Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of America’s most iconic natural wonders, and each boasts its own unique features. Both parks are home to stunning landscapes and breathtaking vistas, from towering cliffs to rolling hills and sparkling lakes. But what sets these two parks apart, and which one is the best choice for your next outdoor adventure?
In this article, we’ll compare Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park, delving into the history, geography, and attractions of each. From the petrified trees of Arizona to the geysers of Wyoming, we’ll explore the wonders that make these parks so special. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a fun day trip, this article will help you decide which of these parks is the perfect destination for you. Get ready to embark on a journey to the heart of America’s wildest places!
Hiking Trails in Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks offer stunning landscapes and unique geological features, the hiking trails in each park offer different experiences for visitors.
Petrified Forest National Park boasts a variety of trails that range from easy, paved walks to strenuous backcountry routes. For those seeking a leisurely hike, the Giant Logs Trail is a must-see, offering a short, easy walk through a forest of petrified logs. For a more challenging hike, the Blue Mesa Trail is a 3-mile loop that takes visitors through a colorful badlands landscape.
In contrast, Yellowstone National Park offers a range of hiking trails that range from easyboardwalk walks to strenuous, multi-day backcountry treks. For those seeking an easy hike, the boardwalks at the park’s geyser basins are a great option, offering visitors a chance to see some of the world’s most famous geysers. For a more challenging hike, the multi-day backcountry trek to the park’s remote Thorofare region is a must-do, offering stunning views and a chance to experience the park’s wilderness.
No matter what your hiking level, both Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking an easy nature walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, these parks have it all.
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 Yellowstone National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular tourist destinations, but they differ greatly in terms of wildlife. Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona and is known for its abundant petrified wood, while Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and is known for its geysers and hot springs.
In Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as pronghorns, jackrabbits, and rattlesnakes. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the great horned owl and the roadrunner. In terms of vegetation, the park is predominantly covered in desert scrub, with some areas of pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys. Vegetation in Yellowstone National Park is diverse, with forests, meadows, and thermal basins all coexisting in the park.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but visitors to Yellowstone National Park are much more likely to spot a wide variety of animals and birds. Additionally, the park’s diverse vegetation provides a habitat for many different species, making it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Petrified Forest National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
California Myotis | Wolf |
Fringed Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Long-Eared Myotis |
Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Badger |
Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | Short Tailed Weasel |
Western Harvest Mouse | California Myotis |
Reptiles
Petrified Forest National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | Racer |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
Western Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
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 | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
Petrified Forest National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | |
Brook Trout | |
Brown Trout | |
Longnose Sucker | |
Lake Trout | |
Mottled Sculpin | |
Longnose Dace | |
Speckled Dace | |
Arctic Grayling |
Insects
Petrified Forest National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Monarch | |
American Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Mourning Cloak | |
Silvery Blue | |
Common Checkered Skipper | |
Common Sulphur | |
Variegated Fritillary | |
Commom Wood Nymph | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is located in Arizona, USA and is famous for its petrified wood, colorful badlands, and Native American history. The park’s main attraction is the Petrified Forest, a large area of petrified trees that date back over 200 million years. Another famous landscape is the Painted Desert, a colorful badland with scenic overlooks offering panoramic views of the area.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is the first national park in the United States and one of the largest in the world. It is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. The park also has scenic mountain ranges, including the Grand Teton Mountain Range, and beautiful waterfalls like the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. Yellowstone also has a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk.
Both Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see unique and beautiful landscapes, each with its own unique features. Whether you’re interested in geology, wildlife, or history, both parks have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique experience for visitors and are known for their natural beauty and diverse landscapes. However, there are some key differences between the two parks when it comes to popular activities.
At Petrified Forest National Park, visitors can explore the park’s extensive fossil beds and see petrified wood that dates back millions of years. In addition, visitors can experience the park’s unique history and see ancient Native American petroglyphs. In contrast, Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. Visitors can also see an array of wildlife such as bison, elk, and wolves in their natural habitat.
While both parks offer scenic drives and camping opportunities, Petrified Forest National Park is more focused on its geological features, while Yellowstone National Park is more focused on its geothermal features and wildlife. Visitors to Petrified Forest National Park can take a scenic drive through the park, visit the museum and gift shop, and attend ranger-led programs. Visitors to Yellowstone National Park can also take scenic drives and attend ranger-led programs, but they can also participate in guided wildlife tours and geyser watching walks.
In conclusion, Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in geology or wildlife, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both of these parks have unique features and seasonal weather patterns that could greatly impact a visitor’s experience.
The weather in Petrified Forest National Park is typically dry and hot during the summer months, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures are mild, with occasional snow and freezing rain. Because of the hot summer weather, the best time to visit Petrified Forest is in the spring or fall when temperatures are more mild and the park is less crowded.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park experiences much more varied weather patterns. Summer temperatures can range from the low 60s to the high 80s, while winter temperatures can drop below zero. Snow is a common occurrence in the winter months, making some parts of the park inaccessible. However, the snow also creates a winter wonderland that is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The best time to visit Yellowstone is during the summer months when the park is accessible and the weather is mild, although it can still be quite crowded.
Both Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park have unique weather patterns that can greatly impact a visitor’s experience. It is important to consider the seasonal weather when planning a visit to either of these parks.
Family Friendliness of Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are packed with stunning natural beauty, but when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some important differences to consider.
Petrified Forest National Park is a great choice for families who want to combine fun and education. With its many trails, scenic drives, and educational facilities, this park offers a mix of adventure and learning opportunities that kids will love. The park also has several picnic areas, so families can enjoy a picnic lunch together.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is a more challenging destination for families. While it is home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, it also requires more preparation and effort to navigate. The park is massive, and it can be difficult to get from one attraction to another. Additionally, the park’s wildlife can be unpredictable, so families need to be prepared for a variety of scenarios.
Despite these challenges, Yellowstone is still a great choice for families who want to experience the great outdoors. With its many geysers, hot springs, and other geological wonders, this park is sure to captivate kids and keep them engaged. And, with a range of lodges, cabins, and camping options, there are plenty of ways to make your visit to Yellowstone a memorable one.
Ultimately, the choice between Petrified Forest National Park and Yellowstone National Park will come down to your family’s individual preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and education, Petrified Forest is a great choice. But if you’re looking for a more rugged and wild experience, Yellowstone is the way to go.