Arches National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most iconic and beautiful national parks in the western United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature in unique and unforgettable ways. However, while they share many similarities, these two parks also have a number of distinct differences that make them appealing to different types of visitors. Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking for a challenging hike, or a nature lover looking for a peaceful stroll, you’ll find something to love at both Arches and Zion. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two incredible national parks, comparing and contrasting everything from the geology to the recreational opportunities, so you can decide which one is the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Zion National Park
Arches National Park and Zion National Park are both known for their incredible natural beauty and hiking opportunities.
Arches National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty level. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a 1.8-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon and past towering rock formations. Another easy hike is the Balanced Rock Trail, which is a 0.3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to a viewpoint of the famous Balanced Rock formation. For more strenuous hikes, the park offers the Devils Garden Trail, which is an 8.2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors past several iconic arches, such as Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. Another strenuous hike is the Delicate Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the famous Delicate Arch.
Zion National Park also offers a diverse range of hiking trails that range in difficulty level. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors along the Virgin River. Another easy hike is the Weeping Rock Trail, which is a 0.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to a viewpoint of the Weeping Rock, a natural rock alcove. For more strenuous hikes, the park offers the Angels Landing, which is a 5.4-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the park. Another strenuous hike is the Narrows Trail, which is a 16-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon and along the Virgin River.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Zion National Park offer visitors a wide range of hiking trails that range in difficulty level. While Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations, Zion National Park is known for its narrow canyons and towering cliffs. Visitors can choose from easy, family-friendly hikes to more strenuous, challenging hikes, both parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Zion National Park
Arches National Park and Zion National Park are both known for their unique and diverse wildlife. While both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of animals, birds, and plants, there are some key differences in the types of wildlife that are commonly seen at each park.
Arches National Park is home to a wide variety of animals including mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes, and desert bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures. The park’s hot and dry climate also supports a variety of desert-adapted plants, including cacti and Joshua trees.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is home to a wider variety of animals, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lions, and even black bears. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and turkey vultures. Zion is also known for its wide variety of plants, including wildflowers, and different tree species such as the Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, and Quaking Aspen.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Zion National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen at each park are different. Arches National Park is known for its desert-adapted wildlife and plants, while Zion National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and a wide variety of plants. Therefore, each park offers a unique and different experience for visitors interested in wildlife viewing.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Zion 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
| Arches National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| American Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | American Badger |
| American Badger | Ermine |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
| Northern River Otter | Fringed Myotis |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Eastern Racer | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Milksnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Tree Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Western Whiptail |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Western Skink |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Canyon Treefrog |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Speckled Dace |
| Common Carp | Channel Catfish |
| Speckled Dace | Goldfish |
| Yellow Bullhead |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Zion National Park
Arches National Park and Zion National Park are both renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.
Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as other unique geological formations such as balanced rocks and fins. The park’s most famous arch, Delicate Arch, is a must-see for visitors. This iconic arch is located in a remote area of the park and can be accessed via a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike. Visitors can also take in the park’s other famous arches such as Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in the world, or Double Arch, which is a pair of arches that are located very close to each other.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering red sandstone cliffs and peaks, as well as its beautiful canyons and waterfalls. Some of the park’s most famous landscapes include Angels Landing, a strenuous hike that leads to a narrow and steep ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons, The Narrows, a hike that takes you through a narrow and deep slot canyon with towering walls on both sides and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, where visitors can see towering peaks and colorful cliffs, and is a great way to see a lot of the park in a short time. Additionally, visitors can also take in the park’s other famous landscapes such as The Great White Throne and The Temple of Sinawava.
In conclusion, Arches National Park and Zion National Park both offer visitors a chance to see some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the United States. Arches National Park is known for its natural stone arches, while Zion National Park is known for its towering red sandstone cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to get up close and personal with these landscapes, making them a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Zion National Park
Arches National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, and each park offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, there are some key differences in the most popular activities at each park.
Arches National Park is known for its stunning natural arches, and the most popular activity at the park is hiking. Visitors can choose from a variety of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Many people also enjoy taking scenic drives through the park to see the arches and other natural wonders, as well as to find some of the best views and photo opportunities. Rock climbing and photography are also popular activities at Arches National Park.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is known for its spectacular canyons, and the most popular activity at the park is hiking. The park offers a wide variety of trails, including the famous Angels Landing and The Narrows trail. Another popular activity in the park is river rafting and kayaking on the Virgin River which runs through the park. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives through the park, rock climbing, and photography, as well as camping.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Zion National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the most popular activity at Arches National Park is hiking to see the natural arches, while the most popular activity at Zion National Park is hiking through the canyons. Both parks also offer scenic drives, rock climbing, and photography opportunities, as well as other outdoor activities like river rafting and kayaking.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Zion National Park
Arches National Park and Zion National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can affect when the best time of year to visit is.
Arches National Park is located in eastern Utah and has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park experiences high temperatures during the summer months, with average highs in the 90s Fahrenheit (32-37C) and occasional 100F (38C) or more. The park can also be very dry, with low humidity and little precipitation. Winter temperatures are milder, with average highs in the 50s Fahrenheit (10-15C) and occasional snowfall. The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring or fall when temperatures are milder and the park’s wildflowers are in bloom.
Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The park experiences high temperatures during the summer months, with average highs in the 90s Fahrenheit (32-37C) and occasional 100F (38C) or more. The park can also be quite hot and dry, with low humidity and little precipitation. Winter temperatures are milder, with average highs in the 50s Fahrenheit (10-15C) and occasional snowfall. The best time to visit Zion National Park is during the spring or fall when temperatures are milder, and the park’s foliage is in full color.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Zion National Park are known for their hot summers and mild winters. However, the best time to visit each park depends on what you want to see and do. For example, if you want to see the wildflowers in Arches National Park, the best time to visit is in spring, while if you want to see the foliage in Zion National Park, the best time to visit is in fall. Both parks can be very hot in the summer, so it’s best to plan your trip in the shoulder seasons to avoid the extreme heat.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Zion National Park
Both Arches National Park and Zion National Park are great options for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors together, but each park offers a slightly different experience.
Arches National Park is considered a family-friendly park with several short and easy trails that are suitable for children. Some of the family-friendly trails include Park Avenue, a short and easy trail that takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering red rock walls, and Sand Dune Arch, a short and easy hike to a beautiful arch that is located in an area of the park that is relatively flat and easy to navigate. Additionally, the park offers a Junior Ranger Program, where children can learn about the park’s geology, plants, and wildlife, and earn a badge and certificate for completing the program.
Zion National Park also offers a family-friendly experience, but some of the trails in the park can be quite strenuous and may not be suitable for young children. Some of the family-friendly trails include Riverside Walk, a flat and easy trail that follows the Virgin River and offers great views of the surrounding cliffs, and the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, a short and easy hike to a beautiful waterfall. Additionally, the park also offers a Junior Ranger Program, where children can learn about the park’s geology, plants, and wildlife, and earn a badge and certificate for completing the program.
In conclusion, both Arches National Park and Zion National Park are great options for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors together. Arches National Park has more short and easy trails suitable for children, and is considered more family-friendly overall. Zion National Park also offers a family-friendly experience, but some of the trails may not be suitable for young children. Both parks offer a Junior Ranger Program which is a great way for children to learn about the park and have fun at the same time.