The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes and monuments that showcase the beauty of nature. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the flat expanses of the Great Plains, there’s something for everyone. But, when it comes to national parks, two stand out from the rest: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park.
On one hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With its rugged terrain and rolling hills, it’s the perfect place for rock climbing, hiking, and white-water rafting. On the other hand, Saguaro National Park is a desert oasis in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. With its towering cacti and vibrant sunsets, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting these two amazing national parks. We’ll delve into their unique features, the activities they offer, and the best time to visit. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and start exploring these two incredible jewels of the American West.
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two of America’s most beautiful parks. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails, but they offer different experiences. New River Gorge offers a variety of trails that range from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Endless Wall Trail and the Long Point Trail. The Endless Wall Trail is a 2.5-mile hike that offers stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge. The Long Point Trail is a 1.5-mile hike that takes you to a scenic overlook of the New River Gorge. On the other hand, some of the hardest hikes at New River Gorge include the Arrowhead Trail and the Kaymoor Trail. These trails offer a challenging hike through the rugged terrain of the park.
Saguaro National Park is located in southern Arizona and is home to the giant saguaro cactus. The park has two sections, the Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain District. The Rincon Mountain District offers several easy hikes, including the Douglas Spring Trail and the Mica View Nature Trail. The Tucson Mountain District offers more challenging hikes, including the Wasson Peak Trail. This 7.8-mile trail takes you to the summit of Wasson Peak and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Regardless of the difficulty level, all trails at Saguaro National Park offer a unique and memorable hiking experience.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.6 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two unique and diverse parks located in different parts of the United States. New River Gorge is located in West Virginia and is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. In contrast, Saguaro National Park is located in Arizona and is home to the iconic saguaro cactus.
At New River Gorge, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, turkeys, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including bald eagles, hawks, and ospreys. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, which includes a variety of wildflowers, ferns, and trees.
In contrast, Saguaro National Park is known for its saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 50 feet tall and can live for hundreds of years. Visitors to this park can also expect to see a variety of wildlife, including rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the Gilded Flicker, the Gila Woodpecker, and the Canyon Wren. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, which includes a variety of cacti, shrubs, and wildflowers.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, each with its own unique landscapes, animals, birds, and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Saguaro 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 |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | American Robin |
| Barn Swallow | Great Horned Owl |
| Savannah Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Flicker |
| Hermit Thrush | Merlin |
| European Starling | Barn Swallow |
| Northern Pintail | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Wigeon | Great Blue Heron |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hermit Thrush |
| American Pipit | American Kestrel |
| Killdeer | Song Sparrow |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | European Starling |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Killdeer |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Northern Shoveler | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Common Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Wolf | Badger |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Californis Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Ermine | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| California Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Snowshoe Hare | Yuma Myotis |
| North American River Otter | Bighorn Sheep |
| Masked Shrew | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Eastern Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Rubber Boa | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its beautiful landscapes, with the New River Gorge Bridge being one of its most famous landmarks. The bridge provides stunning views of the gorge and the New River below. Visitors can also hike to various overlooks or take a scenic drive to see the park’s stunning waterfalls and scenic vistas. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and various bird species.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is famous for its iconic saguaro cacti and breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert. The park is divided into two districts, east and west, with each offering unique landscapes and scenic drives. Visitors can hike through the cacti forest, see panoramic views from the summit of the Rincon Mountains, or take a scenic drive through the park to see the unique rock formations and desert landscapes. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and various bird species.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. New River Gorge is located in West Virginia and offers a unique combination of scenic beauty and adventure activities. The park’s main attraction is the New River Gorge Bridge, which provides breathtaking views and is a popular spot for bridge walks, rock climbing and zip lining. The park also has a diverse range of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous climbs.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its stunning cactus gardens. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing and hiking in the park. The park is also a popular destination for stargazing, as it is one of the few places in the country with minimal light pollution. In addition, visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history and ecology of the park, or go on a bird-watching hike to see over 200 species of birds that call the park home.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for adventure, education, or just a peaceful escape from city life, New River Gorge and Saguaro National Park have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two iconic national parks with much to offer. The weather at both parks affects when is the best time of year to visit.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures average around 80°F, while winter temperatures average around 40°F. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, with the most rainfall occurring in the spring and summer. The best time to visit New River Gorge is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is warm and dry. This is a great time for hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and has a hot and dry desert climate. Summer temperatures average around 100°F, while winter temperatures average around 60°F. Precipitation is minimal, with the most rainfall occurring in the summer monsoon season. The best time to visit Saguaro is from late autumn to early spring, when the weather is mild and there is less chance of rain. This is a great time for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring the unique desert landscape.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park have different weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit. Whether you’re looking for a temperate climate or a hot and dry desert, both parks have much to offer and are well worth a visit.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park are both great options for families looking for an outdoor getaway. However, there are some differences that make each park better suited for different types of families.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has a wider range of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, white water rafting, hiking, and fishing. The park also has a number of campgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks that are great for families looking to spend a lot of time outdoors. However, the park can be a bit more rugged and harder to navigate, which may not be ideal for very young children.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more accessible and easier to explore. The park has a number of short, scenic hikes that are great for families with young children, and also offers educational programs and ranger-led activities that can be fun for kids of all ages. The park also has a number of picnic areas and campgrounds, making it a great option for families looking to spend a few days in the great outdoors.
Overall, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park are great options for families looking for an outdoor getaway. However, if you’re traveling with young children, Saguaro National Park may be a better option due to its accessibility and educational programs. If your family is up for a bit more adventure, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve may be the better choice, with its wide range of outdoor activities and scenic overlooks.