Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Each park offers a unique experience for visitors, with a diverse range of landscapes and activities to explore. In this article, we’ll be comparing these two incredible parks, highlighting their differences and similarities, and helping you determine which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
Imagine walking through a forest made entirely of stone, or canoeing through a network of pristine lakes surrounded by dense forests. Both Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer these once-in-a-lifetime experiences and more. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, you’re sure to find something to love about these two incredible parks. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through America’s wildest landscapes!
Hiking Trails in Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular national parks in the U.S. The hiking trails at these parks are diverse and offer different experiences to visitors.
In Petrified Forest National Park, the easiest hike is the Giant Logs Trail, which is a 0.3-mile round trip that takes visitors through the heart of the park’s petrified forest. The park also offers more challenging hikes, such as the Blue Mesa Trail, a 3.0-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a scenic landscape of colorful badlands.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its water-based recreation opportunities and its network of interconnected lakes and waterways. The easiest hike at this park is the Kettle Falls Trail, a 1.8-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel site. The most challenging hike at this park is the Rainy Lake Trail, a 7.2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through the park’s forested wilderness and offers scenic views of Rainy Lake.
In conclusion, both Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a variety of hiking experiences, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous workout, these parks have something 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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a unique and fascinating place to visit. It is known for its large deposits of petrified wood and badlands formations. Visitors can also see a variety of wildlife, including pronghorns, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. In addition, the park is home to over 400 species of plants, including cacti and wildflowers.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is known for its stunning natural beauty, with countless lakes and rivers surrounded by forests. Visitors can see a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bald eagles. The park is also home to over 250 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatching. In addition, the park’s waterways provide habitat for a variety of fish, including walleye and northern pike.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, with Petrified Forest National Park being a great destination for those interested in geology and ancient history, while Voyageurs National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Regardless of your interests, both parks are sure to provide a memorable experience!
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Petrified Forest National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | House Mouse |
| Wolf | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mink |
| Badger | Common Gray Fox |
| California Myotis | Plains Wolf |
| Fringed Myotis | American Badger |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Ermine |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | River Otter |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Petrified Forest National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| 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 | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Petrified Forest National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is renowned for its large deposits of petrified wood and other geological specimens. The park’s Painted Desert is a colorful landscape, composed of brightly colored rock formations with shades of red, yellow, and blue. This area is a must-visit for anyone who loves natural beauty and geology.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is a water-based park that is famous for its network of interconnected lakes and waterways. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the different islands, bays, and inlets that make up the park. The park also has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding wilderness. The Kabetogama Peninsula is a popular destination, offering breathtaking views over the lake and surrounding forests.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, making them popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Petrified Forest National Park is a great place to see unique geological formations, while Voyageurs National Park is a great place to enjoy water-based activities and scenic views. Regardless of your interests, both parks are well worth a visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. While both parks offer opportunities for hiking, boating, and fishing, they each have unique experiences to offer.
Petrified Forest National Park is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, colorful rock formations, and ancient petrified trees. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, stopping at various overlooks, or hike along one of the many trails to see the petrified forest up close. The park also offers ranger-led tours, which provide a wealth of information about the geology and biology of the area.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park that offers extensive waterways and lakes for boating and fishing. Visitors can rent a canoe, kayak, or motorboat to explore the park’s many bays, inlets, and islands. Fishing is also a popular activity in Voyageurs National Park, with anglers able to catch a variety of fish, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The park also offers ranger-led boat tours, providing a unique perspective of the park’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Both Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient landscapes or navigating through pristine waterways, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona has a hot and arid climate, with temperatures reaching over 100°F during the summer months. Winters are mild with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s°F. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate and the park’s unique landscape is at its most vibrant. The park is known for its vast deposits of petrified wood, which are best viewed in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is at its best.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is located in a boreal forest region and has a more temperate climate. Summer temperatures average in the 70s and 80s°F, while winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. The park is best visited during the summer months, when the lakes and waterways are accessible by boat and offer some of the best opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. In the winter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Family Friendliness of Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most unique and beautiful parks in the United States. Both offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, but they differ greatly in terms of their family-friendliness.
Petrified Forest National Park is a great choice for families who are interested in learning about the history and geology of the region. With a variety of hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and educational exhibits, this park is a great place for families to explore and learn together. The park’s location in the desert also makes it a great place for families to experience different types of wildlife and vegetation.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is a better choice for families who are looking for a more water-based experience. With its numerous lakes and waterways, this park offers a variety of boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities for families. There are also several campgrounds and lodges within the park, making it a great place for families to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
In conclusion, both Petrified Forest National Park and Voyageurs National Park are great options for families, but they offer different experiences. If you are interested in learning about the history and geology of the region, Petrified Forest National Park may be the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more water-based experience, Voyageurs National Park is the better option.