Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of America’s most treasured natural wonders, each offering its own unique blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, these parks offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience as we compare Canyonlands and Shenandoah, and discover which one is the perfect destination for you.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, ranging from easy to challenging.
At Canyonlands, some of the easiest hikes include the Island in the Sky District’s Grand View Point and Upheaval Dome trails, which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. More challenging hikes in the park include the Needles District’s Chesler Park and Joint Trail, which offer a strenuous hike through the park’s rugged terrain.
At Shenandoah National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Limberlost Trail and the Fox Hollow Trail, which offer scenic views of the park’s rolling hills and forests. More challenging hikes in the park include the Old Rag Mountain hike, which offers a strenuous hike to the summit of the park’s highest peak, and the Rose River Falls hike, which offers a challenging hike to a waterfall in the park’s backcountry.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, ranging from easy to challenging, with Canyonlands being known for its rugged terrain and Shenandoah being known for its rolling hills and scenic views.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Arch Trail | 965.604 | 18.8976 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand View Point Trail | 2896.812 | 52.7304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chesler Park Loop Trail | 18668.344 | 589.788 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| False Kiva Trail | 3057.746 | 136.8552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail | 2414.01 | 91.7448 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Aztec Butte Trail | 2092.142 | 66.7512 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Druid Arch Trail | 15288.73 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Shafer Trail | 30899.328 | 949.7568 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| White Rim Overlook Trail | 2896.812 | 48.768 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Syncline Loop | 13840.324 | 496.824 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife and plants, but the types of wildlife you will see at each park can vary greatly.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the high desert of southeastern Utah and is home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorns, desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and a variety of bird species, such as the red-tailed hawk and the American kestrel. The park is also home to several species of reptiles, including the desert horned lizard and the western rattlesnake. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of cacti and wildflowers, like the prickly pear cactus and the desert marigold.
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is home to a different set of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and a variety of bird species, such as the turkey vulture and the wood thrush. The park is also home to several species of reptiles, including the copperhead and the black rat snake. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of wildflowers, like the trillium and the bluebell, as well as a variety of trees, such as the oak and the hickory.
In conclusion, while both Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife and plants, the types of wildlife and plants you will see will depend on the park you visit. Whether you’re interested in seeing desert wildlife in Canyonlands or forest wildlife in Shenandoah, both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Shenandoah 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
| Canyonlands National Park | Shenandoah 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 | 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 | Gray Fox |
| American Mink | River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Masked Shrew |
| Common Gray Fox | Water Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
| American Badger | Virginia Opossum |
| Ermine | Marten |
| California Myotis | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Largemouth Bass |
| Bluegill | Green Sunfish |
| Fathead Minnow | Bluegill |
| Common Carp | Common Carp |
| Northern Pike | Mottled Sculpin |
| Speckled Dace | Longnose Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | Yellow Bullhead |
| Channel Catfish | Creek Chub |
| Kokanee Salmon | Brown Bullhead |
| Black Crappie | Smallmouth Bass |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Black Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Milksnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Canyonlands National Park is known for its breathtaking canyons, towering mesas, and vibrant rock formations, making it a popular destination for landscape photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park features several iconic landscapes, including the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze, each offering a unique perspective on the park’s rugged beauty. One of the most famous landscapes in Canyonlands is Mesa Arch, a natural arch that provides panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and mesas.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rolling hills, pristine forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas. The park is home to the Skyline Drive, a scenic roadway that winds its way through the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. One of the most famous landscapes in Shenandoah is the Dark Hollow Falls, a 70-foot waterfall that cascades down a rocky slope and provides a peaceful escape from the park’s more crowded areas. Other popular landscapes in the park include the Stony Man Mountain, the Hawksbill Mountain, and the Old Rag Mountain, each offering its own unique blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the types of activities visitors can enjoy at each park can vary greatly.
Canyonlands National Park is a great destination for those who enjoy hiking, backpacking, and exploring the great outdoors. The park has several trails, including the famous White Rim Trail, that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the unique beauty of the high desert. The park also offers opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking, and scenic drives, making it a great destination for those who enjoy adventure sports.
Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for those who enjoy hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The park has over 500 miles of trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park also offers opportunities for bird watching, fishing, and horseback riding, making it a great destination for those who enjoy a more relaxed pace.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer visitors the chance to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, but the types of activities you will enjoy will depend on your interests and the park you visit. Whether you’re interested in exploring the high desert in Canyonlands or the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah, both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park both experience seasonal weather changes, which can affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
At Canyonlands, the weather can be hot and dry in the summer, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s. The winter can be cold and snowy, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing. The spring and fall are generally mild, with comfortable temperatures and occasional rain showers. The best time to visit Canyonlands depends on what type of weather you prefer and what activities you plan to participate in. Summer is ideal for those who enjoy hot weather and outdoor activities, while winter is best for those who enjoy snow sports.
At Shenandoah, the weather is generally mild, with warm summers and cool winters. The summer months can be warm, with temperatures often reaching into the 80s, while the winter months can be cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing. The spring and fall are generally mild, with comfortable temperatures and occasional rain showers. The best time to visit Shenandoah depends on what type of weather you prefer and what activities you plan to participate in. Summer is ideal for those who enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, while winter is best for those who enjoy snow sports.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park experience seasonal weather changes, with Canyonlands being known for its hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, and Shenandoah being known for its mild, temperate climate. The best time to visit each park depends on what type of weather you prefer and what activities you plan to participate in.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both great options for families, but each has its own unique features that make it better for certain types of travelers. Canyonlands is a rugged and remote park with stunning canyons and mesas, offering opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and scenic drives. Shenandoah, on the other hand, is a more accessible park with rolling hills, forests, and waterfalls, offering a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
For families with children, Shenandoah may be the better option as it has more family-friendly trails and easier access to amenities like picnic areas, campgrounds, and visitor centers. Canyonlands, while offering a more adventurous experience, may be too remote and challenging for younger children. Ultimately, the best park for your family will depend on your specific interests and travel style.