Are you torn between visiting Kenai Fjords National Park or Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, but can only choose one? Look no further! In this article, we will compare and contrast these two breathtaking parks, showcasing the unique features and experiences each has to offer.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is a rugged wilderness of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. Imagine exploring the icy blue waters of Resurrection Bay, watching whales breach and sea otters play, or trekking through the pristine wilderness to the base of a massive glacier.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are home to some of the world’s largest trees and awe-inspiring canyons. Hike through the Giant Forest, marvel at the towering General Sherman tree, and wander through the stunning Kings Canyon.
So, which park is right for you? Keep reading to find out!
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors, with varying levels of difficulty.
Kenai Fjords National Park features rugged terrain, glaciers and stunning coastal views. The park’s most popular hike is the Exit Glacier Trail, which is a relatively easy hike that offers great views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape. For a more challenging hike, visitors can try the Harding Icefield Trail, which is an 8.2-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the top of the icefield and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their towering trees and expansive meadows. The park’s most popular hike is the Congress Trail, which is a 2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a dense forest of giant sequoia trees. For a more challenging hike, visitors can try the High Sierra Trail, which is a 72-mile trek that takes you through the heart of the park, past alpine meadows, scenic lakes, and towering peaks.
Both parks offer a range of hiking options for visitors, from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous adventure, you’re sure to find a trail that suits your interests and abilities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.
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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is known for its immense glaciers and abundant marine wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of sea animals such as orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and seals. Bald eagles, puffins, and other seabirds are also commonly seen in the area. On land, visitors may spot black bears, moose, and coyotes. The park also features lush forests with a diverse array of plant life.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are known for their towering sequoia trees and diverse wildlife. Visitors can expect to see animals such as black bears, mountain lions, and deer. The parks are also home to a variety of bird species including the California Condor and the Steller’s Jay. In addition to its abundant wildlife, the parks feature breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | House Mouse |
| Montane Shrew | Mountain Lion |
| Lynx | Mink |
| Wolverine | Mule Deer |
| American Marten | Gray Fox |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Wolf |
| Brown Bear | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Meadow Mouse | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Moose | Badger |
| Pygmy Shrew | Ermine |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Burbot | Brown Trout |
| Silver Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Chinook Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | European Carp |
| Threespine Stickleback | Black Bullhead |
| Red Salmon | Brown Bullhead |
| Pink Salmon | Goldfish |
| Chum Salmon | Smallmouth Bass |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning fjords and glaciers, as well as its abundant wildlife such as whales, sea otters, and seals. The park’s most famous landscape is the Harding Icefield, a massive sheet of ice that covers over 700 square miles. Visitors can hike to the top of Exit Glacier, one of the park’s most popular destinations, to see the icefield up close.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are known for their towering trees and rugged mountains. The parks are home to some of the world’s largest trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume on Earth. The parks also feature stunning mountain landscapes, including the peaks of the Sierra Nevada range, which offer breathtaking views for visitors.
These two parks offer unique natural wonders and are destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for stunning glaciers, towering trees, or rugged mountains, both parks have something to offer. Whether you prefer the rugged beauty of Alaska or the towering trees of California, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are must-visit destinations.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is known for its stunning glaciers and abundant wildlife, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California offer breathtaking views of giant sequoia trees and scenic canyons. Both parks are outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise, but each has its own unique offerings.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors can take cruises to see the glaciers up close, go sea kayaking in the fjords, and watch for whales, otters, and sea lions. Hiking is also popular, with trails leading to glaciers and through the beautiful coastal rainforest. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon offer a different kind of adventure, with opportunities for rock climbing, horseback riding, and scenic drives through the stunning landscape. The parks are also home to several popular campgrounds, making it a great destination for camping and backpacking. Hiking is a must, with trails leading to alpine lakes, giant sequoias, and scenic vistas.
Both parks offer breathtaking beauty and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you prefer the rugged wilderness of Kenai Fjords or the serene beauty of Sequoia & Kings Canyon, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California offer vastly different weather experiences. Kenai Fjords is a coastal park that experiences cool, rainy weather even in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to mid-50s. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, with significant snow and ice. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is milder and the wildlife is more active.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and have a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with snow and ice possible in the higher elevations. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the parks are less crowded.
The weather at both parks greatly affects the best time to visit. At Kenai Fjords, the cooler, wetter weather means that summer is the best time to visit, while at Sequoia & Kings Canyon, the hot, dry summers and the risk of snow in the winter means that spring or fall are the best times to visit. Regardless of when you visit, be sure to bring appropriate clothing and equipment for the conditions, as both parks can have harsh weather at any time of year.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique set of attractions and experiences for visitors, but for families traveling with children, one park may be more suitable than the other.
Kenai Fjords National Park is a better choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic boat tours. The park offers several hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, and families can also take a boat tour to see glaciers, whales, and sea lions. However, the park is not as accommodating for families with young children, as the trails can be challenging and the boat tours can be long.
On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are more family-friendly in terms of accessibility and offerings. The parks have several paved trails, including the famous General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree in the world by volume. Families can also take a scenic drive through the parks and stop at various overlooks to take in the stunning views. Additionally, the parks offer ranger-led programs, campgrounds, and picnic areas, making them a great destination for families looking for a more relaxed, nature-based experience.
In conclusion, while both Kenai Fjords National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer unique experiences, families traveling with children may prefer Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks for their accessibility and family-friendly offerings.