Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both natural wonders located in the United States, but they couldn’t be more different. Imagine the red rock formations of Arches National Park in Utah, where you can explore over 2,000 natural stone arches, towering spires, and hidden canyons, versus the lush forest and cascading waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, where you can hike to the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains and catch a glimpse of the rolling hills and distant horizons. Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience, but the question is, which one is right for you? If you’re looking for a rugged and otherworldly landscape, Arches National Park is your destination. But, if you’re looking for a serene and lush forest that will take your breath away, Shenandoah National Park is the place to be.
In this article, we will compare Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park, highlighting the best things to see and do at each park, as well as the best time to visit and what to pack. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, this article will help you plan your next adventure to one of these beautiful national parks. So, whether you’re drawn to the red rock formations of Arches National Park or the lush forest and cascading waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park, get ready to discover the best of what these parks have to offer!
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Arches National Park in Utah and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia are both known for their beautiful hiking trails, but the experiences at each park can be quite different. Arches National Park is known for its incredible rock formations, including more than 2,000 natural stone arches. Hikers can explore the park’s many trails to see these arches up close, as well as other natural features such as balanced rocks and fins. Some of the most popular hikes at Arches include the Delicate Arch Trail, which takes hikers to the park’s most famous arch, and the Park Avenue Trail, which takes hikers through a narrow canyon with towering walls.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic views. The park’s most famous hike is the Old Rag Mountain hike, which is considered one of the most strenuous hikes in the park, but also offers some of the best views of the park. Other popular hikes include the White Oak Canyon Trail and the Rose River Trail. The park also has a number of easy hikes and nature trails, such as the Limberlost Trail and the Dark Hollow Falls Trail, that are suitable for families.
In summary, Arches National Park offers a unique hiking experience with its famous rock formations, while Shenandoah National Park offers a more traditional hiking experience with its lush forests and scenic views. Both parks have easy and strenuous hikes, but Arches National Park may be more challenging for young children.
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 Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both known for their unique and diverse wildlife. While both parks are located in different regions of the country and have different climates, both are home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and plants.
At Arches National Park, visitors can see a variety of wildlife such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. Birds such as golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons can also be seen in the park. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians such as the collared lizard, desert spiny lizard, and the Western fence lizard. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of cacti and other desert plants such as sagebrush, juniper, and Mormon tea.
At Shenandoah National Park, visitors can see a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkey, and coyotes. Birds such as the broad-winged hawk, red-tailed hawk, and the peregrine falcon can also be seen in the park. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians such as the eastern box turtle, American toad, and the northern water snake. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of trees and plants such as the tulip poplar, red maple, and the American beech.
Both parks offer a chance to see diverse and unique wildlife and plants, but the climate and location of the park will determine the species you see. Arches National Park is located in a desert climate and has a unique desert ecosystem, while Shenandoah National Park is located in a temperate climate and has a unique deciduous forest ecosystem.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Shenandoah 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 | Shenandoah 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Fox |
| American Mink | River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Masked Shrew |
| Common Gray Fox | Water Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
| American Badger | Virginia Opossum |
| California Myotis | Marten |
| Northern River Otter | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Black Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Milksnake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Eastern Fence 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 | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Common Carp | Green Sunfish |
| Speckled Dace | Bluegill |
| Yellow Bullhead | Common Carp |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Insects
| Arches National Park | Shenandoah 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 | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Arches National Park in Utah is known for its incredible natural stone arches, towering spires, and hidden canyons that have formed over millions of years. The park’s most famous landscape is the Delicate Arch, a 65-foot tall freestanding arch that is a popular spot for visitors to photograph and hike to. Other famous landscapes in the park include the Windows Section, which features three large arches, the Double Arch, and the Park Avenue, a narrow canyon with towering walls on either side. In addition to the arches, the park also offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and overlooks, like the famous Balanced Rock, a large rock formation that looks like it’s about to topple over.
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is known for its lush forest and cascading waterfalls. The park’s most famous landscape is the Skyline Drive, a 105-mile long road that runs the length of the park and offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Other famous landscapes in the park include the Hawksbill Mountain, the highest point in the park at 4,050 feet, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, the Dark Hollow Falls, a 70-foot waterfall, and the White Oak Canyon, a series of cascading waterfalls that can be accessed via a hiking trail. The park also offers numerous overlooks, like the Mary’s Rock Tunnel Overlook, which offers a great view of the surrounding area.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its natural stone arches, towering spires, and hidden canyons, while Shenandoah National Park is known for its lush forest, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular national parks that offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the activities and experiences offered at each park are quite different due to their unique location and natural features.
At Arches National Park, the most popular activities include hiking and sightseeing. The park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, making it one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country. Visitors can explore the park by hiking on a variety of trails that range from easy to strenuous, such as the Delicate Arch Trail, Park Avenue Trail, and the Double Arch Trail. Additionally, visitors can also take scenic drives through the park and enjoy the beautiful views of the arches and other natural features.
At Shenandoah National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to over 500 miles of trails, including the popular 101-mile long Appalachian Trail. Visitors can explore the park by hiking on a variety of trails that range from easy to strenuous. Additionally, Shenandoah National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, and wild turkeys, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing. Visitors can also camp in the park and enjoy the beautiful scenery and natural features.
Both parks offer a wide range of activities and experiences, but they are quite different due to their location and natural features. Arches National Park is best known for its natural stone arches and offers a wide range of hiking and sightseeing opportunities, while Shenandoah National Park is best known for its beautiful scenery, wildlife and camping opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park have vastly different seasonal weather patterns. Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its hot and dry desert climate. The park experiences very little rainfall and can have extremely high temperatures during the summer months, making it best to visit during the cooler months of spring and fall. On the other hand, Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, has a temperate deciduous forest climate with four distinct seasons. Summer months can be warm and humid, while fall brings beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter can bring snow and ice, making some park roads and trails impassable. The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park is lush with greenery.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Both Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they offer different types of experiences for visitors.
Arches National Park in Utah is considered to be a great destination for families with older children, who can handle some moderate hiking and exploring. The park offers a variety of trails that are suitable for families, like the Park Avenue trail, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering walls on either side, and the Delicate Arch trail, a 3-mile round trip hike that leads to the iconic Delicate Arch. However, some of the trails can be challenging for younger children and those with mobility issues. The park also offers ranger-led activities, such as guided hikes and talks, that can be educational for children.
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is considered to be a more family-friendly destination, with a variety of activities that are suitable for children of all ages. The park offers many easy and short hikes, like the Dark Hollow Falls trail, a 1.4 mile round trip hike that leads to a 70-foot waterfall, and the White Oak Canyon trail, a series of cascading waterfalls that can be accessed via a hiking trail. The park also offers ranger-led activities such as guided nature walks, wildlife talks, and campfire programs that can be educational and fun for children. The park also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and campground, making it a great place for family to spend a weekend together.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Shenandoah National Park are family-friendly destinations, but Shenandoah National Park is considered to be more family-friendly due to its wide range of easy and short hikes, ranger-led activities, playgrounds, picnic areas, and campground. While Arches National Park is great for families with older children who can handle some moderate hiking and exploring.