Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Each park offers a unique and unforgettable experience, from the fiery red rock formations of Arches to the deep blue waters of Crater Lake. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiking enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, both of these parks have something to offer. Imagine yourself standing at the edge of the world’s largest preserved sandstone arch at Arches and feeling the enormity of nature or gazing at the stunning, crystal-clear waters of Crater Lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and ancient volcanic formations. These two parks are truly a must-see for any nature lover, adventure seeker, or anyone in need of a little peace and tranquility. Whether you’re seeking an action-packed outdoor adventure or a more leisurely and contemplative experience, you’ll find it at Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime as you explore the natural wonders of these two amazing parks.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both popular destinations for hiking, but the types of trails and hiking experiences offered at each park are quite different.
Arches National Park, located in the high desert of Utah, is known for its stunning red rock formations and natural arches. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a scenic canyon, and the Devils Garden Trail, which is a 1.8-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to several natural arches. On the other hand, some of the most strenuous hikes at the park include the Delicate Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the iconic Delicate Arch, and the Fiery Furnace Trail, which is a strenuous 2-mile hike that takes visitors through a maze of narrow canyons and sandstone fins.
Crater Lake National Park, located in Oregon, is known for its stunning blue lake that sits in the caldera of an ancient volcano. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Rim Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors along the rim of the lake, and the Discovery Point Trail, which is a 0.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to a viewpoint overlooking the lake. On the other hand, some of the most strenuous hikes at the park include the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which is a strenuous 2.1-mile hike that takes visitors down to the lake shore, and the Garfield Peak Trail, which is a strenuous 1.5-mile hike that takes visitors to the summit of Garfield Peak for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding area.
Overall, while both Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer visitors the opportunity to hike on a variety of trails, the types of trails and hiking experiences offered at each park are quite different. Arches National Park is known for its red rock formations and natural arches, while Crater Lake National Park is known for its stunning blue lake. Both parks offer trails that range from easy to strenuous, but the scenery and the experiences are different.
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 Crater Lake National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of animals and plants you will see at each park are quite different.
Arches National Park is located in the desert, and as such, is home to a variety of desert-dwelling animals such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and mountain lions. You may also see smaller animals such as lizards, snakes, and rodents. Birds such as golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and ravens can also be spotted soaring overhead. The park also boasts a variety of desert plants such as juniper, pinyon pine, and sagebrush.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Cascade Mountains and is home to a variety of alpine and subalpine animals such as black bears, mountain lions, and elk. You may also see smaller animals such as chipmunks, ground squirrels, and marmots. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species including ospreys, bald eagles, and common loons. The park also boasts a variety of alpine and subalpine plants such as hemlock, Douglas fir, and western white pine.
In conclusion, while both Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park are home to a diverse array of wildlife, the types of animals and plants you will see at each park are quite different. Arches National Park is located in the desert and is home to a variety of desert-dwelling animals and plants, while Crater Lake National Park is located in the Cascade Mountains and is home to a variety of alpine and subalpine animals and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Crater Lake 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 | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Arches National Park | Crater Lake 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 | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | American Badger |
| Northern River Otter | Ermine |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Racer |
| Eastern Racer | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Western Skink |
| Nightsnake | Western Fence Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Lake Trout |
| Common Carp | Silver Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Kokanee Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Arches National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both known for their stunning natural landscapes and unique geological features.
At Arches National Park, one of the most famous landscapes is the Delicate Arch. This iconic arch is the most recognizable feature of the park and is also the symbol of Utah. The arch is a free-standing arch carved out of red sandstone, and visitors can hike to the base of the arch for a closer look. Additionally, the park is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, each one unique and awe-inspiring. The park also features towering red rock formations, such as Park Avenue and the Windows Section, that offer spectacular views of the surrounding desert.
Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake. The lake is known for its deep blue waters and surrounding cliffs, which are the remains of an ancient volcano. The park also features several hiking trails that lead to different viewpoints of the lake, including Watchman Peak, which offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the park has several waterfalls including, Plaikni Falls, which is a hidden waterfall that can be accessed by a short hike.
Both Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer a variety of landscapes that will leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re admiring the natural arches at Arches or the stunning blue waters of Crater Lake, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both popular tourist destinations that offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the most popular activities at each park are quite different.
At Arches National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, sightseeing, and rock climbing. The park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, and many visitors come to hike the various trails that lead to these stunning rock formations. The park also offers several scenic drives that provide visitors with breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes. Rock climbing is also a popular activity in the park, with many visitors coming to test their skills on the park’s towering sandstone cliffs.
At Crater Lake National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, sightseeing, and camping. The park is home to the deepest lake in the United States, and many visitors come to hike the various trails that lead to the lake’s rim. The park also offers several scenic drives that provide visitors with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. Camping is also a popular activity in the park, with many visitors coming to enjoy the park’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
In conclusion, while both Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, the most popular activities at each park are quite different. Arches National Park is known for its hiking, sightseeing, and rock climbing opportunities, while Crater Lake National Park is known for its hiking, sightseeing, and camping opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park have vastly different climates and weather patterns, making the best time to visit each park depend on the type of experience you’re looking for.
Arches National Park, located in southern Utah, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the least desirable time to visit for those looking to avoid the heat. Spring and fall are considered the best times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and wildflowers in bloom. Winter can also be a great time to visit, as the cooler temperatures make for comfortable hiking and the park is less crowded.
Crater Lake National Park, located in southern Oregon, has a subalpine climate with cold winters and mild summers. The park is known for its deep blue waters of Crater Lake, which is formed by the collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama. The best time to visit for the clearest views of the lake is during the summer months, but the park can be crowded during peak season. The fall and spring are also nice times to visit, with fewer crowds and beautiful foliage. Winter is also a great time to visit, with snow and ice creating a picturesque winter wonderland.
In summary, If you are looking for hot and dry weather, Arches National Park is the best option for you, while if you are looking for cool, crisp and snowy weather, Crater Lake National Park would be the best option.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both great options for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors, but they offer different types of experiences and have different levels of accessibility for families with children.
Arches National Park is a great option for families who are looking for an active outdoor adventure. The park has many short, easy hikes that are perfect for families with children, such as the Park Avenue and the Windows Section trails. These hikes offer spectacular views of the park’s unique rock formations and arches. Additionally, the park has a Junior Ranger program that allows children to explore the park and learn about the natural environment while earning a badge.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is more suitable for families who are looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience. The park has several easy hikes that are perfect for families, such as the Cleetwood Cove trail which leads to the lake shore and Rim Drive that offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding cliffs. The park also offers ranger-led programs that are tailored to children, and the park has a Junior Ranger program as well.
Both Arches National Park and Crater Lake National Park are great options for families, but the type of experience and the level of accessibility will depend on the family’s preferences and the age of the children. Arches National Park is more suitable for families who are looking for an active outdoor adventure, while Crater Lake National Park is more suitable for families who are looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience.