Arizona is home to two stunning national parks that offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the desert: Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park. Both parks are unique in their own ways and offer a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes.
Saguaro National Park, located near Tucson, is known for its towering saguaro cacti and diverse desert landscape. The park is separated into two districts, east and west, each offering a distinct experience for visitors. From scenic drives to hiking trails, Saguaro National Park is the perfect place for nature lovers to explore.
Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is a breathtaking canyon landscape filled with towering cliffs, deep valleys, and rushing rivers. The park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and canyoneering to camping and rock climbing. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a peaceful escape, Zion National Park has something to offer.
So, which park is worth a visit? Is it the towering saguaro cacti of Saguaro National Park or the breathtaking canyons of Zion National Park? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park
Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park are two magnificent natural areas that are great for hiking. Saguaro National Park is located in Arizona and is known for its towering cacti, while Zion National Park is located in Utah and is known for its towering red rock cliffs.
Saguaro National Park has many hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes include the Bajada Loop Trail, which is a 1.8-mile trail that takes you through a beautiful desert landscape, and the Hugh Norris Trail, which is a 3.3-mile trail that takes you to the top of a ridge for panoramic views. The park’s hardest hike is the King Canyon Trail, which is a 7.5-mile trail that takes you to the top of a mountain for views of the surrounding desert.
Zion National Park has a number of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. Some of the easiest hikes include the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile trail that takes you along the Virgin River, and the Pa’rus Trail, which is a 3.3-mile trail that takes you through the park’s scenic valley. The park’s hardest hike is the Angel’s Landing Trail, which is a 5.4-mile trail that takes you to the top of a towering rock formation for panoramic views.
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 |
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 Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is home to the iconic Saguaro cactus, as well as other cacti species like the cholla and prickly pear. Wildlife in the park includes reptiles such as rattlesnakes and Gila monsters, as well as mammals like coyotes, bobcats and javelinas. Bird watchers can spot species such as Gilded Flickers, Cactus Wrens, and Gambel’s Quails.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is known for its stunning canyons and unique rock formations. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. Bird species commonly seen in the park include American Dippers, Peregrine Falcons, and Black-throated Sparrows. In addition to mammals and birds, Zion is also home to a variety of plant life, including the Zion Daisy, Desert Globemallow, and Zion Penstemon.
Both Saguaro and Zion National Parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a range of unique and interesting wildlife, from iconic cacti to soaring birds of prey. Whether you’re a fan of reptiles, mammals, or plants, these two parks are sure to provide a memorable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Saguaro 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 |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Killdeer | European Starling |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Saguaro National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Big Brown Bat | Muskrat |
| Bobcat | Big Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Bobcat |
| Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Mountain Lion | Hoary Bat |
| Mule Deer | Red Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | House Mouse |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Mountain Lion |
| Badger | Mule Deer |
| Californis Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Western Harvest Mouse | American Badger |
| Yuma Myotis | Ermine |
| Bighorn Sheep | California Myotis |
| White-Tailed Deer | Fringed Myotis |
Reptiles
| Saguaro National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gophersnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Night Snake | Common Kingsnake |
| Leopard Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Striped Whipsnake |
| Western Whiptail | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Glossy Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Western Skink |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Saguaro National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Saguaro National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park
Saguaro National Park, located in southern Arizona, is known for its iconic saguaro cactus forests. These towering cacti, some reaching over 40 feet tall, dot the landscape and provide a unique and beautiful backdrop for visitors. In addition to the cacti, the park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rattlesnakes, bighorn sheep, and Gila monsters.
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is famous for its towering red rock cliffs, steep canyons, and pristine wilderness. Visitors can explore the park’s many scenic trails, including the famous Angels Landing and The Narrows, and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mountain lions, black bears, and bighorn sheep.
Both Saguaro and Zion National Parks offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty of the American Southwest. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or simply take in the scenery, these parks are must-sees for anyone visiting the region.
Things To-Do and Activities in Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park
Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors, but there are some key differences between the two.
At Saguaro National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and ranger-led programs. The park is known for its unique desert landscape, including the towering saguaro cactus and other desert plants. Hiking and camping are also popular activities, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls. Hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering are the most popular activities in the park. Visitors can also take scenic drives and participate in ranger-led programs. In addition, the Virgin River runs through the park, making it a popular location for tubing and swimming.
Both Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in hiking and exploring the desert landscape or climbing and exploring canyons, both parks have something to offer. It just depends on what type of outdoor adventure you’re looking for.
Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park
Saguaro National Park is located in southern Arizona and is known for its towering cacti and hot desert climate. The park experiences hot and dry weather in the summer months with temperatures often reaching into the 90s and 100s Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures are mild, with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The park receives very little rain, with the majority of precipitation falling in the winter months.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Utah and boasts a unique combination of desert and canyon landscapes. The park experiences hot and dry weather in the summer months, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s and low 100s Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures are cool, with daytime temperatures in the 40s and 50s. The park receives the most rainfall in the spring and fall months, with occasional snowfall in the winter.
The best time to visit Saguaro National Park is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and cacti are in bloom. Summer is the busiest time of year, with temperatures often too hot for comfortable outdoor activities. Winter is a great time to visit for those who enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds.
Zion National Park can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. Summer is the busiest time of year, with temperatures often too hot for many outdoor activities. Winter is a great time to visit for those who enjoy cool weather and fewer crowds, although some trails may be closed due to snow and ice.
Family Friendliness of Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park
Saguaro National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for families, but they offer different experiences. Saguaro National Park is located in the Sonoran Desert and is known for its towering cactus forests. The park has several easy hiking trails, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs for families. The park’s two districts, east and west, are separated by the city of Tucson and offer unique experiences.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Utah and is known for its stunning red rock formations. The park has several family-friendly trails, including the Riverside Walk and the Emerald Pools Trail, as well as ranger-led programs and a junior ranger program. The park also has a shuttle system that makes getting around easier and reduces traffic congestion.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for families to explore, but if you’re traveling with children, Zion National Park is probably the better choice. The park’s shuttle system makes it easier to get around, and the park’s trails are generally more accessible to families. Additionally, the park’s junior ranger program is a great way to get kids involved in learning about the park and its history. However, if you’re looking for a unique desert experience, Saguaro National Park is a great option.