Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both located in the American Southwest and offer visitors breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. Both parks are known for their red rock formations and diverse hiking opportunities, but each park has its own unique characteristics that make it a must-see destination. Arches National Park is famous for its natural stone arches, while Canyonlands National Park is known for its deep canyons and dramatic mesas. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for a scenic drive, both parks offer something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, and give you all the information you need to decide which park is the best fit for your next adventure. So grab your hiking boots, and let’s dive in!
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both located in Utah and offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Arches National Park is known for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail, which offers a short, easy hike through a narrow canyon with towering red rock walls, and the Double Arch Trail, which is a short, paved trail that leads to two large arches. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in Arches include the Devils Garden Trail, which is a 7.2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to some of the park’s most remote arches, and the primitive trail to Tower Arch, which is a strenuous hike that requires scrambling over rocky terrain.
Canyonlands National Park, on the other hand, is known for its vast canyons and mesas that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park is divided into three main areas: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Grand View Point Trail, which offers a short, easy hike to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the surrounding canyons, and the Upheaval Dome Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to a unique geological formation. Some of the most challenging hikes in Canyonlands include the Chesler Park Loop, which is a strenuous, 11-mile hike that takes visitors through a maze of canyons and mesas, and the Druid Arch Trail, which is a strenuous, 7-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to one of the park’s most remote arches.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails that cater to visitors of all skill levels, from easy, accessible hikes to strenuous, backcountry adventures.
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 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 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both located in Utah and offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife. Both parks are home to a variety of mammals, birds, and plants, but there are some notable differences in the types of wildlife that can be found at each park.
Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations and desert landscape. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. Birds commonly seen in the park include golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and ravens. The park is also home to a variety of desert plants, including cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees.
Canyonlands National Park, on the other hand, is known for its deep canyons and rugged terrain. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. Birds commonly seen in the park include golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and ravens. The park is also home to a variety of desert plants, including cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees.
Overall, while both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife, the types of wildlife that can be found at each park are quite similar. Both parks are home to a variety of desert mammals and birds, as well as a variety of desert plants. The main difference between the two parks is the unique rock formations and terrain that can be found at Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Arches National Park | Canyonlands 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 | Canyonlands 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 | 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 |
American Mink | American Mink |
Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
Common Gray Fox | Common Gray Fox |
Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
American Badger | American Badger |
California Myotis | Ermine |
Northern River Otter | California Myotis |
Reptiles
Arches National Park | Canyonlands National Park |
---|---|
Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
Terrestrial Gartersnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
Eastern Racer | Eastern Racer |
Common Sagebrush Lizard | Prairie Rattlesnake |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
Side-Blotched Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
Nightsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
Milksnake | Nightsnake |
Striped Whipsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Striped Whipsnake |
Tree Lizard | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
Western Whiptail | Tree Lizard |
Eastern Collared Lizard | Western Whiptail |
Eastern Collared Lizard | |
Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
Arches National Park | Canyonlands National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
American Bullfrog | American Bullfrog |
Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
Red-Spotted Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
Canyon Treefrog | Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
Arches National Park | Canyonlands National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
Green Sunfish | Brown Trout |
Bluegill | Largemouth Bass |
Fathead Minnow | Green Sunfish |
Common Carp | Bluegill |
Speckled Dace | Fathead Minnow |
Yellow Bullhead | Common Carp |
Northern Pike | |
Speckled Dace | |
Yellow Bullhead | |
Channel Catfish | |
Kokanee Salmon | |
Black Crappie | |
Black Bullhead | |
Mosquitofish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch. The park also features unique geological formations such as balanced rocks, spires, and fins. Visitors can also hike to the top of Park Avenue, a red rock canyon with towering walls, and enjoy scenic drives on the Park’s main road for views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Canyonlands National Park is divided into three main districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. The Island in the Sky district offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyons, including the famous Grand View Point and Green River Overlook. The Needles district is known for its colorful sandstone spires and offers a variety of hiking trails. The Maze district is the most remote and rugged of the three, and is popular among backpacking and four-wheeling enthusiasts. Some of the famous landscapes in the park include Upheaval Dome, Mesa Arch, and the Great Gallery.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both located in Utah and offer visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy. Both parks are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and offer a variety of activities that are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. However, there are some notable differences in the types of activities that are popular at each park.
Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations, which are the main attraction of the park. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty, including the famous Delicate Arch trail. Additionally, the park offers guided ranger-led tours, which provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of the park’s geology and natural history. Photography is also a popular activity at the park, as visitors can take advantage of the park’s stunning landscapes and rock formations to capture beautiful photographs.
Canyonlands National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged terrain and deep canyons. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty. The park also offers guided ranger-led tours, which provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of the park’s geology and natural history. Additionally, the park is popular among outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Visitors can also take scenic drives to see the park’s remote areas or take a river trip to see the park’s canyons from the water.
Overall, both parks offer visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy, but the main attraction of Arches National Park is the unique rock formations and hiking trails, while Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain, deep canyons and backpacking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The park also offers scenic drives, guided ranger-led tours, and river trips. Both parks offer visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and unique landscapes of the parks.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both located in Utah, but have different climates and weather patterns that can affect when is the best time of year to visit.
Arches National Park has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park experiences most of its rainfall from late spring to early fall, with occasional thunderstorms and flash floods. The summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which can make hiking and outdoor activities very difficult. The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. However, fall is also the peak season for tourists, so it can be more crowded.
Canyonlands National Park, on the other hand, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park experiences most of its rainfall in the spring and fall, with occasional snowfall in the winter. The summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making hiking and outdoor activities difficult during the day. The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. The winter season can also be a good time to visit the park, as the crowds are smaller and the snowy landscape can be very beautiful.
Overall, the best time to visit both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, visitors should also take into consideration the crowds and peak season when planning their trip.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park offer a variety of activities that are suitable for families. However, depending on the age and interests of your children, one park may be more family-friendly than the other.
Arches National Park is generally considered more family-friendly than Canyonlands National Park. The park features several short, easy hikes to some of the most famous arches, such as Delicate Arch, which is only a 3-mile round trip hike. There are also several pull-offs along the main road that offer great views and photo opportunities without requiring much physical effort. Additionally, the park has a Junior Ranger program that can help children learn about the park and earn a badge.
Canyonlands National Park, on the other hand, requires more effort and time to explore. The park’s main hiking trails are longer and more strenuous than those at Arches. The park can also be very hot in the summertime, which may be challenging for younger children. The park’s remote and rugged landscape may not be as accessible or interesting to young kids as the arches of Arches National Park.
In summary, if you’re traveling with young children and looking for a more convenient and accessible park experience, Arches National Park would be a better choice. However, if your children are older, in good physical shape and are looking for more of a backcountry experience, Canyonlands National Park could be a great option to explore.