Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States, each offering its own unique beauty and adventure. These two parks, located on opposite sides of the country, are both known for their stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, but there are distinct differences that make each one truly special.
If you’re looking for a rugged wilderness experience, then Kenai Fjords is the place for you. With its towering glaciers, deep fjords and abundant marine life, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. On the other hand, Saguaro National Park is a desert oasis, dotted with towering cacti and offering a completely different type of adventure.
So, which park is right for you? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for in a national park experience. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at both parks, comparing and contrasting their unique features and outdoor activities, to help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, fjords and marine wildlife. There are a variety of hiking trails available ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. One of the easiest hikes is the Exit Glacier Trail, a 1.8-mile round trip hike that leads to the face of the Exit Glacier. On the other hand, the Harding Icefield Trail is considered one of the toughest hikes in the park, with a strenuous 8.2-mile round trip that takes you to the top of the icefield for panoramic views.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is home to the iconic saguaro cactus and offers an array of hikes from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry excursions. The Valley View Overlook Trail is a short and easy 0.3-mile hike that offers views of the valley below. For a more strenuous hike, the Cactus Forest Loop Trail is a 8-mile loop that takes you through the heart of the park and offers views of the towering saguaro cactus.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its stunning glaciers, abundant marine wildlife, and rugged coastal landscapes. Visitors to the park can witness large populations of sea otters, harbor seals, and whales, as well as birds such as bald eagles, puffins, and cormorants. The park’s diverse habitats also support populations of black and brown bears, moose, and wolves.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its towering saguaro cacti and diverse desert landscape. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including jackrabbits, rattlesnakes, and Gila monsters, as well as birds such as roadrunners, hawks, and quail. The park’s unique ecosystem also supports populations of deer, mountain lions, and many species of bats.
While both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, they differ greatly in their habitats and the types of animals and plants that can be seen. Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park can expect to see a range of marine and coastal species, while those visiting Saguaro National Park can expect to see a variety of desert species, including cacti and reptiles. Whether you are interested in marine or desert wildlife, both Kenai Fjords and Saguaro National Parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in the United States.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Killdeer |
| American Wigeon | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hairy Woodpecker |
| American Pipit | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Porcupine |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Silver-Haired Bat |
| California Myotis | Hoary Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Mountain Lion |
| Northern River Otter | Mule Deer |
| Masked Shrew | Common Gray Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Lynx | Badger |
| Wolverine | Californis Myotis |
| American Marten | Fringed Myotis |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Brown Bear | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Meadow Mouse | Yuma Myotis |
| Moose | Bighorn Sheep |
| Pygmy Shrew | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Saguaro 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 | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. This park is the perfect destination for nature lovers, as it offers breathtaking views of the glaciers, mountains, and wildlife that call this park home. The most famous landscape in Kenai Fjords is the Harding Icefield, which is a massive glacier that covers over 700 square miles. Visitors can also see beautiful wildlife such as whales, sea otters, and seals.
Saguaro National Park is located in Arizona and is known for its iconic saguaro cactus. This park is a must-visit for those interested in desert landscapes, as it offers incredible views of the towering saguaro cactus and other unique desert plants. The most famous landscape in Saguaro National Park is the Rincon Mountain District, which is home to the tallest cacti in the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. Visitors can also see a variety of wildlife such as rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and roadrunners.
While both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, they are also very different in terms of climate and landscape. Kenai Fjords National Park is located in a temperate rainforest, while Saguaro National Park is located in a hot and arid desert. Regardless of your personal preferences, both parks offer incredible opportunities to experience the beauty of nature.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different experiences.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors can take a cruise to see glaciers, whales, and sea lions. Kayaking, fishing, and hiking are also popular activities. The park is known for its stunning coastal scenery and abundant wildlife.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Sonoran Desert and is home to the iconic saguaro cactus. Visitors can go on scenic drives, take ranger-led tours, and go hiking. The park also has campgrounds for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
Both parks offer unique experiences, but the type of adventure you want to have will determine which park is the better choice for you. If you are interested in seeing glaciers and wildlife, Kenai Fjords is the place to be. If you want to explore the American Southwest and see some of the country’s most unique landscapes, then Saguaro National Park is the perfect destination.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Saguaro National Park in Arizona are two vastly different national parks. The seasonal weather at these parks has a big impact on the best time to visit.
At Kenai Fjords, the summers are mild and the winters are harsh with heavy snowfall. The park is best visited during the summer months, when the weather is warm and mild, and the wildlife is most active. The park’s glaciers, wildlife and fjords are popular attractions, and the best time to see them is during the summer months when the weather is at its best.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, experiences hot and dry summers with mild winters. The park is best visited during the spring and fall months when the temperatures are mild and the cacti are in bloom. The park is famous for its towering saguaro cacti, and the best time to see them is during the spring when they are in full bloom. Hiking is also a popular activity in the park, and the mild temperatures in the spring and fall make it an ideal time for hiking.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park offer unique experiences, and the best time to visit each park depends on the weather and the activities you want to enjoy. Whether you want to see glaciers, wildlife, and fjords in Alaska or see towering cacti in Arizona, the right time to visit each park is just a matter of timing and weather.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States, but which one is better for families traveling with children?
Kenai Fjords National Park is a great option for families who love the outdoors and wildlife. It is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, fjords, and abundant sea life. The park offers various ranger-led programs and guided boat tours to help visitors learn about the unique ecosystem of the park. The park is also home to the Exit Glacier, which is an ideal destination for families who want to see and learn about glaciers up close.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and is known for its towering saguaro cacti. The park also offers ranger-led tours and educational programs, but it is also a great option for families who enjoy hiking and exploring nature. The park has several trails that are suitable for families, including the Bajada Loop Trail, which is a short and easy hike that offers stunning views of the park’s cacti.
In conclusion, both parks are great options for families, but it ultimately depends on the family’s interests. If your family loves wildlife and adventure, then Kenai Fjords National Park might be the right choice. If your family enjoys hiking and exploring nature, then Saguaro National Park might be the better option.