Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of America’s most unique and beautiful national parks. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and unique geological features. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a little adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
But what sets these two parks apart from each other? Which one is the perfect destination for your next road trip? To answer that question, we’re going to take a deep dive into each park, comparing the best sights and activities they have to offer.
From the towering peaks of Great Basin to the colorful petrified wood of Petrified Forest, you’re sure to be amazed by the natural beauty of these parks. Join us as we explore the wonders of Great Basin and Petrified Forest, and discover which one is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure!
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park both offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. Great Basin National Park is known for its diverse landscape and the Lehman Caves trail, which is a popular hike. The Lehman Caves trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through the caves and offers a unique underground experience. Another popular hike in the park is the Bristlecone Pine trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike through a stand of ancient bristlecone pines, some of which are over 4,000 years old.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its petrified wood and the Painted Desert trail, which is a popular hike. The Painted Desert trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through the park’s colorful badlands and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Another popular hike in the park is the Long Logs trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike through a field of petrified wood.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, Great Basin National Park offers the Wheeler Peak trail, which is a 13-mile round-trip hike to the summit of the park’s tallest peak. Petrified Forest National Park also offers a challenging hike in the form of the Blue Mesa trail, which is a 5-mile round-trip hike through a colorful badland landscape.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer unique hiking experiences for visitors, from easy hikes through caves and petrified wood to challenging hikes to the summit of peaks.
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 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 Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its diverse wildlife, including the threatened and endangered species like the Great Basin Spadefoot Toad, Pronghorn Antelope, and the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep. The park is also home to many bird species like the Pygmy Owl, Wild Turkey, and the Rock Wren.
Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona, and it is famous for the fossilized trees that are over 225 million years old. The park is also home to various wildlife species, such as the Desert Bighorn Sheep, the Coyote, and the Kangaroo Rat. Visitors might also see the Roadrunner, the Raven, and the Gila Woodpecker, which are all common bird species in the park.
Both parks are home to a wide variety of unique and fascinating plants, including the Bristlecone Pine, which is known to be one of the oldest living species of trees in the world, and the Saguaro cactus, which is only found in the Sonoran Desert.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer a unique and diverse wildlife experience for visitors. While Great Basin is known for its threatened and endangered species, Petrified Forest is famous for its fossilized trees and various bird species. Both parks are also home to various plant species, making them a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin 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 |
| 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
| Great Basin National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mountain Lion |
| House Mouse | Mule Deer |
| Lion | Gray Fox |
| Mink | Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Badger |
| Gray Wolf | California Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Badger | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Ermine | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Californis Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Tiger Salamander |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Gopher Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Western Rattlesnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Common Kingsnake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Western Fence Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Petrified Forest 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 Petrified Forest National Park
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is famous for its stunning Lehman Caves, which feature beautiful and unique crystal formations. The park is also home to the ancient bristlecone pine trees, the oldest living organisms on earth. In addition, visitors can explore the lush alpine forests, hike to the top of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak for panoramic views, and stargaze in the clear, dark skies.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its vast petrified wood deposits that are millions of years old. Visitors can also see the colorful Painted Desert, with its beautiful rock formations and colorful hills, as well as the ancient fossils, including those of dinosaurs. The park also offers scenic drives and hiking trails, including a trek to the top of the Blue Mesa for views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you are a fan of geology, botany, or simply love exploring the great outdoors, both parks offer a wealth of natural wonders to discover.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park have a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Great Basin National Park is a popular destination for camping and backpacking. Visitors also enjoy stargazing at the park’s Dark Sky location, fishing in the streams, and exploring the Lehman Caves. In contrast, Petrified Forest National Park is best known for its fascinating geology and Native American history. The park offers several scenic drives, including the Painted Desert Rim Drive, which offers stunning views of the Painted Desert. Visitors can also hike the trails to see the petrified wood, as well as visit the Painted Desert Inn, a historic building that has been restored to its original state.
Both parks offer ranger-led programs, such as guided walks and talks, as well as junior ranger activities for kids. The parks also have visitor centers that provide information about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. Great Basin National Park has an extensive trail system for hiking and backpacking, while Petrified Forest National Park has shorter, more accessible trails. Regardless of the park, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience, whether they are interested in the natural beauty, history, or the night sky.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two popular parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors. When it comes to weather, both parks experience vastly different conditions.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its high elevations and extreme weather changes. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90°F and drop to below freezing in the winter. Snow is common in the winter, making it difficult to access some of the park’s trails and roads. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is during the warmer months of June to September, when the weather is mild and the snow has melted.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and experiences hot, dry weather. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F and can be unbearable for some visitors. Winter temperatures are mild, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F. The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is during the cooler months of November to February, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded.
It is important to consider the weather when planning a visit to Great Basin National Park or Petrified Forest National Park. Visitors should be prepared for extreme weather changes and bring appropriate clothing, as well as plenty of water. Both parks offer unique experiences, and the best time to visit will depend on personal preferences and the type of adventure desired.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Basin National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both family-friendly parks, but they differ in what they offer families with children. Great Basin National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping and wildlife viewing. With its well-maintained trails, scenic overlooks and ranger-led programs, kids can learn about the park’s unique ecology, geology and history. The popular Bristlecone Pine Trail, for example, is a short hike that offers stunning views of the ancient bristlecone pines, and the Lehman Caves tour is a great way to explore the park’s unique underground formations.
On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park is better for families who like to drive and explore. With its scenic drive, kids can see a vast array of petrified wood, as well as other geological formations, prehistoric artifacts and wildlife. The park also offers ranger-led activities and exhibits, where visitors can learn about the park’s history and ecology. Additionally, there are picnic areas and short hikes available, making it an ideal destination for families who want to spend a relaxed day in nature.
In conclusion, both parks are great options for families with children, but Great Basin National Park is best for families who enjoy outdoor activities, while Petrified Forest National Park is best for families who like to drive and explore.