Are you torn between visiting Arches National Park with its iconic red rock formations or Rocky Mountain National Park with its majestic peaks? Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but they couldn’t be more different. Imagine standing in front of the Delicate Arch at Arches, feeling the heat of the desert sun on your skin, and then imagine standing at the top of a 14,000-foot peak at Rocky Mountain, feeling the crisp mountain air on your face. Both experiences are unforgettable but completely different. Arches National Park is a place where you can explore the beauty of the desert, while Rocky Mountain National Park is where you can explore the beauty of the mountains. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife watching. If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you from the desert to the mountains, then you should definitely consider visiting both Arches and Rocky Mountain National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both known for their breathtaking hiking trails, offering a diverse range of options for visitors of all skill levels.
At Arches National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Park Avenue Trail, which leads visitors through a canyon of towering red rock walls, and the Delicate Arch Trail, a moderate hike that offers a close-up view of the park’s most famous feature. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Devil’s Garden Trail offers a 7.2-mile hike through a diverse landscape of fins, towers, and arches.
Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors. Some of the easiest hikes include the Bear Lake Trail, a 0.6-mile loop that offers stunning views of Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains, and the Alberta Falls Trail, a 1.6-mile hike that leads visitors to a beautiful waterfall. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging hikes such as the 14-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Longs Peak, which offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding mountains.
Both parks offer a wide range of hiking options and are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Arches National Park is known for its red rock formations, while Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its stunning mountain ranges. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the American West and are perfect for those looking for an outdoor adventure.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park both offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife. At Arches National Park, common animal sightings include desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. Birds such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and ravens can also be seen in the park. The park is also home to various reptiles, including lizards and snakes. The park is also home to a variety of plant species that are adapted to the desert climate.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, moose, and mountain lions. Visitors may also see marmots, pikas, and ground squirrels. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including eagles, falcons, and ptarmigans. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildflowers and other plants that are adapted to the high altitude alpine environment.
Both parks are great places to see wild animals, but the type of animals you’ll see will be quite different, depending on the park you visit. Arches National Park is known for its desert wildlife, while Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its high-altitude alpine wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain 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 | Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Badger | Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
| Northern River Otter | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Eastern Racer | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| 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 | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Western Longnose Sucker |
| Common Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
| Speckled Dace | Speckled Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Arches National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both known for their stunning natural landscapes and features. Here are some of the most famous landscapes at each park:
Arches National Park:
– Delicate Arch: One of the most iconic and recognizable features of Arches National Park, this natural arch is a must-see for visitors. The arch stands at over 60 feet tall and is located on a hike that offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert landscape.
– The Windows: This section of the park features three large arches, the North Window, the South Window, and Turret Arch, that are all located close together and can be viewed on a short hike.
– Double Arch: This unique formation is made up of two arches that are joined at the base, and is known for the beautiful light that shines through the arches in the early morning and late afternoon.
Rocky Mountain National Park:
– Longs Peak: The park’s highest mountain at 14,259 feet and a famous destination for hikers and mountaineers. The Keyhole Route is the most popular trail to the summit, but it is considered strenuous and requires a full day to complete.
– Alberta Falls: This 30-foot waterfall is one of the most popular hikes in the park and is located on the Glacier Gorge Trail.
– Bear Lake: This lake is surrounded by the park’s famous peaks and is a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Both Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a wide range of natural wonders to explore, including mountain ranges, overlooks, waterfalls, and more. Visitors to either park will be treated to a diverse and awe-inspiring array of landscapes and natural features.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both popular outdoor destinations, offering visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities at Arches National Park include hiking, sightseeing, and photography. The park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, as well as other unique rock formations and scenic views. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, including the famous Delicate Arch trail, and take in the stunning red rock landscape.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, offers a wider range of activities for visitors. Hiking is a popular activity, with over 350 miles of trails to explore. The park is also popular for camping, fishing, horseback riding, and scenic drives. Visitors can also take a tour of the park’s alpine tundra, where they can see wildflowers and wildlife, or take a drive on the famous Trail Ridge Road, which offers spectacular views of the park’s peaks and valleys. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities.
Both parks offer great opportunities to explore the great outdoors, but Rocky Mountain National Park offers a wider range of activities to suit all ages and interests, while Arches National Park is more focused on hiking, sightseeing, and photography. Both parks are family-friendly, but Rocky Mountain National Park may offer more activities for families with children.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both known for their spectacular natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. However, the seasonal weather at these two parks can be quite different, which affects the best time of year to visit.
Arches National Park, located in southeastern Utah, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park’s high elevation, around 4,000 feet, also means that it can get quite cool at night, even in the summer months. The best time to visit Arches National Park is in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are more moderate and the crowds are smaller. During the summer months, the heat can be unbearable, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it difficult to enjoy the park’s many hiking trails.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, has a much cooler climate with cool summers and cold winters. The park’s high elevation, around 14,000 feet, means that the weather can change rapidly, with snow and rain possible even during the summer months. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom. During the winter, the park’s roads and trails are often closed due to snow, making it difficult to access many of the park’s popular hiking trails and other recreational opportunities.
In summary, Arches National Park is best visited during the spring and fall, while Rocky Mountain National Park is best visited during the summer months.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Both Arches National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature and spend some quality time together. However, each park offers a different experience and may be more suitable for families depending on the age and interests of the children.
Arches National Park is a great option for families with younger children. The park offers a number of short and easy hikes, such as the Park Avenue Trail, which leads to a beautiful valley of red rock formations, and the Windows Trail, which leads to the North and South Windows arches. Additionally, the park offers a Junior Ranger program, where children can learn about the park’s geology and wildlife through fun and interactive activities.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is more suitable for families with older or more adventurous children. The park offers a wide range of hikes, from easy nature trails to strenuous peak ascents. Some of the most popular family-friendly hikes include the Bear Lake Trail, which leads to a beautiful alpine lake, and the Alberta Falls Trail, which leads to a 30-foot waterfall. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program that includes activities and games to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history.
Both parks offer great opportunities for families to spend time together and make memories, but the nature of the hikes and activities available may be more suitable for different ages of children. Arches National Park is more accessible for younger children and families who prefer shorter and easier hikes, while Rocky Mountain National Park is more suitable for older children and families who are looking for more of a challenge and adventure.