If you’re looking for a change of scenery and an escape from the daily grind, look no further than Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. These two stunning parks are chock-full of adventure, beauty, and culture, and offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and history.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is a landscape of multicolored badlands and towering rock formations that will take your breath away. With its rich history dating back millions of years, visitors can hike through the park to see petrified wood, ancient Indian ruins, and even dinosaur tracks.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park, located in the US Virgin Islands, offers visitors a tropical paradise with miles of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re a beach lover or an outdoor adventurer, this park has something for everyone, from snorkeling and kayaking to hiking and bird-watching.
So, whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, these two parks are the perfect destinations for your next nature escape. Get ready to be wowed by the beauty and diversity of Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park!
Hiking Trails in Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, offers a unique hiking experience with its petrified wood and colorful badlands. The park features several easy hikes such as the Giant Logs Trail and the Crystal Forest Trail, both of which are less than a mile long and provide access to some of the park’s most famous petrified wood formations. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Blue Mesa Trail is a 3-mile loop that takes you through a colorful badlands and offers great views of the surrounding landscape.
Virgin Islands National Park, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is known for its stunning beaches and lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a number of easy hikes, including the Reef Bay Trail, a 2.5-mile hike that takes you through a lush tropical rainforest and leads to a historic sugar plantation. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Ram Head Trail is a strenuous 3-mile hike that takes you to the top of a mountain and offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and Caribbean Sea. The trail is steep and can be very challenging in the heat, but the views are well worth the effort.
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 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 Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is known for its rich history of petrified wood and fossils from the Late Triassic period. The park boasts of a unique and diverse collection of wildlife including reptiles, rodents, and birds that have adapted to the semi-arid climate. Common sightings include pronghorn antelope, rattlesnakes, and roadrunners.
Virgin Islands National Park, located in the US Virgin Islands, is a tropical paradise that is home to an array of exotic wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of birds including tropical mockingbirds, bananaquits, and pelicans. The park is also a haven for reptiles such as iguanas and geckos, as well as a diverse array of plant species including orchids, ferns, and bromeliads.
In terms of wildlife viewing opportunities, both parks offer a unique and memorable experience. Petrified Forest National Park offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife that have adapted to the harsh semi-arid environment, while Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise where visitors can observe exotic bird and reptile species. Regardless of the park you choose, you are sure to encounter a diverse array of wildlife and plant species that will leave you in awe.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Petrified Forest 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 |
| 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Petrified Forest National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | House Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Wolf | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Badger | Gray Wolf |
| California Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Badger |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | North American River Otter |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Petrified Forest National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Bullsnake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | Rattlesnake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned 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 | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Petrified Forest National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Flathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Carp/European Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is famous for its petrified wood, formed from fallen trees that have been fossilized over millions of years. The park features multi-hued badlands and a variety of landscapes, including the Painted Desert, with its brilliant red, orange and purplish soils and rock formations. Visitors can also see the historic Puerco Pueblo, an ancient Native American dwelling that contains petroglyphs and other artifacts.
Virgin Islands National Park on St. John in the US Virgin Islands is known for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, offering opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. The park also has a lush tropical rainforest, where visitors can hike among towering trees and exotic plants to reach breathtaking panoramic vistas. The park also features historic ruins, including the remains of sugar plantations, and is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 50 species of birds having been spotted in the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two popular national parks that offer unique opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Both parks are known for their stunning natural beauty and offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona and is famous for its petrified wood. Visitors can hike through the park and see the petrified trees, as well as explore the park’s many scenic drives and viewpoints. In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy bird watching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing.
Virgin Islands National Park, located in the US Virgin Islands, is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving to explore the park’s vibrant coral reefs and the diverse marine life that calls the park home. In addition to water activities, visitors can also enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and bird watching.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to escape into nature and enjoy a range of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to hike, snorkel, or simply relax on a beach, Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are both excellent options for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer a unique experience for visitors, each with its own distinct seasonal weather patterns.
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures ranging from 90-100°F and cool winters with occasional snow and temperatures in the 40-50°F range. The best time to visit the park is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the vegetation is in bloom.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands experiences warm, tropical weather year-round with temperatures ranging from 80-90°F. The park experiences a rainy season from September to November, which can make trails and beaches slippery. The best time to visit is during the winter months, when the weather is dry and the seas are calm for snorkeling and other water activities.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for varying weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and gear for their activities. Regardless of the weather, both Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer stunning landscapes and unique opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Family Friendliness of Petrified Forest National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is a unique and fascinating place to visit, but it may not be the best choice for families traveling with children. The park features a 28-mile scenic drive and several short, easy hikes, but most of the trails are unpaved and rocky, making them difficult for younger children to navigate. Additionally, there is limited shade and limited facilities, so it may not be the most comfortable place to spend a hot, sunny day with children.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park in the US Virgin Islands offers a more family-friendly experience. The park features calm, clear waters and beautiful beaches, making it a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. There are also several well-maintained hiking trails, including a nature trail and a historical trail, that are suitable for families. The park also offers picnic areas, restrooms, and a visitor center, making it a convenient and comfortable place to spend the day with children. Additionally, the park’s location in the Caribbean means that the weather is generally mild and sunny, making it a great destination for families all year round.
Based on these factors, Virgin Islands National Park is likely the better choice for families traveling with children. The park’s beautiful beaches, well-maintained trails, and family-friendly facilities make it a great destination for families, while Petrified Forest National Park may be more suitable for older children and adults.