Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park stand as two of the most unique and contrasting landscapes in the United States. Both parks are home to awe-inspiring geological formations and breathtaking vistas, but they couldn’t be more different from one another. Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, is a treasure trove of ancient history, showcasing petrified wood that has been fossilized over millions of years. On the other hand, White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is a sea of white, with the world’s largest gypsum dune field stretching as far as the eye can see.
In this article, we will take a closer look at both of these parks, comparing their geological wonders, recreational activities, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking for your next adventure or a nature lover searching for a peaceful escape, there is something for everyone at Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park. So come along with us on this journey as we explore these two incredible parks, and discover which one is the perfect destination for your next road trip.
Hiking Trails in Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. Petrified Forest is known for its scenic, yet strenuous trails, which showcase the park’s petrified wood and scenic desert landscapes. On the other hand, White Sands offers a more relaxed hiking experience, with its easy trails leading through the stunning white sand dunes.
At Petrified Forest, visitors can hike the Long Logs Trail, a 1.2 mile loop that winds through some of the park’s largest petrified logs. For a more challenging hike, visitors can take on the Blue Mesa Trail, a 3.3 mile round trip hike that takes hikers to the top of a mesa for sweeping views of the park.
White Sands, on the other hand, offers a variety of easy hikes, including the Interdune Boardwalk, a 0.3 mile wheelchair accessible trail that leads through the park’s most accessible dunes. Another popular hike is the Dune Life Nature Trail, a 1.5 mile round trip hike that passes through some of the park’s unique vegetation and wildlife. For a more strenuous hike, visitors can tackle the Alkali Flat Trail, a 4.6 mile round trip hike that takes them through the park’s backcountry and across the white sand dunes.
Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. No matter the level of difficulty, both Petrified Forest and White Sands offer visitors the opportunity to explore the unique and breathtaking landscapes of the American Southwest.
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 White Sands 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 | 6 |
Wildlife in Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park are both unique in their own ways. Petrified Forest is known for its ancient petrified wood and vast landscapes, while White Sands is famous for its glowing white sand dunes. When it comes to wildlife, both parks have a lot to offer.
At Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife including pronghorn antelopes, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the common raven, roadrunner, and various species of hawks and owls. Additionally, the park boasts a diverse array of plant life, including cacti, desert wildflowers, and juniper trees.
White Sands National Park is also home to a number of unique wildlife species, including the white-tailed deer, black-tailed jackrabbit, and desert bighorn sheep. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with species such as the Greater Roadrunner, Western Bluebird, and Northern Harrier commonly seen. In terms of plant life, visitors to White Sands National Park can expect to see a variety of cacti and other desert-adapted plants.
In conclusion, both Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. Whether you’re interested in seeing ancient petrified wood, or exploring the glowing white sand dunes, both parks have a lot to offer visitors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Petrified Forest National Park | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 White Sands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona, and is famous for its colorful badlands and petrified wood. The park’s landscape is dotted with the remains of fallen trees that have been transformed into stone due to the process of permineralization. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails and take in the stunning views of the Painted Desert and the Blue Mesa.
White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico, is famous for its vast fields of white sand dunes that are made from gypsum crystals. The park’s unique landscape is a result of wind and water erosion, and visitors can explore the dunes on foot, by sled, or by taking a scenic drive. In addition to the dunes, the park is home to many other natural wonders, including sandstone formations, desert wildlife, and stunning sunsets.
Both Petrified Forest and White Sands National Parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience unique and breathtaking landscapes that are unlike anything else in the world. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, these parks are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Things To-Do and Activities in Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and White Sands National Park in New Mexico are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors, but they have different focuses and attractions.
At Petrified Forest, visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, stopping at various overlooks to admire the incredible petrified logs that once thrived in the area. There are also several educational exhibits and ranger-led talks that provide insight into the park’s geology and history. Additionally, visitors can explore the park’s backcountry on foot, visiting ancient petroglyphs and other cultural artifacts.
At White Sands, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, picnicking, and sand sledding – the park’s signature activity. The park’s unique white sand dunes stretch for miles, providing a stunning contrast against the desert landscape. Visitors can also learn about the area’s history and geology, including the formation of the dunes and the plants and animals that call the park home.
Both parks offer unique experiences and opportunities for outdoor recreation, but Petrified Forest National Park is ideal for those interested in geology and history, while White Sands National Park is a must-visit for those seeking outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, these two parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona and is known for its large deposits of petrified wood. The park has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it the least favorable time to visit the park. Winter temperatures average around 50°F, making it the most pleasant time to visit, but visitors should be prepared for occasional snow and freezing temperatures.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern New Mexico and is home to the largest gypsum sand dune field in the world. The park has a dry desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 90°F, but the dry heat is often more tolerable than the humid heat of other areas. Winter temperatures average around 60°F, making it the most pleasant time to visit.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is in the winter, while the best time to visit White Sands National Park is in the winter or spring. Visitors should be prepared for the hot temperatures in the summer, but the dry heat of White Sands National Park makes it a more tolerable experience than other areas.
Family Friendliness of Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park
Petrified Forest National Park, located in Arizona, and White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, are two unique parks that offer a range of activities for families. Both parks have different landscapes and attractions, making it difficult to determine which park is the most family-friendly.
Petrified Forest National Park provides a rich history and geological wonder. It offers a scenic drive, numerous hiking trails, and several picnic areas, making it an ideal place for families who enjoy outdoor activities. The park also has a variety of interesting exhibits and educational programs, including ranger-led walks, which are great for families with kids who are curious about the natural world.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, offers a unique landscape with its vast gypsum sand dunes. The park has several hiking trails, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs, but its main attraction is the opportunity to play and explore in the sand dunes. Kids will love sledding down the soft, white sand and building sandcastles. The park also has a gift shop and a small visitors center, making it a great place to spend a day with the family.
In conclusion, both Petrified Forest National Park and White Sands National Park offer a range of activities for families, but for those traveling with kids, White Sands National Park might be a better option. The park’s unique landscape and opportunities for play and exploration are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.