Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most breathtaking and unique natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer a vast array of scenic beauty, from towering mountains, to ancient petrified trees, to pristine lakes and rivers. But which one is the better destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers?
In this article, we take a deep dive into Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, examining their top attractions, best hiking trails, and must-see sights. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, this article is your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of both parks. Get ready to lace up your hiking boots, pack your camera, and join us as we explore two of the most awe-inspiring parks in America.
Hiking Trails in Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer different hiking experiences for visitors. Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona and is famous for its petrified wood and fascinating geological formations. The park has several easy hikes, such as the Giant Logs Trail, which is a 0.3-mile loop that takes visitors through a forest of petrified trees. The park also has a few strenuous hikes, such as the Blue Mesa Trail, which is a 3.2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a breathtaking landscape of blue-hued cliffs.
In contrast, Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and offers a variety of scenic alpine hikes for visitors. The park has several easy hikes, including the Bear Lake Loop, which is a 0.6-mile loop that takes visitors around the picturesque Bear Lake. The park also has several challenging hikes, including the Keyhole Route, which is a 12.4-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the summit of Longs Peak, one of the most difficult hikes in the park. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, but it requires a high level of fitness and experience.
Overall, both Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a range of hiking options for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll through a forest of petrified trees or a challenging hike to the summit of a mountain, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Petrified Forest National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mesa Trail | 1448.406 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Crystal Forest Trail | 1448.406 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Desert Rim Trail | 1770.274 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Scenic Drive | 46027.124 | 297.7896 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Giant Logs Trail | 965.604 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Onyx Bridge Trail | 7402.964 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail | 3379.614 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puerco Pueblo Trail | 482.802 | 2.7432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Devil’s Playground Loop | 12070.05 | 144.78 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Jasper Forest Road | 4184.284 | 53.9496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the United States’ most popular national parks. Both parks offer visitors the chance to see some of the country’s most beautiful and diverse wildlife.
In Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. The park is also home to a diverse range of bird species, including the American Kestrel, the Western Tanager, and the Harrier Hawk. Visitors can also see a variety of plant species, including the yucca, the cactus, and the mesquite.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is home to a much different type of wildlife. Visitors can see large mammals like elk, mule deer, and moose. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Golden Eagle, the Peregrine Falcon, and the American Dipper. Additionally, visitors can see a variety of plant species, including the wildflowers, the aspen, and the pine forests.
Both Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer visitors the chance to see some of the country’s most amazing wildlife. Whether you are interested in seeing large mammals, birds, or plants, both parks are sure to provide plenty of opportunities to witness the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Petrified Forest National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 |
| American Kestrel | 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 |
Mammals
| Petrified Forest National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Striped Skunk | Big Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Bobcat |
| Deer Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Raccoon | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Deer Mouse |
| Porcupine | Raccoon |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Black Bear |
| Hoary Bat | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| Mountain Lion | Red Fox |
| Mule Deer | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Wolf | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Badger | Gray Fox |
| California Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Badger |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | Ermine |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Petrified Forest National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Petrified Forest National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Wood Frog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Petrified Forest National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Western Longnose Sucker | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Petrified Forest National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona, USA and is known for its vast collection of petrified wood, which gives the park its name. This park also boasts scenic drives, hiking trails, and backcountry adventures. One of the park’s most famous landscapes is the Painted Desert, a colorful badlands with red, pink, and purple hues.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in Colorado, USA and is known for its majestic mountain landscapes. The park is home to over 60 peaks over 12,000 feet, including Longs Peak which rises to an elevation of 14,259 feet. Visitors can take in the stunning views from the top of the peaks or from overlooks along the scenic drives. One of the park’s most famous landscapes is the Trail Ridge Road, which takes visitors through alpine tundra and offers views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Both parks offer a unique and breathtaking natural experience, but Petrified Forest National Park is more arid, while Rocky Mountain National Park is more alpine. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. Whether you are a nature lover or an outdoor enthusiast, both Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the American West.
Things To-Do and Activities in Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. However, they offer very different experiences. Petrified Forest is known for its unique petrified wood, as well as its striking desert landscapes and interesting fossils. Visitors can take scenic drives, hike, and visit the Painted Desert and Blue Mesa areas. In addition, the park offers ranger-led tours and educational exhibits about the petrified wood.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its majestic mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Popular activities in the park include hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic drives. Wildlife watching is also a big draw, with opportunities to see elk, bighorn sheep, and other animals. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the park’s ecosystem and history.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor experiences, but the main difference is the type of landscape. Petrified Forest provides a unique desert experience, while Rocky Mountain offers a quintessential mountain adventure. Whether you prefer the beauty of the desert or the majesty of the mountains, both parks are worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two distinct parks with different seasonal weather patterns. Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its hot and dry summers, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Winter temperatures are mild, with daytime temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-60s. Rain is scarce, with an average of less than 10 inches per year. This weather makes it best to visit the park in late spring to early autumn, when weather is mild and the park is in full bloom.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, experiences extreme temperature changes throughout the year. Summer temperatures range from the high 60s to mid-70s, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, with heavy snowfall and strong winds. This weather makes it best to visit the park in the summer, when the roads are clear and the weather is mild, or in the winter, when the park transforms into a winter wonderland with ample opportunities for snow sports.
Family Friendliness of Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. They both offer stunning geological formations and breathtaking views of nature, but when it comes to family-friendliness, there are differences to consider.
Petrified Forest National Park is a great choice for families with children who love science and learning about the natural world. The park offers a variety of educational programs, such as ranger-led walks, campfires, and junior ranger activities. There is also a museum on site that provides hands-on exhibits about the park’s geology, history, and ecology.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families looking for adventure and outdoor activities. With over 300 miles of trails, families can hike, bike, or horseback ride through the park’s scenic landscape. There are also ranger-led walks, wildlife watching opportunities, and scenic drives that are great options for families with children. Additionally, the park offers camping facilities and picnic areas, making it easy for families to spend extended periods of time in the park.
In conclusion, both Petrified Forest National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are great options for families with children, but each park offers a different type of experience. Petrified Forest is best for families interested in science and learning, while Rocky Mountain is ideal for families looking for outdoor adventure and recreational activities.