Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of America’s most striking and unique natural wonders. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. But which one is right for you? If you’re torn between these two destinations, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll compare Petrified Forest and Sequoia & Kings Canyon, so you can choose the perfect park for your next outdoor adventure.
Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona, and is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. This ancient forest is a testament to the power of nature, and a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life on Earth. With its vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, the Petrified Forest is a photographer’s paradise.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are located in California and boast some of the largest trees in the world. The parks are home to the giant sequoia trees, which can grow up to 300 feet tall and live for over 3,000 years. These trees are not only awe-inspiring, but they also provide critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and mountain lions. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Sequoia & Kings Canyon offer something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is known for its extensive petrified wood deposits and vast desert landscapes. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to more strenuous hikes for experienced hikers. On the easier end, the Giant Logs trail is a 0.3-mile round trip hike that showcases some of the largest petrified logs in the park. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Blue Mesa trail is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes you through scenic canyons and offers panoramic views of the park’s colorful badlands.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California cover over 800,000 acres and are home to the largest trees on Earth, the giant sequoias. The parks offer a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. On the easier end, the Big Trees Trail is an easy, 0.6-mile round trip hike that takes you through a grove of giant sequoias. For those seeking a more challenging experience, the High Sierra Trail is a strenuous, 72-mile hike that takes you through the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
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 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 Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks are known for their stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, there are some differences in the types of animals and plants you’ll see at each park.
At Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and lizards, as well as a number of bird species such as roadrunners, hawks, and ravens. Additionally, the park is home to a number of unique plant species, including the petrified wood for which the park is named.
In contrast, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their diverse forest ecosystems and the wide variety of animals that call these forests home. Visitors to these parks can expect to see black bears, deer, and coyotes, as well as a number of bird species, including the Steller’s Jay and the Mountain Bluebird. Additionally, the parks are home to some of the tallest trees in the world, including the famous General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree by volume on the planet.
Both Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of nature in unique and exciting ways. Whether you’re interested in exploring the desert landscapes of Arizona or the towering trees of California, these parks are sure to provide a memorable and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Petrified Forest 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 |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Petrified Forest National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | House Mouse |
| Wolf | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mink |
| Badger | Mule Deer |
| California Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Fringed Myotis | Wolf |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | Badger |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Ermine |
Reptiles
| Petrified Forest National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Racer |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Kingsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Nightsnake | Rubber Boa |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Milksnake | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Western Whiptail |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | Western Skink |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Petrified Forest National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Petrified Forest National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout Charr Salter | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona and is famous for its petrified wood and colorful badlands. The park has many unique landscapes and geological wonders, including the Rainbow Forest, home to some of the most colorful petrified wood formations in the world. Another famous landmark is the Painted Desert, which has a colorful, layered rock formations that display hues of pink, red, and blue. Visitors can also see the Blue Mesa, a hill made of blue-gray stone that rises from the desert floor.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in California and are famous for their giant sequoia trees, some of which are the largest living things on earth. The parks are home to the General Sherman Tree, which is considered the largest tree in the world. Another famous landmark is the Moro Rock, a granite dome that provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also hike to the top of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, and experience breathtaking views. The parks also have several deep canyons, including Kings Canyon, which is over 8,000 feet deep.
Things To-Do and Activities in Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both popular destinations for visitors looking to explore the great outdoors and enjoy a range of outdoor activities. While both parks have a lot to offer, there are some key differences between the two.
At Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can explore the park’s unique landscapes, which are dotted with petrified trees and other fascinating geological formations. This park is also home to a number of scenic drives, including the Painted Desert Rim Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In addition, visitors can take part in ranger-led tours and educational programs to learn more about the park’s history and geology.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are known for their towering trees, including the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree on Earth by volume. In addition to exploring the park’s forested areas, visitors can also take part in a range of recreational activities, such as camping, fishing, and horseback riding. The parks’ scenic drives, including the Generals Highway, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and visitors can also take part in ranger-led tours and educational programs to learn more about the park’s history and ecology.
In conclusion, both Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from scenic drives and ranger-led tours to educational programs and recreational activities. Whether you are interested in exploring unique geological formations or towering trees, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California are two of America’s most popular national parks. While both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty, the seasonal weather at each park is vastly different, and this affects when the best time of year to visit each park is.
At Petrified Forest National Park, the weather is hot and dry in the summer with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and the park can receive snow. The best time of year to visit Petrified Forest is in spring or fall when temperatures are milder and there is less chance of inclement weather.
In contrast, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks experience a more moderate climate, with hot summers and cool, wet winters. Snow is common in the higher elevations, and roads through the park can close due to snow and ice. The best time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon is in the summer when the weather is warm and there is little chance of snow or ice.
Visitors should be aware of the weather conditions when planning a trip to either park, as the weather can greatly affect their experience. For those who enjoy milder temperatures and fewer crowds, spring and fall are the best times to visit Petrified Forest. For those who prefer warmer weather and easy road access, the summer is the best time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon.
Family Friendliness of Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Petrified Forest National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are excellent destinations for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Both parks offer a range of activities that both parents and children will love, but there are some key differences between the two when it comes to family-friendliness.
Petrified Forest is a great option for families with younger children. The park offers several easy hiking trails, including the Giant Logs trail, which takes visitors through a forest of petrified wood. There is also a Junior Ranger program that is designed for children and helps to keep them engaged and entertained throughout their visit.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon, on the other hand, is better suited for families with older children or teenagers. The park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, and the trails that lead to these giants can be strenuous. While the views at the top are breathtaking, younger children may find the hike to be too challenging. However, families with older children will love the opportunity to explore the park and learn about the unique ecosystem that supports these massive trees.
Both Petrified Forest and Sequoia & Kings Canyon are great destinations for families, but it ultimately comes down to the age of your children and what type of experience you are looking for. Petrified Forest is a great option for families with younger children, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon is best for families with older children or teenagers.