Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park couldn’t be more different. One is located on the rugged coast of Maine, while the other is located in the scorching desert of California. Acadia is known for its lush forests, rocky cliffs, and sparkling oceans, while Death Valley is known for its vast deserts, towering sand dunes, and scorching temperatures. One is a hiker’s paradise, while the other is a true test of survival. But despite their differences, both parks offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the United States. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, these two parks will not disappoint. Whether you’re looking to hike along the rocky coast of Maine or explore the vast deserts of California, these two national parks offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park
Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails, each with their own unique characteristics.
Acadia National Park is located on the coast of Maine and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse habitats. The park offers over 120 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular and easy hikes include the Jordan Pond Path, which is a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that offers stunning views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains, and the Precipice Trail, a 1.2-mile round-trip hike that offers challenging and steep climb to the summit of Champlain Mountain. On the other hand, some of the most strenuous hikes in the park include the Precipice Trail, the Jordan Pond Path, and the Jordan Pond Shore Trail, which is a 3.5-mile round-trip hike that offers challenging climbs and steep descents.
Death Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in California’s desert region and is known for its extreme temperatures and unique landscapes. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular and easy hikes include the Golden Canyon Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that offers stunning views of the golden-colored canyon walls, and the Natural Bridge Trail, a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that offers views of a natural bridge formed by erosion. On the other hand, some of the most strenuous hikes in the park include the Telescope Peak Trail, which is a 16-mile round-trip hike that offers challenging climbs and steep descents, and the Darwin Falls Trail, a 8-mile round-trip hike that offers challenging climbs and steep descents.
Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking trails, each with its own unique characteristics. Acadia National Park’s location on the coast of Maine offers more rugged terrain and diverse habitats, while Death Valley National Park’s location in California’s desert region offers unique landscapes and extreme temperatures. Additionally, both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backcountry treks. However, visitors should be aware that the trails in Death Valley are more strenuous and require more preparation and planning.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Beehive Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 148.7424 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Cadillac North Ridge Trail | 6437.36 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Jordan Pond Full Loop Trail | 5471.756 | 28.956 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 181.9656 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop | 12070.05 | 684.8856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Precipice, Orange and Black and Champlain North Ridge Trail Loop | 3379.614 | 319.7352 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ocean Path Trail: Thunder Hole and Monument Cove | 7242.03 | 113.9952 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Great Head Trail (Short Option) | 2574.944 | 91.7448 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Loop | 2253.076 | 149.9616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Summit Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail | 2896.812 | 2.7432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail | 4506.152 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zabriskie Point | 643.736 | 15.8496 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dante’s View Trail | 2574.944 | 109.728 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Telescope Peak Trail | 19312.08 | 1012.8504 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral | 4667.086 | 174.9552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point | 9334.172 | 332.8416 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Mosaic Canyon Trail | 5632.69 | 324.9168 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Death Valley Natural Bridge Road | 6920.162 | 304.8 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road | 3057.746 | 68.8848 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park
Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park are both known for their unique and diverse wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be seen at each park are quite different due to the vastly different climates and habitats of the two parks.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, foxes, and coyotes. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of birds such as the Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, and Bald Eagle. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, including a variety of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses that can be found in the park’s forests and wetlands.
Death Valley National Park, located in California, is known for its harsh desert climate, which supports a different variety of wildlife. Visitors to the park may see animals such as bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, and kit foxes, as well as a variety of birds such as the Turkey Vulture, Golden Eagle and Roadrunner. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, including Joshua trees, creosote bushes, and various cacti, as well as several species of wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
In summary, both Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be seen at each park are different due to the vastly different climates and habitats of the two parks. While Acadia National Park is known for its diverse plant life, and a variety of animals such as white-tailed deer, moose and black bears, Death Valley National Park is known for its harsh desert climate and the animals and plants that are adapted to living in this environment.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia National Park | Death Valley 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
| Acadia National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Big Brown Bat |
| Big Brown Bat | Bobcat |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Porcupine |
| Raccoon | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Black Bear | Hoary Bat |
| Porcupine | House Mouse |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Cross Fox | Gray Fox |
| New York Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| House Mouse | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mink | Badger |
| Gray Wolf | Californian Myotis |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Fringed Myotis |
| Varying Hare | Common Shrew |
| Masked Shrew | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Water Shrew | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Virginia Deer | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Canada Lynx | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Native Brook Trout | Mosquitofish |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | Goldfish |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Togue | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Bullfrog | Canyon Treefrog |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Eastern Garter Snake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Milk Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith������S Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Acadia National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park
Acadia National Park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including rocky cliffs, lush forests, and sparkling oceans. Some of the most famous landscapes at the park include Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the east coast of the United States and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Another popular spot is Jordan Pond, which is a glacially formed pond surrounded by mountains and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The Precipice Trail is another must-see spot in the park, offering challenging hike with steep cliffs and beautiful views of the ocean.
Death Valley National Park, on the other hand, is known for its vast deserts, towering sand dunes, and unique geological formations. Some of the most famous landscapes at the park include Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America and offers an otherworldly landscape of salt flats. Another popular spot is Zabriskie Point, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding desert and the famous “Golden Canyon” is a must see spot with colorful rock formation that offers a great hike. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is also a must-see spot, offering visitors a chance to explore the park’s towering sand dunes and take in the beautiful desert landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park
Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the types of activities that are popular at each park vary greatly due to the vastly different climates and landscapes of the two parks.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its rugged coastline and granite peaks, and is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities. The park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly trails to strenuous, backcountry routes. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Precipice Trail, Jordan Pond Path, and Cadillac Mountain. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities such as rock climbing, bird watching, and camping.
Death Valley National Park, located in California, is known for its vast deserts and unique geological features, and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly trails to strenuous backcountry routes. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon and the Devil’s Golf Course. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities such as stargazing, photography, and wildlife watching.
In summary, both Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park offer visitors the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of outdoor activities. While Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline and granite peaks, and is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities, Death Valley National Park is known for its vast deserts and unique geological features, and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and sightseeing. Both parks offer a wide variety of recreational activities such as rock climbing, bird watching, and camping, but the activities that are popular at each park vary greatly due to the vastly different climates and landscapes of the two parks.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park
Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park are located in vastly different regions of the country and therefore have vastly different weather patterns.
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, experiences four distinct seasons. Spring (April-May) brings mild temperatures, with an average high of around 60°F, and the park’s famous wildflowers begin to bloom. Summer (June-August) is the park’s peak season, with warm temperatures and the occasional thunderstorm. Average high temperature during these months are around 70-80°F. Fall (September-November) is a popular time to visit, with temperatures remaining mild and the park’s famous fall foliage. Winter (December-March) is a quieter time to visit, with cold temperatures and snowfall. Average high temperature during these months are around 30-40°F. The best time to visit the park will depend on your preference, but visitors can expect to encounter a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions depending on the time of year.
Death Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in California’s desert region and experiences extremely hot temperatures during the summer months. Summer (June-August) is the park’s peak season, with temperatures often reaching over 120°F. Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-November) are the best time to visit, with temperatures in the high 80s and 90s. Winter (December-March) is also a good time to visit, with temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s. This park is known for its extreme temperatures, so visitors should plan accordingly and bring plenty of water.
Both parks have different weather patterns, and the best time to visit will depend on your personal preferences and what activities you want to do. For example, if you want to hike in Death Valley, it’s better to visit in spring or fall when the temperatures are milder. However, if you want to see the fall foliage in Acadia, it’s better to visit during the fall season. Visitors to both parks should be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions depending on the time of year.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park
Acadia National Park and Death Valley National Park are both great places to visit with children, but they offer very different experiences.
Acadia National Park is considered more family-friendly due to its wide variety of outdoor activities that are suitable for all ages. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails, many of which are relatively easy and suitable for children. There are also several campgrounds and picnic areas that are perfect for families. The park also has several educational programs and guided tours that are geared towards families, which can be a great way to learn about the park’s history and natural wonders.
Death Valley National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging to visit with children due to the harsh desert environment. The park is known for its scorching temperatures and rugged terrain, which can be tough for young children. However, the park does offer several family-friendly activities such as ranger-led programs and easy nature walks. The park also has a visitors center and several campgrounds. But it should be noted that the park’s remote location and lack of amenities make it better suited for older children and teenagers.
It all depends on what you are looking for and what type of experience you want your children to have. If you’re looking for a more traditional national park experience with plenty of outdoor activities and educational opportunities, Acadia National Park might be the better choice. But if you want to introduce your children to a different type of landscape, Death Valley National Park can be a great choice as well.