Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. These two natural wonders offer visitors an unforgettable experience, from the hot springs of Arkansas to the glaciers and fjords of Alaska. Each park has its own unique features and attractions, making it difficult to choose between the two. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventurer or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its natural hot springs that have been used for therapeutic purposes for over a century. The park features 47 hot springs, each with its own unique temperature and mineral content. Visitors can relax and rejuvenate in the hot springs, hike the scenic trails, or simply explore the historic bathhouses and structures.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. The park is home to glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and bears. Visitors can explore the park by boat, kayak, or on foot, taking in the stunning scenery and discovering the diverse ecosystem. Whether you’re looking to hike, boat, or simply relax and take in the beauty of nature, Kenai Fjords National Park has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both popular destinations for nature enthusiasts, but the hiking trails at each park offer vastly different experiences.
At Hot Springs National Park, visitors can enjoy easy to moderate hikes that offer a variety of scenic views and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Some of the easiest hikes include the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, a 0.6-mile trail that leads to a tower with panoramic views of the park, and the Grand Promenade, a 1.5-mile trail that winds along the base of Hot Springs Mountain. For those seeking a more challenging experience, the park also offers the Sunset Trail, a 4.5-mile loop that provides a strenuous workout and views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is home to some of the most challenging and rugged hikes in the country. The park’s glaciers, fjords, and steep cliffs offer a truly unique and challenging hiking experience. Some of the hardest hikes include the Exit Glacier Trail, a 4.5-mile round trip hike that leads to the base of the Exit Glacier, and the Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2-mile round trip hike that leads to the top of the Harding Icefield. For those seeking an easier experience, the park also offers the Natural History Trail, a 0.5-mile trail that winds through the park’s lush temperate rainforest and provides opportunities for wildlife sightings.
In conclusion, Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park both offer a wide range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for scenic views, wildlife sightings, or a workout, both parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both are home to a variety of wildlife, including animals, birds, and plants.
Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and is known for its hot springs, which attract a variety of wildlife. Some of the animals you can see here include deer, raccoons, and squirrels. You may also see a variety of birds, such as woodpeckers, cardinals, and blue jays. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including oak and pine trees, as well as wildflowers like violets and daffodils.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its glaciers and wildlife. Some of the animals you can see here include sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions. There are also a variety of birds in the park, including bald eagles, puffins, and cormorants. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including mosses, ferns, and shrubs.
In conclusion, both Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are great places to see wildlife. Whether you’re interested in seeing hot springs, glaciers, or just a variety of animals and plants, these parks have something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hot Springs 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
| Hot Springs 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 |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | California Myotis |
| Red Fox | Snowshoe Hare |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Northern River Otter |
| House Mouse | Masked Shrew |
| Mink | Red Squirrel |
| Gray Fox | Montane Shrew |
| North American River Otter | Lynx |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Wolverine |
| White-Tailed Deer | American Marten |
| Virginia Opossum | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Eastern Red Bat | Brown Bear |
| White-Footed Mouse | Meadow Mouse |
| Norway Rat | Moose |
| Eastern Cottontail | Pygmy Shrew |
Amphibians
| Hot Springs National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Fish
| Hot Springs National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Burbot |
| Fathead Minnow | Silver Salmon |
| Golden Shiner | Chinook Salmon |
| European Carp | Slimy Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Threespine Stickleback |
| Graceful Catfish | Red Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Pink Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Chum Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | Dolly Varden |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and is known for its thermal springs. The thermal springs are the main attraction of the park and are considered to be one of the most famous landscapes in the area. Visitors can take a dip in the hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. The park also features beautiful mountain ranges and scenic overlooks, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. The park is home to over 40 glaciers, including the Harding Icefield, which is one of the largest icefields in the United States. Visitors can take boat tours to see the glaciers up close, or they can hike to the top of the icefield for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The park also features stunning waterfalls, wildlife, and breathtaking mountain ranges, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two very different destinations that are both popular with visitors. Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and is known for its hot springs, which are the main attraction. People come to soak in the warm waters and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Hiking, camping and picnicking are also popular activities in the park.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. Visitors love to go whale watching, kayaking, and fishing in the surrounding waters. Guided tours are available, and many visitors enjoy taking a boat tour to get up close to the glaciers and see the wildlife that lives in and around the park. The park is also a popular destination for wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience, but the main difference between the two is the type of activities available. Hot Springs National Park is ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, while Kenai Fjords National Park is perfect for those who are looking for an adventure and want to explore the stunning glaciers and wildlife in and around the park.
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of America’s most stunning natural landscapes, each offering a unique set of experiences for visitors. Both parks are popular tourist destinations, but the weather in each location is vastly different. This can greatly impact when is the best time to visit each park.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, has a humid subtropical climate, which means that it experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach as high as 90°F, making it a popular destination for those seeking a warm escape. The mild winters in Hot Springs make it accessible year-round, with temperatures typically staying above freezing.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, experiences long, dark winters and short, mild summers. Temperatures in the summer can reach as high as 60°F, making it the best time to visit for those looking to explore the park’s glaciers and wildlife. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with snow and ice covering much of the park, making it accessible only for experienced winter adventurers.
Overall, the weather at Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park greatly impacts when is the best time to visit. Those looking to escape the heat and enjoy a more temperate climate should visit Hot Springs during the summer, while those seeking a winter adventure should visit Kenai Fjords.
Family Friendliness of Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both stunning national parks, but they are quite different from each other. If you’re traveling with children, Hot Springs National Park might be a better option. This park, located in Arkansas, offers a variety of family-friendly activities. For example, families can take a scenic drive through the park, go hiking on one of the many trails, or visit the hot springs. In addition, the park has a bathhouse where visitors can soak in the hot springs, which is a unique and enjoyable experience for kids.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is also a great destination, but it is more rugged and less accessible. While there are many scenic hikes and boat tours available, these activities can be more challenging for young children. Additionally, the park is located in a remote area with limited services, which can make it more difficult for families with young children to have a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
In conclusion, both Hot Springs National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are beautiful and worth visiting, but if you’re traveling with children, you might want to consider Hot Springs National Park. With its variety of family-friendly activities and easy access, this park is a great choice for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors together.