ancient Bristlecone Pine trees, some over 4,000 years old, are some of the oldest living organisms on earth.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is famous for its fjords, glaciers, and marine wildlife. The park is home to over 40 glaciers, including the Exit Glacier, which visitors can hike to and explore. The park also offers opportunities for whale watching, sea kayaking, and fishing. The fjords, created by ancient glaciers, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and sea. Visitors can also glimpse otters, sea lions, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitats.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two popular National Parks that attract visitors from all over the world. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural scenery, but they have different landscapes and different offerings.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy stargazing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to the Lehman Caves, which offer guided tours to see the unique rock formations and stalactites.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is famous for its glaciers and wildlife. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, seals, and sea lions. Hiking is also a popular activity in the park, with trails leading to glaciers, waterfalls, and scenic outlooks. For those looking for a unique experience, the park offers kayaking and camping opportunities.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and exciting outdoor experiences. Whether you’re interested in stargazing, fishing, hiking, or wildlife viewing, both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique natural features and seasonal weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is a high-elevation desert park. The park experiences extreme temperature swings with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and the park is less crowded.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is a coastal park. The park experiences cool temperatures year-round with frequent rain and fog. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is mild and there are opportunities for whale watching and kayaking.
Both parks offer beautiful landscapes, but the best time to visit each park is affected by their unique weather patterns. Visitors to Great Basin National Park should plan their trip for the spring or fall to avoid the extreme temperatures, while visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park should plan for the summer to take advantage of the mild weather and outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Great Basin National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both parks are great destinations for families, but they offer different experiences.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its beautiful starry skies, stunning landscape, and diverse wildlife. The park has several easy hiking trails, cave tours, and ranger-led programs that are great for families. In addition, the park offers camping and picnic facilities, making it an ideal destination for families who enjoy the great outdoors.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, wildlife, and scenic coastlines. The park is a great destination for families who love marine wildlife, kayaking, and wildlife watching. There are several ranger-led programs and boat tours that are perfect for families, and the park also offers camping and picnic facilities.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children and want a park that offers a variety of outdoor activities and easy hiking trails, Great Basin National Park is the better option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a park that focuses on marine wildlife and kayaking, Kenai Fjords National Park is the better choice.