Are you ready for an adventure that will take you from towering red rock arches to rugged desert canyons? Look no further than Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park. These two national parks offer vastly different landscapes and experiences, but both are sure to leave a lasting impression on any nature lover. Imagine standing in awe at the stunning natural arches at Arches National Park and then being able to take a dip in the Rio Grande river at Big Bend National Park. One park offers a red rock wonderland, while the other park will take you on a journey through a desert oasis. Both parks offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Come along and join us as we explore and compare these two amazing national parks, and discover which one is the perfect fit for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park
Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park both offer visitors a wide variety of hiking trails that showcase the unique natural features of each park. However, the types of hikes and difficulty levels vary between the two parks.
Arches National Park is known for its easy and moderate hiking trails that lead visitors to some of the park’s most iconic natural features, such as the Delicate Arch and the Double Arch. The park’s most popular hikes, such as the Delicate Arch Trail and the Park Avenue Trail, are considered to be easy to moderate in difficulty and offer visitors the opportunity to see the park’s famous sandstone arches up close. Some of the park’s more strenuous hikes include the Devils Garden Trail, which is a 7.2-mile round trip hike that leads visitors through a series of sandstone fins and arches.
Big Bend National Park, on the other hand, offers a wider range of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. The park’s most popular hikes, such as the Chisos Basin Trail and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, are considered to be easy to moderate in difficulty and offer visitors the opportunity to see the park’s unique landscapes, such as the Chisos Mountains and the Santa Elena Canyon. However, the park also offers some of the more strenuous hikes such as the Emory Peak Trail, which is a 7.4-mile round trip hike that leads visitors to the summit of the park’s highest peak, Emory Peak.
In conclusion, both Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park offer visitors a wide variety of hiking trails that showcase the unique natural features of each park. Arches National Park is known for its easy and moderate hiking trails that lead visitors to some of the park’s most iconic natural features, such as the Delicate Arch and the Double Arch. Big Bend National Park, on the other hand, offers a wider range of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, with some popular hikes that are considered easy to moderate in difficulty, and some strenuous hikes that lead visitors to the summit of the park’s highest peak, Emory Peak.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park
Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife.
Arches National Park is located in the high desert of Utah and is home to a variety of animals such as coyotes, foxes, black bears, and mountain lions. Visitors may also spot mule deer, bighorn sheep, and the occasional desert bighorn sheep. Birds such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and red-tailed hawks can also be seen in the park. The park also has a diverse plant life, including cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees.
Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, also offers a wide variety of wildlife. The park is home to a diverse array of animals such as white-tailed deer, javelinas, mountain lions, and black bears. Visitors may also spot roadrunners, golden eagles, and the endangered peregrine falcon. The park also has a variety of reptiles such as the Texas horned lizard, the desert tortoise, and the Gila monster. The park’s plant life is also diverse, with a wide range of species such as the prickly pear cactus, the sotol, and the agave.
Both parks offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing, but the type of wildlife you’ll see will depend on the specific park you’re visiting. Arches National Park is known for its red rock formations and desert wildlife, while Big Bend National Park is known for its wide range of desert and mountain wildlife, as well as the Rio Grande River.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Big Bend 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
| Arches National Park | Big Bend 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 | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Raccoon |
| Raccoon | Black Bear |
| Black Bear | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mountain Lion |
| House Mouse | Mule Deer |
| Mountain Lion | Common Gray Fox |
| American Mink | Gray Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | American Badger |
| Long-Legged Myotis | California Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| American Badger | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| California Myotis | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Northern River Otter | Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Big Bend National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Eastern Racer | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Desert Kingsnake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Texas Nightsnake |
| Nightsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Mexican Milksnake |
| Milksnake | Central Texas Whipsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Big Bend Tree Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Glossy Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Big Bend National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Barred Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | American Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Canyon Treefrog |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Big Bend National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Common Carp | Common Carp |
| Speckled Dace | Longnose Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | Yellow Bullhead |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park
Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park are both known for their unique and spectacular landscapes.
Arches National Park is famous for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch, which is the state symbol of Utah. The park also features other unique rock formations such as the Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, and the Windows. The park is known for its red rock landscape that is sculpted by wind and water erosion, creating a striking contrast with the blue sky and white clouds.
Big Bend National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged and diverse terrain, including the Chisos Mountains, the Santa Elena Canyon, and the Rio Grande. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including desert, mountains, and canyons, and offers visitors the opportunity to see diverse wildlife and plant life. The Chisos Mountains, which are the park’s highest peak, offer visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. The Santa Elena Canyon, which is a narrow and deep gorge carved by the Rio Grande, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to see the natural beauty of the park. Additionally, the Rio Grande, which forms the park’s southern boundary, offers visitors the opportunity to see the park’s diverse plant and animal life, as well as its rugged and wild landscape.
In conclusion, Arches National Park is known for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, while Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged and diverse terrain, including the Chisos Mountains, the Santa Elena Canyon, and the Rio Grande. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see unique and spectacular landscapes and natural features.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park
Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park both offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Arches National Park is known for its hiking and sightseeing opportunities. The park’s main attraction is its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, and many visitors come to hike to see these unique rock formations up close. The park also offers a variety of easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes that take visitors to different viewpoints and landmarks. Some of the most popular hikes include Delicate Arch, Park Avenue, and Landscape Arch. The park also offers scenic drives, including the 18-mile long Park Road, which takes visitors through the park’s most popular sights. Additionally, visitors can enjoy ranger-led tours, camping, and rock climbing.
Big Bend National Park, on the other hand, is known for its outdoor recreational activities. The park offers visitors the opportunity to hike, camp, backcountry camp, and stargaze. The park’s most popular hike is the Emory Peak, which offers visitors a beautiful panoramic view of the park. The park also offers a variety of other hikes, including the Lost Mine Trail, the Window Trail, and the South Rim Trail. Visitors can also enjoy river trips, canoeing, and kayaking on the Rio Grande, horseback riding and bird watching.
In conclusion, Arches National Park is known for its hiking and sightseeing opportunities, while Big Bend National Park is known for its outdoor recreational activities. Both parks offer visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy, from hiking and sightseeing to camping, bird watching, and stargazing, but each park has its own unique features and activities.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park
Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park have vastly different weather patterns, which can affect the best time of year to visit each park.
Arches National Park, located in the high desert of Utah, has hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it difficult to hike and explore the park during this time. Spring and fall are the best times to visit the park, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Winter is also a good time to visit, as temperatures are mild and the park’s red rock formations are often covered in snow, creating a unique and picturesque landscape.
Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, has a more moderate climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it also difficult to hike and explore the park during this time. Spring and fall are also the best times to visit the park, with comfortable temperatures and wildflowers in the spring. Winter can also be a good time to visit, as temperatures are mild and the park’s rugged terrain and canyons are often covered in snow, creating a unique and beautiful landscape.
Both parks have unique features that make them worth visiting at different times of the year. In Arches National Park, the hot summer months may be too hot to enjoy and in Big Bend National Park, the summer is also hot but the park can be enjoyed in mild winter and spring. Additionally, Arches National Park is known for its red rock formations, while Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged terrain and canyons.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park
Arches National Park and Big Bend National Park are both family-friendly, but they offer different experiences. Arches National Park is known for its beautiful natural rock formations, including over 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as a wide variety of short and easy hikes that are suitable for families and children. The park is also relatively small and easy to navigate, with many of the main attractions located along a single loop road.
Big Bend National Park, on the other hand, is much larger and more remote, with a wide variety of outdoor activities available, including hiking, camping, and river trips. The park also has a number of longer, more strenuous hikes that may not be as suitable for young children. However, the park also offers a scenic drive that allows visitors to see much of the park from the comfort of their car.
In summary, if you’re traveling with young children and are looking for a park with easy hikes and a lot of natural beauty, Arches National Park is probably the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more remote and rugged outdoor experience, Big Bend National Park might be the better choice.