Discover the best of both worlds! Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Virgin Islands National Park in the Caribbean offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two stunning parks, highlighting what makes each one unique.
Kenai Fjords is a rugged, wild place where glaciers meet the sea, and visitors can observe whales, sea lions, and otters in their natural habitat. With its icy fjords and towering peaks, it’s the perfect place for experienced hikers and kayakers.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise where visitors can bask in the sun, snorkel and swim in crystal-clear water, and explore lush jungles and pristine beaches. With over 7,000 acres of land and water, there is something for everyone in this park.
So, whether you’re seeking a rugged adventure in Alaska, or a relaxing escape in the Caribbean, you’re sure to find it in these two incredible national parks. Get ready to pack your bags and explore the beauty and diversity of Kenai Fjords and Virgin Islands National Parks!
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands are two vastly different parks that offer unique hiking experiences. In Kenai Fjords, visitors can hike through glaciers, fjords, and temperate rainforests, while in Virgin Islands National Park, visitors can explore lush tropical forests and pristine beaches.
One of the easiest hikes in Kenai Fjords is the Exit Glacier Trail, which offers a 1.2-mile round-trip hike to the base of the glacier. On the other hand, the Harding Icefield Trail is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the park, with a strenuous 8.2-mile round-trip hike to the top of the icefield.
In Virgin Islands National Park, the Reef Bay Trail is an easy 2.5-mile round-trip hike through lush tropical forests and past petroglyphs. For a harder hike, visitors can tackle the Ram Head Trail, which is a 3.5-mile round-trip hike to the top of a rocky headland with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Overall, both parks offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors, from easy, scenic walks to challenging, strenuous hikes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing nature walk or an adventurous backcountry trek, both Kenai Fjords and Virgin Islands National Parks have something to offer.
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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is well-known for its rich wildlife and diverse habitats, including glaciers, fjords, and forests. Visitors can expect to see a variety of marine mammals, such as sea lions, harbor seals, and whales, as well as birds like puffins and bald eagles. On land, you may spot moose, black bears, and even the occasional mountain goat.
Virgin Islands National Park in the US Virgin Islands offers a different type of wildlife experience. The park’s lush tropical forests and coral reefs are home to a diverse range of species, including iguanas, green sea turtles, and numerous species of birds, such as the bananaquit and the green-throated carib. Snorkeling and diving in the park’s waters provide opportunities to see colorful fish, starfish, and other reef inhabitants.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but it’s clear that they each have their own specialties. If you’re looking for a chance to see marine mammals and birds in their natural habitats, Kenai Fjords National Park is the place to be. If you’re interested in tropical forests and coral reefs, Virgin Islands National Park is the perfect destination. No matter where you choose to go, you’re sure to have an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Porcupine |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Silver-Haired Bat |
| California Myotis | Hoary Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Red Fox |
| Northern River Otter | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Masked Shrew | House Mouse |
| Red Squirrel | Mountain Lion |
| Montane Shrew | Mink |
| Lynx | Mule Deer |
| Wolverine | Gray Wolf |
| American Marten | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Brown Bear | Badger |
| Meadow Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Moose | North American River Otter |
| Pygmy Shrew | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Longnose Sucker | Green Sunfish |
| Burbot | Bluegill |
| Silver Salmon | Flathead Minnow |
| Chinook Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | Carp/European Carp |
| Threespine Stickleback | Northern Pike |
| Red Salmon | Burbot |
| Pink Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Chum Salmon | Channel Catfish |
| Dolly Varden | Black Bullhead |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullsnake | |
| Racer | |
| Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is famous for its stunning glaciers and fjords. The park is home to the Harding Icefield, which covers over 300 square miles and is the source of over 40 glaciers. Visitors can take a boat tour to see whales, sea lions, and other marine life, or take a hike to one of the park’s many scenic overlooks for breathtaking views of the glaciers and fjords.
The Virgin Islands National Park, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can hike to the top of Bordeaux Mountain for a panoramic view of the island, go snorkeling or scuba diving to see colorful coral and marine life, or relax on one of the park’s many sandy beaches. The park is also home to historic ruins, including the sugar mill and plantation at Annaberg.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you’re looking to hike, boat, or simply relax, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Both parks offer a variety of recreational activities, but they cater to different interests and experiences.
At Kenai Fjords National Park, visitors can take a scenic boat tour to see glaciers and wildlife, such as whales, seals, and sea otters. Kayaking and fishing are also popular activities. In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.
At Virgin Islands National Park, visitors can explore the lush tropical landscape through hiking and snorkeling. The park’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the park’s historic sugar plantation ruins.
Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking scenery. Whether you prefer a rugged Alaskan adventure or a tropical escape, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at Kenai Fjords or Virgin Islands National Park.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Virgin Islands National Park in the Caribbean both offer unique natural beauty and recreational opportunities, but their climates are vastly different. Kenai Fjords is known for its long and harsh winters, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F, while Virgin Islands is a tropical paradise with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 90°F year-round.
The seasonal weather at Kenai Fjords affects the timing of various activities such as hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Summer is the best time to visit the park, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, making outdoor activities more comfortable. Winter, on the other hand, is best for viewing wildlife such as whales and sea lions.
In contrast, the weather in Virgin Islands National Park is consistently warm, making it a popular destination year-round. However, the peak tourist season is from December to April, as the park experiences the least amount of rainfall during these months. The summer months, from May to November, can be wet and humid, with occasional hurricanes.
Overall, both parks offer unique experiences depending on the time of year and the type of activities you are interested in. Kenai Fjords is best visited during the summer for outdoor activities, while Virgin Islands is a year-round destination with the best weather during the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glacial landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park offers a variety of activities for families to enjoy, including whale watching, kayaking, and hiking. The park’s wilderness setting can be challenging for young children, but it offers a unique and unforgettable experience for families who are up for an adventure.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and offers a more tropical and relaxed atmosphere. The park is known for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities. It’s a great destination for families who are looking for a beach vacation with a little bit of adventure. There’s plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling, as well as relaxing on the beach.
When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their pros and cons. Virgin Islands National Park is probably the better choice for families with young children or those who are looking for a more relaxed vacation. On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is a great option for families who are up for a more adventurous experience and are interested in learning about glaciers and wildlife.