Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. But which one is the best destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers?
In this article, we will compare these two parks and help you decide which one is the right choice for your next trip. Whether you love glaciers, geysers, or wildlife, we have got you covered. We will take a closer look at the top attractions, best hikes, and most breathtaking views that each park has to offer.
So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Whether you want to explore the rugged coastline of Kenai Fjords or marvel at the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, this article will help you make the most of your trip. So, let’s start comparing these two national parks and discover which one is the ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer breathtaking hiking trails for visitors to explore the natural beauty of the parks. In Kenai Fjords, the easiest hike is the Exit Glacier Trail, a 1.8-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the foot of the Exit Glacier. The hardest hike in Kenai Fjords is the Harding Icefield Trail, a 8.2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the top of the icefield for panoramic views.
Yellowstone National Park also offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The easiest hike is the 0.5-mile round trip loop at the geyser basins in the park. The hardest hike in Yellowstone is the Mt. Washburn Trail, a 5.4-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the park.
In summary, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a range of hiking trails, from easy to difficult, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the parks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, these parks have a trail for you to enjoy.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular tourist destinations for nature lovers, but they offer a different wildlife experience. In Kenai Fjords, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine animals such as orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals. Additionally, glaciers and ice formations are a prominent feature, attracting birds like the bald eagle and pigeon guillemot.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its diverse array of terrestrial animals, including the gray wolf, the bison, and the elk. Visitors may also see pronghorns, moose, and bears. The park is also home to a rich variety of birds, including the osprey, the bald eagle, and the common raven. In the spring and summer, a variety of wildflowers can be seen blooming throughout the park.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, and visitors should consider their own interests when deciding which park to visit. If you’re interested in marine life, Kenai Fjords may be the better option. If terrestrial wildlife and birdwatching are more your style, Yellowstone may be the better choice. Regardless of which park you choose, be sure to bring your binoculars and observe wildlife from a safe distance to minimize your impact on the environment.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | House Mouse |
| Montane Shrew | Mountain Lion |
| Lynx | Mink |
| Wolverine | Mule Deer |
| American Marten | Wolf |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Brown Bear | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Meadow Mouse | Badger |
| Moose | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Pygmy Shrew | California Myotis |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Burbot | Brown Trout |
| Silver Salmon | Longnose Sucker |
| Chinook Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Slimy Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | Longnose Dace |
| Red Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Pink Salmon | Arctic Grayling |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most famous parks in the United States, each with its own unique beauty and natural wonders. Kenai Fjords is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and wildlife, including sea lions, whales, and birds. The park’s most famous landscape is the Harding Icefield, which covers an area of over 700 square miles and provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding glaciers and mountains. Another popular attraction is the Exit Glacier, which allows visitors to hike close to the glacier and observe its many crevasses and ice formations.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is located in the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and is known for its geysers and hot springs, including the famous Old Faithful. The park also features rolling hills, canyons, and mountain ranges, as well as a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and wolves. One of the park’s most famous landscapes is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which offers stunning views of the park’s rugged terrain and the Yellowstone River. Another popular attraction is the Mammoth Hot Springs, which features a series of terraces formed by mineral deposits from the hot springs.
Both parks are home to a variety of landscapes and natural wonders, making them popular destinations for visitors from around the world. Whether you’re interested in glaciers, geysers, or scenic vistas, there is something for everyone at Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States and both offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, such as the Old Faithful geyser, which attracts millions of visitors each year. In addition, visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, and rivers, and see a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The park is home to glaciers, fjords, and wildlife such as whales, seals, and sea lions. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glaciers up close, or go kayaking or fishing in the park’s pristine waters. In the summer, visitors can also enjoy scenic hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from geothermal features and wildlife viewing in Yellowstone, to glacier and fjord exploration in Kenai Fjords National Park. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, both national parks are sure to deliver.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, both offering unique experiences for visitors. However, their seasonal weather patterns are quite different, affecting the best time to visit each park.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and experiences a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold winters. The park is also subject to heavy rainfall and snowfall, with an average of 200 inches of snowfall and over 100 inches of rainfall annually. Summer temperatures average in the mid 50s while winter temperatures average in the low 20s. This weather pattern makes the summer months the best time to visit the park, as it is more accessible and offers more opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is located in the interior of the United States and experiences a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average in the 80s, while winter temperatures average in the teens. The park is also subject to heavy snowfall during the winter months, making it difficult to access many of its attractions. However, the winter months offer unique opportunities for activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer visitors unique experiences, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather patterns. Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park should plan their trips for the summer months, while visitors to Yellowstone National Park should consider visiting in the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are great for families, but they each offer different experiences.
Yellowstone National Park is a great place for families who enjoy wildlife viewing, geysers, and hot springs. The park is home to a variety of animals, including grizzly bears, elk, bison, and wolves. Children will love to see the geysers and hot springs, and they can also participate in ranger-led programs. The park has several campgrounds, picnic areas, and lodges, making it easy to find a place to stay.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is better for families who enjoy hiking, marine wildlife, and glaciers. The park has several trails that lead to stunning views of the fjords and glaciers, and children will love seeing the whales, sea otters, and seals that are often visible from shore. The park also offers ranger-led programs, boat tours, and kayaking trips, giving families an opportunity to explore the park in a variety of ways.
In conclusion, both parks are great for families, but Yellowstone National Park is better for families who enjoy wildlife viewing and geysers, while Kenai Fjords National Park is better for families who enjoy hiking, marine wildlife, and glaciers.