Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two of America’s most magnificent natural wonders, each offering its own unique blend of geological and biological marvels. Are you torn between which one to visit on your next road trip? Let’s take a closer look at these two parks and find out what makes them so special.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, and is famous for its stunning and active volcanoes, as well as its massive brown bear population. Visitors can witness the park’s bears feasting on salmon as they swim upstream, or watch as they roam the park’s rugged and beautiful landscapes. The park’s volcanic activity also creates a unique and ever-changing landscape, making each visit a unique experience.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and is home to one of the largest and most colorful collections of petrified wood in the world. Visitors can explore the park’s vast desert landscapes and see the ancient trees that have been petrified and turned to stone over millions of years. Hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led tours offer endless opportunities to learn about and appreciate this geological wonder.
Hiking Trails in Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer incredible hiking trails, but they are different in a number of ways.
At Katmai National Park & Preserve, the majority of the hiking trails are located in the backcountry, and they are considered to be challenging. Some of the most challenging hikes in this park include the Brooks River Trail and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. These hikes offer incredible views of the park’s glaciers, volcanoes, and valleys, but they are not for the faint of heart. On the other hand, there are also some easy hikes in the park, such as the Hallo Bay Trail, which is a 2.5-mile hike that takes you through the park’s lush forest and along the coast.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its incredible petrified wood formations, which you can see along many of the hiking trails in the park. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Giant Logs Trail and the Long Logs Trail, both of which are less than a mile long and take you through the park’s famous petrified forest. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Blue Mesa Trail is a 3-mile hike that takes you to the top of a mesa and offers incredible views of the surrounding area.
In conclusion, both Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park offer incredible hiking trails, but they are different in a number of ways. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely walk, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | 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 Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are both unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders that offer visitors the chance to see and interact with a variety of wildlife.
In Katmai National Park & Preserve, the highlight is the large population of brown bears that congregate along the Brooks River to feed on spawning salmon. Visitors can also see moose, caribou, wolves, and various bird species including bald eagles, ospreys and peregrine falcons. The park also boasts a diverse array of plant life, including spruce, birch, and willow trees as well as tundra and meadows.
At Petrified Forest National Park, visitors will see a different type of wildlife, including pronghorn antelopes, coyotes, and various species of reptiles and birds. The park is also home to a vast collection of petrified trees, which are the remains of ancient forests that have turned to stone over time. Visitors can also see fossils and learn about the park’s geology, including the colorful badlands known as the Painted Desert.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in different settings. Whether its observing bears fishing in Katmai or exploring the unique geology of Petrified Forest, these parks are a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Song Sparrow | American Kestrel |
| European Starling | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
| American Wigeon | European Starling |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Pintail |
| American Pipit | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Black Bear | Little Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Deer Mouse |
| Red Fox | Raccoon |
| Mink | Black Bear |
| Gray Wolf | Porcupine |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Varying Hare | Hoary Bat |
| Northern River Otter | Red Fox |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Squirrel | Mountain Lion |
| Montane Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Lynx | Gray Fox |
| Wolverine | Wolf |
| American Marten | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Grizzly Bear | Badger |
| Meadow Vole | California Myotis |
| Moose | Fringed Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Pygmy Shrew | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Western Harvest Mouse |
Fish
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Katmai National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning landscapes, including the famous Brooks Falls, where visitors can watch brown bears catch salmon. The park also boasts the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic landscape covered in steam vents and ash.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is famous for its beautiful and unique landscapes. The park is home to the largest and most colorful concentration of petrified wood in the world, as well as the Painted Desert, a colorful landscape of hills and buttes. The park also features the Blue Mesa, a scenic drive through a landscape of blue and purple rock formations.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to see unique and beautiful landscapes, from the brown bears at Brooks Falls to the colorful petrified wood and the Painted Desert. Whether you are interested in wildlife, geology, or simply breathtaking scenery, Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are both must-visit destinations for anyone interested in the natural beauty of the United States.
Things To-Do and Activities in Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park offer visitors distinct and unique experiences. Katmai is best known for its stunning views of Alaska’s rugged coastline, while Petrified Forest is famous for its natural petrified wood formations.
At Katmai, visitors can participate in a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to the famous Brooks River, where visitors can watch brown bears catch salmon in their natural habitat. Additionally, visitors can take scenic flight tours over the park, which provide breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness.
At Petrified Forest, visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, stopping at various overlooks to take in the stunning views. The park also offers ranger-led hikes and walks, where visitors can learn about the park’s geology and history. In addition, Petrified Forest is home to several Native American petroglyphs, which are a popular attraction for visitors.
Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors, but the activities offered at each park vary greatly. If you’re looking for an outdoor, wildlife-filled adventure, Katmai National Park & Preserve is the perfect destination. If you’re interested in exploring unique geological formations and the history of the American Southwest, Petrified Forest National Park is the place for you.
Best Time to Visit Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two spectacular national parks located in Alaska and Arizona, respectively. The seasonal weather at these parks affects the best time of year to visit.
Katmai National Park & Preserve has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures average below freezing, with occasional snow and strong winds. Summer temperatures are mild, ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit Katmai is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and wildlife is abundant. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing during this time.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it too hot for many outdoor activities. Winter temperatures are mild, ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and wildlife is active.
Both Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park offer unique and breathtaking experiences, but the weather greatly affects the best time of year to visit. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly and check the local weather forecast to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Family Friendliness of Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Katmai National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are both family-friendly parks, but each has its own unique offerings that make it a great choice for families.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its awe-inspiring brown bears and their cubs, which can be observed from a safe distance at the Brooks River. There are also several scenic trails for hiking, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. However, the remoteness of the park and lack of amenities make it a better choice for families with older children or those who are experienced campers.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, has a wide range of activities for families, including hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs. The park is also home to one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, making it a great place for families to learn about geology and natural history. In addition, the park has several picnic areas and restrooms, making it a more convenient choice for families with younger children.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with older children or experienced campers, Katmai National Park & Preserve offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience, while Petrified Forest National Park is a great choice for families with younger children or those who prefer a more convenient and accessible experience.