When comparing Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. Both parks offer a unique and breathtaking experience, but in completely different ways. Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its stunning red rock formations and over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it a photographer’s paradise. Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its thermal water and historic bathhouses, making it a perfect destination for those looking to relax and rejuvenate. Both parks offer plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking, but the similarities end there. Whether you’re in the mood for rugged desert landscapes or a soothing dip in a hot spring, both Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park have something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure, because these two parks are ready to show you a good time.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park are both popular national parks that offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. While both parks offer many hiking trails, the types of trails that are available at each park are quite different.
Arches National Park is known for its desert hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s unique rock formations. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike through a valley of red rock formations, and the Windows Trail, which is a 1-mile hike to a group of large arches. Some of the more challenging hikes in the park include the Delicate Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile hike to the park’s most famous arch, and the Devils Garden Trail, which is a 7.2-mile hike through a series of arches.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s hot springs and natural waterfalls. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Hot Springs Creek Trail, which is a 1-mile hike along Hot Springs Creek, and the Sunset Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike that offers views of the park’s sunset. Some of the more challenging hikes in the park include the Sunset Trail, which is a 7.5-mile hike that takes visitors to the top of Hot Springs Mountain, and the West Mountain Trail, which is a 5-mile hike that takes visitors to the top of West Mountain.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its desert hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s unique rock formations, while Hot Springs National Park is known for its hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s hot springs and natural waterfalls. Both parks offer a wide variety of hiking trails, but the types of trails that are available at each park are quite different. If you are interested in desert hiking, Arches is the best option, if you are interested in hot spring and waterfall hikes, Hot Springs is the best option.
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 Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park are both located in the United States, but they offer vastly different wildlife experiences.
Arches National Park is located in the desert region of Utah, and as such, is home to a wide variety of desert-adapted animals, birds, and plants. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and various species of lizards and snakes. Birds such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and red-tailed hawks can also be seen in the park. The park is also home to a variety of cacti, yucca plants, and other desert plants that are well adapted to the hot and dry climate.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Ozarks region of Arkansas and is known for its hot springs, as well as its diverse array of wildlife. Animals commonly seen in the park include white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, and various species of squirrels and chipmunks. Birds such as pileated woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, and wild turkeys can also be seen in the park. The park also has a diverse array of plants such as oak, hickory, and pine trees, as well as a variety of wildflowers and ferns.
In conclusion, while both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, Arches National Park is known for its desert-adapted animals and plants, while Hot Springs National Park is known for its diverse array of forest-dwelling animals and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Hot Springs 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 | Hot Springs 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mink |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Fox |
| American Mink | North American River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | White-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Eastern Red Bat |
| American Badger | White-Footed Mouse |
| California Myotis | Norway Rat |
| Northern River Otter | Eastern Cottontail |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| 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 | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Common Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Speckled Dace | European Carp |
| Yellow Bullhead | Yellow Bullhead |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park are both known for their unique and beautiful landscapes.
Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it one of the most popular destinations for visitors. The most famous arch in the park is Delicate Arch, which is a 60-foot-tall arch that can be seen from miles away. Other popular arches to see include Landscape Arch, which is the longest arch in the park at 306 feet, and Double Arch, which is a unique formation of two arches side by side. The park also has many other unique rock formations like balanced rocks, fins, and towers.
Hot Springs National Park is known for its thermal water and historic bathhouses. The park is home to 47 hot springs, and visitors can take a dip in the waters at Bathhouse Row, where eight historic bathhouses have been preserved. The park also has many trails and scenic drives, such as the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the Ouachita Mountains and the city of Hot Springs. The park also features Hot Springs Creek, which runs through the park and provides a serene spot for picnicking, fishing and birdwatching.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, particularly the famous Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch and Double Arch, and other unique rock formations like balanced rocks, fins, and towers, while Hot Springs National Park is known for its thermal water, historic bathhouses and scenic drives, such as the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, and Hot Springs Creek which runs through the park and provides a serene spot for picnicking, fishing and birdwatching.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different types of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its stunning red rock formations and natural arches. As such, the most popular activity at the park is hiking. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, which range from easy nature walks to more strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the most popular hikes include the Delicate Arch Trail, the Park Avenue Trail, and the Devils Garden Trail. In addition, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, rock climbing, and camping.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its hot springs, which are a result of a geothermal hot water source from an ancient volcano. The most popular activity at the park is taking a dip in one of the hot springs, which are located in the historic bathhouse district. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and picnicking, as well as the park’s scenic drives which offers beautiful views of the Hot Springs Mountain and the Ouachita Mountains.
In conclusion, Arches National Park is known for its hiking and outdoor activities, while Hot Springs National Park is known for its hot springs and relaxation activities. Both parks offer unique experiences and different types of activities, making them great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park are both popular national parks that are known for their unique natural features. However, the seasonal weather at each park is quite different, and this can affect when the best time of year is to visit each park.
Arches National Park is located in the desert of southern Utah, and the park experiences hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it quite hot and uncomfortable for visitors. The spring and fall are ideal times to visit, with milder temperatures and comfortable weather for outdoor activities. The winter months can be quite chilly, but the park is still open for visitors.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Ozarks of Arkansas, and the park experiences mild summers and cool winters. During the summer months, temperatures are typically in the 80s and 90s, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. The fall is also a great time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage. The winter months can be quite chilly, but the park is still open for visitors.
In summary, the best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is during the summer and fall, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Both parks have seasonal weather that may affect the time of year that you choose to visit, so it’s best to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Both Arches National Park and Hot Springs National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they offer different types of activities and experiences for families.
Arches National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and exploring. The park has many short and easy hikes, such as the Park Avenue Trail, which leads to a viewpoint of the famous Park Avenue rock formation, and the Double Arch Trail, which leads to the unique Double Arch formation. The park also has many scenic drives and overlooks that offer great views of the park’s unique rock formations, making it a great place to take a family drive. The park also offers ranger-led activities, such as guided hikes and geology talks, that can be a fun and educational experience for families.
Hot Springs National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy soaking in hot springs, picnicking, and exploring historic sites. The park’s bathhouses offer a variety of pools, including a kiddie pool for children, and visitors can take a dip in the thermal waters. The park also has many picnic areas, playgrounds and visitor centers that can be a great spot for families to relax and have a picnic. The park also offers ranger-led activities such as guided hikes and historic tours that can be a fun and educational experience for families.
In summary, Arches National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and exploring, with its many short and easy hikes, scenic drives and overlooks, and ranger-led activities, while Hot Springs National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy soaking in hot springs, picnicking, and exploring historic sites, with its variety of pools, picnic areas, playgrounds and visitor centers and ranger-led activities. Both parks offer a great way for families to spend quality time together and learn about nature and history in a fun way.