Kenai Fjords and Zion National Parks are two of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Both offer unique experiences that draw visitors from all over the world, but which one is the better destination for your next adventure? In this article, we’ll take a side-by-side look at these two national parks to help you decide.
First, let’s explore Kenai Fjords, located in Alaska. This park boasts towering glaciers, breathtaking fjords, and abundant wildlife. It’s a true wilderness experience and a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From the stunning views of the Exit Glacier to the awe-inspiring fjords, Kenai Fjords provides a serene and peaceful escape.
Next, we’ll head to Zion National Park in Utah. This park is known for its stunning rock formations and towering red cliffs. With its easy accessibility, it’s no wonder why Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the country. From the scenic drive through the park to the challenging hikes, Zion has something for everyone.
So, which one will it be? The rugged wilderness of Kenai Fjords or the awe-inspiring rock formations of Zion? Read on to find out as we compare these two national parks and help you decide which one is right for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park are two unique destinations that offer a range of hiking experiences. Kenai Fjords is known for its spectacular coastal and glaciers, while Zion is a popular destination for its towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and scenic trails.
The easiest hikes in Kenai Fjords include the Exit Glacier Trail, which takes visitors to the face of the famous Exit Glacier, and the Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2-mile round trip that offers breathtaking views of the icefield. Another popular trail is the Aialik Bay Trail, which is a 7.5-mile hike that takes visitors through stunning landscapes of glaciers, wildlife, and coastal forests.
Zion National Park is known for its challenging hikes, such as Angel’s Landing, a 5.4-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the top of a 1,500-foot cliff, and the Narrows, a strenuous hike through a narrow canyon. The Watchman Trail, a 3.7-mile trail that provides a great view of the park and the surrounding mountains is another popular trail.
The hardest hike in Kenai Fjords is the Lost Lake Trail, which is a strenuous 10.5-mile hike that takes visitors through remote wilderness areas and steep inclines. In Zion, the West Rim Trail is considered to be the most difficult hike, with a round trip length of 17 miles and steep inclines that offer panoramic views of the park.
Both Kenai Fjords and Zion offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors, from easy scenic hikes to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a backpacking adventure, these parks have something to offer for visitors of all skill levels.
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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife. However, the wildlife you’ll see in each park is different.
At Kenai Fjords National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine wildlife, including sea lions, harbor seals, and humpback whales. The park is also home to several species of birds, including bald eagles and puffins. Additionally, the park is surrounded by lush temperate rainforests, which are home to a variety of plant species, including mosses, ferns, and conifers.
At Zion National Park, visitors will find a different kind of wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. Additionally, the park is home to several species of birds, including red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons. The park also contains a variety of plant species, including cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees.
Overall, while both parks offer unique and beautiful wildlife, the experiences are different. Visitors interested in marine wildlife should consider visiting Kenai Fjords National Park, while those interested in desert wildlife should consider visiting Zion National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Wolverine | Gray Fox |
| American Marten | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Brown Bear | American Badger |
| Meadow Mouse | Ermine |
| Moose | California Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Burbot | Brown Trout |
| Silver Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Chinook Salmon | Channel Catfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Goldfish |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Red Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Kenai Fjords National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and boasts stunning landscapes and natural wonders. The park is known for its gorgeous glaciers and fjords, as well as its diverse wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and many bird species. Visitors can take boat tours to see the glaciers up close, or hike through the park’s rugged terrain to see wildlife and magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is famous for its towering cliffs, stunning canyons, and breathtaking views. The park is a popular destination for rock climbers and hikers, and features several trails, including the challenging Angels Landing trail and the easy Riverside Walk. Visitors can also explore the park by horseback or by traveling through the park’s scenic drive, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and natural wonders.
Both Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you’re looking for rugged natural beauty or breathtaking views, both parks are sure to offer something for everyone and provide a truly unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park have a lot to offer visitors in terms of outdoor activities. In Kenai Fjords, visitors can go whale watching, kayaking, or take a scenic boat tour of the fjords. The park is also a popular destination for fishing, with salmon and halibut being the most sought-after catches. On the other hand, Zion is well-known for its stunning canyons, which can be explored through hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering. The park also offers scenic drives, horseback riding, and camping opportunities.
In terms of wildlife viewing, both parks offer a chance to see a variety of animals, but the experience is somewhat different. In Kenai Fjords, visitors can spot whales, sea lions, puffins, and other marine life from the water or from a lookout point on the shore. In Zion, visitors can see bighorn sheep, deer, and other mammals while hiking or driving through the park.
Overall, both parks offer unique experiences that attract a variety of travelers. Whether you are looking for a serene boat tour, an adrenaline-fueled hike, or a chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat, these parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and Zion National Park in Utah are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, the seasonal weather at these parks is vastly different and this affects the best time of year to visit each park.
At Kenai Fjords, the weather is temperate during the summer months with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s. This is the best time of year to visit if you want to see whales and other marine wildlife. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing and the park is often blanketed in snow, making it difficult to access.
In contrast, Zion National Park has hot summers with temperatures in the 90s and mild winters with temperatures in the 50s. Summer is the busiest time of year at the park, but the cooler temperatures in the spring and fall make these seasons the best time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. Winter can bring snow to the higher elevations, but the park is still accessible and offers a unique perspective with its snow-covered landscape.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords and Zion National Park offer unique experiences but the best time to visit each park depends on the type of experience you are looking for and your personal preferences. If you are interested in marine wildlife and temperate weather, then Kenai Fjords is the place to visit during the summer months. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder temperatures, then a visit to Zion National Park in the spring or fall is recommended.
Family Friendliness of Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park are two popular destinations for families, but they offer very different experiences. Kenai Fjords is a remote wilderness area in Alaska, known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. Visitors can take boat tours, go kayaking, or hike to see glaciers up close.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Utah and is known for its beautiful red rock formations, canyons, and waterfalls. Visitors can hike, climb, or take a scenic drive to see the park’s many wonders.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Zion National Park is the better choice for families with children. The park has a wide variety of easy hikes and scenic drives that are perfect for families, as well as a range of kid-friendly ranger programs and activities. Additionally, the park’s facilities are well-equipped for families, with picnic areas, campgrounds, and restaurants.
Kenai Fjords, on the other hand, is more rugged, remote, and challenging. While it offers a unique and unforgettable experience, it may not be as suitable for families with young children. The park’s remote location and limited infrastructure can make it more difficult for families to access and enjoy all that it has to offer. Additionally, the park’s rugged terrain and wildlife can pose safety risks for families.
In conclusion, both Kenai Fjords National Park and Zion National Park are great destinations for families, but they offer very different experiences. If you’re traveling with children, Zion National Park is the better choice as it offers more family-friendly activities and facilities.