Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks are home to breathtaking landscapes, incredible natural features, and an abundance of outdoor activities. But what sets these two parks apart?
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its hoodoos – tall, thin spires of rock that jut out of the ground like a forest of stone. These hoodoos are formed by millions of years of erosion, and they’re a sight to behold. The park also boasts a number of hiking trails, including the popular Rim Trail, which offers incredible views of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is home to the highest peak in Texas – Guadalupe Peak. This park also features the Guadalupe Mountains, which are home to over 80 miles of hiking trails, as well as the famous McKittrick Canyon, which is known for its fall foliage. The park is also a great spot for birdwatching, as it’s home to over 200 species of birds.
Both parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, but depending on what you’re looking for, one may be a better fit for you than the other. If you’re looking for a park that’s home to one of the most unique natural features in the world, Bryce Canyon National Park is for you. If you’re looking for a park that offers a great mix of outdoor activities and natural beauty, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the one for you.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Both parks have trails that range from easy, scenic walks to strenuous, all-day hikes.
At Bryce Canyon, the easiest hike is the Rim Trail, a paved path that runs along the rim of the canyon and offers stunning views of the hoodoos. Another easy hike is the Mossy Cave Trail, which takes visitors to a small waterfall and cave. The most strenuous hike at Bryce Canyon is the Fairyland Loop Trail, an 8-mile trail that takes visitors through a variety of landscapes and offers views of the hoodoos from different angles.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park also has easy and difficult hikes. The easiest hike is the Smith Spring Trail, a short, flat trail that takes visitors to a small spring. The most strenuous hike is the Guadalupe Peak Trail, an 8.4-mile hike that takes visitors to the highest point in Texas, with an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet. The trail is steep and rocky, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and deserts.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park offers scenic and easy hikes along the rim of the canyon, as well as strenuous, all-day hikes through a variety of landscapes. Guadalupe Mountains National Park has short, easy hikes to springs and longer, strenuous hikes to the highest point in Texas with challenging terrains.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail | 4184.284 | 189.8904 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Fairyland Loop Trail | 11909.116 | 469.6968 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Peekaboo Loop Trail | 8368.568 | 442.8744 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Navajo Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 139.9032 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 175.8696 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Sunset Point to Sunrise Point | 1770.274 | 24.9936 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail | 1609.34 | 35.9664 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Queen Victoria via Queen’s Garden Loop | 3379.614 | 123.7488 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tower Bridge Trail | 5471.756 | 251.7648 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail) | 10138.842 | 456.8952 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, foxes, and many species of birds such as the black-capped chickadee, American robin, and the Steller’s jay. The park is also home to many species of reptiles and amphibians, including the western whiptail lizard, the Great Basin collared lizard, and the Great Basin gopher snake.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, mountain lions, black bears, and many species of birds such as the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the common raven. The park is also home to many species of reptiles and amphibians, including the western diamondback rattlesnake, the Great Basin spadefoot, and the Great Basin collared lizard.
Both parks are home to a wide variety of plant life, including Joshua trees, pinyon pines, and junipers in Bryce Canyon National Park and Douglas firs, Limber pines and ponderosa pines in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Guadalupe Mountains 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 | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Deer Mouse |
| Striped Skunk | Raccoon |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Deer Mouse | Porcupine |
| Raccoon | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Black Bear | Hoary Bat |
| Porcupine | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Red Fox | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Gray Wolf |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | American Badger |
| Mule Deer | California Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| American Badger | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Ermine | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
| California Myotis | Bighorn Sheep |
| Snowshoe Hare | White-Tailed Deer |
Reptiles
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Eastern Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Prairie Ring-Necked Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Desert Kingsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Texas Night Snake |
| Tree Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Desert Striped Whipsnake |
| Western Skink | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Fish
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish |
Amphibians
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | American Bullfrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Ladies | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the country, with a wide variety of natural features that are sure to take your breath away.
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its towering red rock hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that rise up from the canyon floor. These hoodoos are created by erosion and are a result of millions of years of weathering. Visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon to see these hoodoos from different angles, or take a guided tour down into the canyon for a closer look.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which offers breathtaking views from the summit. The park also boasts the Guadalupe Mountains, which are an ancient reef from the Permian Period and offer spectacular views. Additionally, visitors can also explore the McKittrick Canyon, which is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including the Bigtooth Maple tree.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the country, and are sure to be a highlight of any trip. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or simply someone looking for a beautiful place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy. Both parks attract outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, camp, and explore the natural beauty of the area.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, the most popular activity is hiking. The park offers a variety of trails that range from easy, scenic walks to strenuous, all-day hikes. Visitors can explore the hoodoos, a unique rock formation, and see the park from different angles. Some of the most popular trails include the Rim Trail, the Queen’s Garden Trail, and the Peekaboo Loop Trail. In addition to hiking, visitors also enjoy scenic drives, horseback riding, and stargazing.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also popular for hiking. The park offers over 80 miles of trails, including the strenuous 8.4-mile Guadalupe Peak Trail, which takes visitors to the highest point in Texas. Visitors also enjoy backpacking, camping, and horseback riding. Additionally, the park has a variety of wildlife to see, including black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer. The park also offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the west as it is far from light pollution.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both popular for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the area. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique rock formations, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. Visitors to both parks can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as horseback riding, scenic drives, and stargazing.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park have distinct seasonal weather patterns that affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in Southern Utah, which has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the park can be quite busy with visitors. The best time to visit Bryce Canyon for comfortable weather is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are milder. In the winter, snowfall can be heavy and the park can be closed due to snow and ice, but the snow also covers the hoodoos and creates a unique and beautiful winter scene.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in West Texas which has a desert climate characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and low precipitation. The park is relatively dry year-round, with occasional thunderstorms during the summer months. The best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. In the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making hiking and outdoor activities difficult. The park is also less crowded during the spring and fall, when the park is at its most beautiful with the wildflower blooming and the colors changing.
In summary, the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and the park is less crowded. While the best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable, and wildflowers and fall colors are in display.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both family-friendly national parks with a variety of activities to offer visitors of all ages. However, each park offers a unique experience for families.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its hoodoos, which are tall spires of rock that have been shaped by erosion. The park offers a variety of short, easy hikes that are suitable for families with children, such as the Bristlecone Loop and the Navajo Loop. The park also offers ranger-led programs and educational activities that are geared towards families.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the family-friendly Pinery Trail which offers a great opportunity to see the park’s diverse wildlife and scenic views. The park also offers ranger-led programs, campground and picnicking facilities.
In terms of family-friendliness, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors. However, Bryce Canyon National Park may be a better option for families with younger children, due to the shorter and more easily accessible hikes. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is more suitable for families with older children who are interested in more strenuous hikes.