Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique parks in the United States. Both of them boast incredible geological formations, diverse wildlife and stunning natural scenery that will leave you in awe. But which one is right for you? In this article, we will take a closer look at Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park, comparing and contrasting their most notable features to help you decide which one to visit first.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its breathtaking glaciers, abundant wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes. It’s a true wilderness adventure, where you can witness the raw power of nature up close. On the other hand, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is famous for its colorful and unique petrified wood formations, as well as its rich Native American history. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic drives and hike its trails to discover the beauty of this ancient landscape.
So, which park will you choose? Will you be enchanted by the glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords or will you be captivated by the colorful petrified wood of Petrified Forest? The answer is up to you! Join us on this virtual tour as we explore these two iconic parks and discover what makes them so special.
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two extremely different national parks with distinct hiking trails. Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona and is known for its vast collection of petrified wood. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. One of the easiest hikes is the Giant Logs Trail, a 0.3-mile loop that takes visitors through a forest of petrified logs. On the other hand, the hardest hike in the park is the Blue Mesa Trail, a 6-mile out-and-back trail that takes visitors through a rugged and remote landscape.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its breathtaking glaciers and fjords. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Exit Glacier Nature Trail, a 1.2-mile round-trip trail that takes visitors to the base of the Exit Glacier. On the other hand, the hardest hike in the park is the Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2-mile round-trip trail that takes visitors to the top of the Harding Icefield. This hike is considered one of the most strenuous hikes in Alaska and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
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 |
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 Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and marine wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of marine mammals such as sea lions, harbor seals, and humpback whales. Bald eagles and puffins are some of the birds commonly seen in the park. Additionally, the park is home to a number of plant species, including Sitka spruce and western hemlock forests.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its petrified wood and colorful badlands. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of wildlife such as pronghorns, jackrabbits, and rattlesnakes. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including roadrunners, ravens, and hawks. In addition to wildlife, the park is also home to a number of plant species, including sagebrush and creosote bush.
Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, but visitors to Petrified Forest National Park will have a different experience than those visiting Kenai Fjords National Park. While Kenai Fjords is known for its marine wildlife and stunning glaciers, Petrified Forest is known for its diverse and colorful landscapes. Regardless of which park you choose, both offer incredible opportunities to see and learn about the diverse wildlife and habitats found in the United States.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords 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 |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Kenai Fjords National Park | 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 |
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Masked Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Red Squirrel | Gray Fox |
| Montane Shrew | Wolf |
| Lynx | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Wolverine | Badger |
| American Marten | California Myotis |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Fringed Myotis |
| Brown Bear | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Meadow Mouse | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Moose | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Pygmy Shrew | Western Harvest Mouse |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Red Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | 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 Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska, USA, and is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. The most famous landscape in the park is the Harding Icefield, which covers over 300 square miles and is the largest icefield in the United States. Visitors can hike to the top of Exit Glacier for a panoramic view of the icefield and the surrounding mountains. Another must-see attraction in the park is the Aialik Bay, where visitors can see whales, sea lions, and other marine life up close.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, USA, is famous for its large deposits of petrified wood. The park is home to the world’s largest and most colorful concentration of petrified wood. The Painted Desert, a unique landscape of colorful badlands and buttes, is also a popular attraction in the park. Visitors can also hike to the top of the Blue Mesa, where they will be rewarded with panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area. Another must-visit spot in the park is the Agate House, an ancient Pueblo dwelling made entirely of petrified wood.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two very different parks, with different landscapes and activities. Kenai Fjords is known for its stunning glaciers and diverse wildlife, while Petrified Forest is famous for its colorful petrified wood, unique rock formations, and ancient fossils.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors enjoy wildlife viewing, kayaking, and boat tours. The park is home to whales, sea lions, and otters, as well as many bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching. Kayaking allows visitors to get up close and personal with the glaciers and wildlife, while boat tours offer a more relaxed way to see the park.
At Petrified Forest, visitors love to explore the park’s trails, discover petrified wood, and learn about the park’s history and geology. The park has several trails, including one that leads to the park’s famous Painted Desert. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park, which offers stunning views of the colorful badlands and unique rock formations.
Both parks offer unique experiences and activities that appeal to different people. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurer, or simply looking for a scenic escape, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two beautiful parks located in Alaska and Arizona, respectively. Both have their own unique weather patterns that impact the best time of year to visit.
In Kenai Fjords, temperatures can reach up to 60°F in the summer and drop to 20°F or below in the winter. Summer is the best time to visit if you want to see the glaciers and wildlife up close. Winter is the best time to witness the Northern Lights and go dog sledding.
Petrified Forest National Park is located in a desert climate, with hot summer temperatures reaching up to 90°F and winters that can drop to 30°F. The summer is the best time to visit if you want to hike and explore the park, while the winter is a great time to see the petrified wood in a unique light.
While both parks offer unique experiences throughout the year, the weather patterns play a significant role in determining the best time to visit. If you’re looking for a more temperate climate, summer may be the best time to visit Kenai Fjords. If you’re looking for a drier climate and cooler temperatures, winter may be the best time to visit Petrified Forest. No matter what time of year you visit, both parks are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two popular family-friendly destinations in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities that families can enjoy, but each has its own unique features that make it better for families with different interests and needs.
Kenai Fjords National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy adventure and exploring the outdoors. The park is famous for its stunning glaciers, wildlife, and scenic boat tours. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. Children will love the chance to see different types of marine animals, including sea otters and sea lions, up close.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is a better choice for families who are interested in history and geology. The park is home to one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the world, and visitors can explore the trails and learn about the ancient forests that once covered the area. Children will love discovering the different colors and patterns in the petrified wood and learning about how it was formed. The park also offers ranger-led activities and a museum to help visitors understand the history and geology of the area.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer unique and enjoyable experiences for families, but the best park for you will depend on your interests and what you want to experience.