When it comes to national parks, there are few that can compare to the awe-inspiring beauty and unique features of Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Arches, located in Utah, is a geologist’s dream come true with its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. Meanwhile, Grand Teton, located in Wyoming, boasts the majestic Teton Range and offers visitors the opportunity to spot abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears and wolves. Both parks offer breathtaking hiking trails and scenic drives, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to whether you’re looking for the red rock wonder of Arches or the rugged grandeur of the Tetons. Whichever you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park are both well-known for their hiking trails and natural beauty.
Arches National Park is located in Utah and is known for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, as well as its red rock formations and desert landscapes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail and the Windows Loop Trail. Both of these trails are relatively flat and provide great views of the park’s iconic arches. On the other hand, one of the park’s most challenging hikes is the Delicate Arch Trail. This 3-mile round-trip hike is steep and rocky and requires a moderate level of fitness.
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming and is known for its stunning mountain views and alpine lakes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the String Lake Trail and the Leigh Lake Trail. Both of these trails are relatively flat and offer beautiful views of the park’s lakes and mountains. One of the park’s most challenging hikes is the Teton Crest Trail. This 40-mile trail is a multi-day hike that takes hikers through the park’s backcountry and over several high mountain passes. This trail is recommended for experienced hikers who are in good physical condition.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails to suit different skill levels. Both parks have easy hikes that offer great views, while also offering more challenging hikes for experienced hikers.
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 Grand Teton National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Canyon Trail | 15610.598 | 343.8144 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Jenny Lake Trail | 12391.918 | 221.8944 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake Loop | 6598.294 | 130.7592 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Delta Lake via Amphitheater Lake Trail | 14484.06 | 709.8792 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail | 14323.126 | 896.7216 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 179.832 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Phelps Lake Trail | 11265.38 | 220.98 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Lake Solitude Trail | 25749.44 | 803.7576 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| String Lake Trail | 5954.558 | 79.8576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop | 9656.04 | 231.9528 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife and natural beauty. Both parks are home to a variety of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen by visitors.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, is home to a variety of animals, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including yucca, cactus, and sagebrush.
Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming, is home to a variety of animals, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, and bison. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and trumpeter swans. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including wildflowers, Douglas firs, and aspen trees.
Both parks are great for wildlife viewing, but the types of animals and plants you’ll see will depend on the season you visit. Grand Teton National Park is known for its large mammals such as the Grizzly and Black bears, Moose, Elk, and Bison, while Arches National Park is known for its desert wildlife such as Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Coyotes, and Mountain lions, and also it’s unique rock formations. Keep in mind that wildlife viewing should always be done from a safe distance, and visitors should follow all park regulations to ensure the safety of both the wildlife and visitors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Grand Teton 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 | Grand Teton 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| American Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Wolf |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| American Badger | Ermine |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
| Northern River Otter | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Grand Teton National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Rubber Boa |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Grand Teton National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Grand Teton National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Lake Trout |
| Common Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
| Speckled Dace | Longnose Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | Speckled Dace |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Arches National Park is home to some of the most iconic and recognizable natural landscapes in the United States. The park’s main attraction is its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. This iconic arch is a must-see for any visitor to the park and is often featured on postcards and in photographs of the park. The park also features other natural wonders such as the Park Avenue, a section of the park that features towering sandstone cliffs that resemble a city street, and the Windows, a group of arches that frame stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Grand Teton National Park is famous for its majestic Teton Range, a group of peaks that rise over 7,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. These peaks are a popular destination for hikers and climbers and offer some of the most breathtaking views in the park. The park also features beautiful lakes such as Jenny Lake, which is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The park’s wildlife is also a major draw for visitors, with opportunities to spot grizzly bears, wolves, and elk in their natural habitats. Another famous landscape is the Snake River Overlook, from which you can see the winding Snake River and the Teton Range in the background. It’s a great spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park
When visiting Arches National Park, some of the most popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The park’s over 2,000 natural sandstone arches provide a unique and diverse landscape for hikers and climbers to explore. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Delicate Arch Trail, which leads to the park’s most iconic arch, and the Park Avenue Trail, which takes hikers through a section of the park that resembles a city street. Rock climbing is also popular in the park, with a variety of routes available for climbers of all skill levels.
Photography is also a popular activity in Arches National Park, with the park’s natural sandstone arches providing a stunning backdrop for photographers of all skill levels. The park’s unique and diverse landscape also provides opportunities for landscape, wildlife, and night sky photography.
In Grand Teton National Park, popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and boating. The park’s majestic Teton Range provides a challenging and rewarding hiking experience for visitors, with a variety of trails available for hikers of all skill levels. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbers, with a variety of routes available for climbers of all skill levels.
Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in Grand Teton National Park, with visitors having the opportunity to spot grizzly bears, wolves, and elk in their natural habitats. The park is also a popular destination for boating and fishing, with a variety of lakes and rivers available for visitors to explore. The Snake River is a popular spot for fly fishing as well as river float trips.
Both of these parks offer a variety of outdoor activities that can appeal to different visitors. Arches National Park is more focused on hiking, rock climbing, and photography, while Grand Teton National Park offers a more diverse range of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, boating and fishing. Both parks offer beautiful landscapes and natural wonders that make them an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park are both located in the western United States, but they have very different seasonal weather patterns.
Arches National Park is located in the desert of southern Utah, and as such, it can be extremely hot during the summer months. Average high temperatures in June, July and August can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the park can see very little rainfall during this period. The best time to visit Arches National Park is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are more moderate and the park’s red rock formations and desert landscapes are at their most colorful.
Grand Teton National Park, on the other hand, is located in the mountains of western Wyoming and has a much cooler and wetter climate. The park experiences cold temperatures and snowfall during the winter, and the mountain passes can be closed due to snow. The summer months are milder with average high temperatures around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The park can see occasional thunderstorms and rainfall, which can be expected in July and August. The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is during late spring or early summer, when the park’s wildflowers and wildlife are at their most active, and before the monsoon season.
In summary, the best time to visit Arches National Park is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are more moderate, whereas the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is during late spring or early summer before the monsoon season.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Both Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park are great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors. However, each park offers different experiences and amenities for families traveling with children.
Arches National Park is a great option for families because it has several easy hikes that are suitable for children. The park’s most popular hike, the Delicate Arch, is a 3-mile round-trip hike that is relatively easy, and provides great views of the park’s iconic arches. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led activities and educational programs that are suitable for children, such as guided nature walks and campfire programs. However, it should be noted that the park can get extremely hot during the summer months, which can make it difficult for young children.
Grand Teton National Park also offers a variety of family-friendly activities. The park has several easy hikes, including the String Lake Trail and the Leigh Lake Trail, which are relatively flat and provide great views of the park’s lakes and mountains. The park also offers ranger-led activities and educational programs for children such as guided nature walks, campfire programs and ranger-led hikes. Additionally, the park is a great place for families who love wildlife viewing as you can see Moose, Elk, Bison, and even bears.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Grand Teton National Park are great options for families traveling with children. Arches National Park offers easy hikes and ranger-led activities that are suitable for children, while Grand Teton National Park offers similar activities as well as wildlife viewing opportunities. The best choice will depend on your family’s preferences and what you’re looking to experience during your trip.