Are you torn between visiting Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park? Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll put these two national parks head to head and help you decide on your next adventure.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska, and is known for its awe-inspiring glaciers and diverse marine wildlife. With emerald green forests, turquoise waters and towering glaciers, this park offers a true wilderness experience. On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and boasts awe-inspiring peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, this park offers visitors a chance to explore the beauty of the Rockies.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road, as we explore the best of both worlds and help you determine which national park is right for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Both parks offer an abundance of hiking trails for visitors to explore and enjoy.
At Kenai Fjords National Park, the easiest hike is the Exit Glacier trail. This 1.8-mile hike takes visitors to the base of the glacier, where they can see the glacier up close and experience the power of its movement. The hardest hike at Kenai Fjords is the Harding Icefield trail, which is an 8.2-mile hike with a 3,000 foot elevation gain. This hike takes visitors to the top of the icefield, where they can see stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, the easiest hike is the Bear Lake trail, which is a 0.6-mile hike around a beautiful mountain lake. The hardest hike at Rocky Mountain National Park is the Longs Peak trail, which is a 14.5-mile hike with a 5,000 foot elevation gain. This hike takes visitors to the summit of Longs Peak, where they can see incredible views of the surrounding landscape and beyond.
Both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, from easy hikes to challenging ones. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just getting started, there is something for everyone at Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife. In Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. In addition, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. The park’s diverse landscape also provides a habitat for a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, conifers, and aspen trees.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its marine wildlife. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and seals. In addition, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and cormorants. The park’s rugged coastline and glaciers also provide a habitat for a variety of plant species, including starfish, sea cucumbers, and kelp forests.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience, but visitors should be prepared for the different types of wildlife they may encounter. Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park should be prepared for close encounters with large mammals, while visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park should be prepared for close encounters with marine mammals and sea birds. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a unique and memorable wildlife experience, both parks are well worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Raccoon |
| Gray Wolf | Black Bear |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| California Myotis | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Hoary Bat |
| Northern River Otter | Red Fox |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Squirrel | Mountain Lion |
| Montane Shrew | Mink |
| Lynx | Mule Deer |
| Wolverine | Gray Fox |
| American Marten | Gray Wolf |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Brown Bear | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Meadow Mouse | Badger |
| Moose | Ermine |
| Pygmy Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Burbot | Brown Trout |
| Silver Salmon | Western Longnose Sucker |
| Chinook Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Threespine Stickleback | Cutthroat Trout |
| Red Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. The park is home to the Harding Icefield, a massive ice field that covers over 700 square miles and is the source of 38 glaciers that flow into the nearby fjords. Visitors to the park can explore the fjords by boat or kayak, taking in the breathtaking scenery as they go.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in Colorado and is famous for its dramatic peaks, including Longs Peak, which stands at 14,259 feet tall. The park is also home to a diverse range of landscapes, from alpine tundra to lush meadows and forests. Visitors can hike through the park, taking in the breathtaking views from the various overlooks along the way.
Both parks offer a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors, making them both must-see destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether exploring the glaciers and fjords of Kenai Fjords or the peaks and valleys of Rocky Mountain, visitors are sure to be in awe of the natural beauty found in both parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is known for its stunning glaciers, while Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is famous for its scenic mountain vistas. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, but the focus of each park is different.
In Kenai Fjords, people love to take boat tours to see glaciers up close and to watch for wildlife, such as whales, sea lions, and sea otters. Many visitors also enjoy kayaking and fishing in the park’s fjords and bays. Hiking is also popular, with trails leading to tidewater glaciers and alpine meadows.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers a different kind of outdoor experience, with activities centered around its mountains. Visitors can drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an elevation of over 12,000 feet, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Hiking and camping are also popular, with over 300 miles of trails and backcountry camping available. Fishing and horseback riding are also offered in the park, giving visitors a chance to explore the park’s rivers and valleys.
Overall, both Kenai Fjords and Rocky Mountain National Parks offer unique and stunning natural landscapes for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a glacier adventure or a mountain escape, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado are two popular national parks, each with its own unique weather patterns.
Kenai Fjords has a subarctic climate and is known for its cool and rainy weather year-round. Summer temperatures average in the mid-50s, while winter temperatures can drop as low as the mid-20s. The park experiences heavy rainfall, with the wettest months being October through April. Despite the rain, visitors can still experience stunning views of glaciers and wildlife during the summer months.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, has a subalpine climate and experiences a wider range of temperatures. Summer temperatures average in the mid-70s, while winter temperatures can drop as low as the mid-teens. The park is known for its snow and cold weather during the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. However, the park also experiences occasional thunderstorms during the summer months, making it important for visitors to come prepared for sudden weather changes.
Based on the weather patterns, the best time to visit Kenai Fjords is during the summer months, while the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is during the winter for winter sports and the summer for scenic views and outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two popular destinations for families looking for a scenic and educational outdoor adventure. Both parks offer a variety of activities and attractions that cater to families with children, but each park has its unique characteristics that make it better suited for different types of travelers.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is best for families who enjoy experiencing the great outdoors and taking part in water-based activities. From whale watching to kayaking, there are plenty of opportunities for families to get up close and personal with the park’s stunning natural beauty. The park also has several ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and educational activities, which are a great way for families to learn and interact with the park’s natural and cultural resources.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and is better suited for families who enjoy hiking and exploring scenic mountain landscapes. The park offers a variety of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. The park also has an abundance of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose, making it a great destination for families who enjoy wildlife viewing. Additionally, the park has several ranger-led programs, such as campfire programs and guided hikes, which are a great way for families to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are great destinations for families. The decision of which park to visit will depend on the family’s specific interests and preferences. For families who enjoy water-based activities and marine wildlife, Kenai Fjords National Park is the better choice. For families who enjoy hiking and exploring scenic mountain landscapes, Rocky Mountain National Park is the better choice.