Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but each park has its own unique features that set it apart from the other.
In Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can stroll through a landscape of colorful badlands and towering mesas, and witness the fascinating petrification process in action. Meanwhile, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve boasts the largest protected wilderness in the country, filled with stunning glaciers, towering mountains, and pristine valleys.
But which park is the better destination for your next adventure? To help you decide, we’ve compared the two parks in terms of size, geography, and activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a peaceful escape, this article will give you all the information you need to choose your perfect national park destination. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore two of America’s most magnificent natural treasures!
Hiking Trails in Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve both offer stunning natural landscapes and a variety of hiking opportunities. Petrified Forest is known for its colorful badlands, petrified wood, and ancient Puebloan ruins. The park’s trails range from easy, scenic walks to more strenuous hikes that lead to remote backcountry areas.
Wrangell – St Elias is the largest national park in the US, with a landscape that includes glaciers, mountains, and vast wilderness areas. The park’s hiking trails range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks, with opportunities to explore glaciers, alpine tundra, and remote valleys.
One of the easiest hikes in Petrified Forest is the Giant Logs Trail, a 0.3-mile loop that winds through a field of petrified wood. The Painted Desert Rim Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that offers breathtaking views of the park’s colorful badlands.
In Wrangell – St Elias, the Nizina River Trail is a relatively easy hike, offering views of glaciers and the Nizina River. The Root Glacier Trail is a strenuous hike, leading to the Root Glacier where visitors can explore the glacier’s crevasses and ice formations.
For experienced hikers, Petrified Forest offers the backcountry hike to Blue Mesa, a 5-mile round trip hike with steep, challenging terrain. In Wrangell – St Elias, the challenging Stairway Icefall hike leads to the Stairway Glacier, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, both Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer a variety of trails to suit all abilities and interests.
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 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique parks that offer visitors an opportunity to experience diverse wildlife. Petrified Forest is located in Arizona and is known for its petrified wood formations, but it also boasts a rich array of wildlife. Some of the most common animals seen in the park include pronghorns, rattlesnakes, and desert bighorn sheep. Birds such as the Greater Roadrunner and the Western Tanager can also be seen in the park.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offers visitors a chance to see a different type of wildlife. The park is home to large mammals such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Visitors can also see a variety of birds such as the Bald Eagle, Northern Hawk Owl, and the Steller’s Jay. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including spruce and hemlock forests, and alpine tundra.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see unique wildlife in their natural habitats. Petrified Forest provides a glimpse into the desert wildlife of the southwest, while Wrangell-St. Elias offers a look at the diverse wildlife of Alaska. Whether you’re interested in seeing large mammals, birds, or plant life, both parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Petrified Forest National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Deer Mouse | Porcupine |
| Raccoon | Red Fox |
| Black Bear | Puma |
| Porcupine | Mink |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mule Deer |
| Hoary Bat | Wolf |
| Red Fox | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mountain Lion | Land Otter |
| Mule Deer | Common Shrew |
| Gray Fox | Water Shrew |
| Wolf | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Montane Shrew |
| Badger | Long-Tailed Vole |
| California Myotis | Lynx |
| Fringed Myotis | Wolverine |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | American Marten |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | Grizzly Bear |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Meadow Vole |
Reptiles
| Petrified Forest National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Petrified Forest National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Insects
| Petrified Forest National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood in the world. The park features multi-hued badlands, scattered with fallen logs of petrified wood and dotted with the formations of colorful rock spires known as “hoodoos”.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska is the largest national park in the United States, covering over 13 million acres. It is home to towering glaciers, rugged mountains, and pristine valleys. The park’s landscapes include the famous Wrangell Mountains, the largest volcanic field in North America, and the massive Kennicott Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in North America. Additionally, the park is home to a number of scenic overlooks, including the Root Glacier Overlook and the Nabesna Road Scenic Byway, which offer breathtaking views of the park’s rugged wilderness.
Things To-Do and Activities in Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska offer unique and diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. While both parks have stunning natural beauty, they have different popular activities.
At Petrified Forest, visitors love to explore the park’s vast collection of petrified wood, some of which are over 200 million years old. Hiking, backpacking, and camping are also popular activities, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. In addition, scenic drives and ranger-led programs provide opportunities to learn about the park’s geology, paleontology, and history.
In contrast, Wrangell – St Elias is known for its incredible wilderness, with opportunities for backpacking, mountaineering, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to glaciers, peaks, and valleys, and visitors can take guided tours to explore this rugged landscape. The park’s remote location provides a true wilderness experience, and visitors come from all over the world to experience its beauty and solitude.
Both Petrified Forest and Wrangell – St Elias have something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiast to armchair adventurer. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike or a challenging wilderness experience, these parks are sure to inspire and delight.
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique parks in the United States that offer visitors a chance to explore different terrains and climates. The seasonal weather at each park is one of the key factors to consider when planning a visit.
Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona and is known for its hot and dry climate. The summer months can be extremely hot with temperatures reaching over 100°F. The winter months are mild with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F. The best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is during the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate and the park’s vegetation is in full bloom.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is characterized by its cold and wet climate. Despite its location, the park can still receive heavy snowfall in the winter months, making it difficult to access some areas. The summer months are warmer with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F. The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is during the summer when the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities and the park’s wildlife is more visible.
Family Friendliness of Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of America’s most stunning parks, each offering unique experiences for visitors. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks offer great opportunities for families to explore and learn about the natural world. However, each park caters to families in different ways.
Petrified Forest National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a park that is easy to navigate and has plenty of educational opportunities. The park features many well-maintained trails and roads, making it easy for families to explore the park’s many attractions. Additionally, the park offers a variety of ranger-led educational programs designed for families with children.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is more challenging for families, but offers a more immersive and adventurous experience. The park is larger and more remote than Petrified Forest, and features more rugged terrain. This park is better suited for families who are looking for a more rugged and challenging outdoor experience. The park also offers plenty of opportunities for families to experience the natural world, including ranger-led hikes and educational programs.
In conclusion, both Petrified Forest National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are great options for families looking to explore the natural world. Petrified Forest is more accessible and educational, while Wrangell – St Elias is more rugged and challenging. Ultimately, the best park for families depends on what type of experience they are looking for.