Are you ready to explore two of America’s most iconic national parks? Look no further than Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park. These two national parks offer a unique and thrilling experience for visitors, each with its own distinct natural wonders. Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its striking red rock formations, including over 2,000 natural stone arches. Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is home to a diverse array of geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and colorful pools. Imagine hiking through a landscape of towering red rock spires in one park, and then exploring a geyser-studded valley the next. Both parks are also home to diverse wildlife, with opportunities to see bison, elk, and bears. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the natural beauty of America’s wilderness like never before.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. However, they differ in terms of the type of hiking experiences they offer.
Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations, including over 2,000 natural stone arches. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include:
– Park Avenue: A 2-mile long hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering red rock walls on either side.
– Balanced Rock: A short, easy hike that takes visitors to the base of a massive rock formation that appears to be precariously balanced on a small base.
– Windows Loop: A 1.2-mile hike that takes visitors past some of the park’s most famous arches, including the North Window and South Window.
Some of the harder hikes at Arches National Park include:
– Delicate Arch: A 3-mile hike that takes visitors to the park’s most famous arch and is considered strenuous due to the steep climb.
– Double Arch: A 0.5-mile hike that takes visitors to two massive arches side by side. The hike is considered moderate in difficulty.
– Devils Garden: A 7.2-mile hike that takes visitors to a number of arches, including Landscape Arch and Pine Tree Arch. The hike is considered strenuous due to the length and rocky terrain.
Yellowstone National Park is known for its geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include:
– Uncle Tom’s Trail: A short, easy hike that takes visitors to the base of the park’s most famous waterfall, the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
– Boiling River: A short, easy hike that takes visitors to a spot where hot water from a nearby hot spring mixes with the river, creating a warm spot for soaking.
– Artist Point: A short, easy hike that takes visitors to a viewpoint overlooking the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Some of the harder hikes at Yellowstone National Park include:
– Mount Washburn: A moderate to strenuous hike that takes visitors to the summit of a mountain with panoramic views of the park. The hike is around 3.5 miles long with a elevation gain of 1,400 ft.
– The Lone Star geyser trail: A moderate hike that takes visitors to see a geyser that erupts every 3 hours. The trail is around 3 miles long and offers a good view of the geyser.
– Thorofare Trail: a strenuous hike that takes visitors through the remote backcountry of the park and is considered one of the longest and most challenging trails in the park. It’s around 28 miles long with a elevation gain of 1,700ft.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its unique rock formations and offers hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, while Yellowstone National Park is known for its geysers and hot springs and offers hiking trails that range from easy to moderate to strenuous. Both parks offer a wide variety of hiking experiences, but the type of hiking and the difficulty of the trails will be 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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. While the types of animals and plants found in each park are vastly different, both parks offer unique and thrilling opportunities to see a wide variety of species.
Arches National Park, located in the desert of southern Utah, is home to a variety of animals that have adapted to the harsh desert environment. Visitors to the park may see desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. Reptiles such as the desert tortoise, gopher snake, and western rattlesnake can also be found in the park. The park is also home to a variety of birds including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and red-tailed hawks.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is home to a much different array of wildlife. The park’s geothermal features provide habitat for a wide variety of species. Visitors to the park may see bison, elk, and bears. The park is also home to a variety of predators including wolves, mountain lions, and coyotes. Visitors may also see a variety of birds such as Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Trumpeter Swans. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of fish species, including cutthroat trout.
In terms of plants, Arches National Park is known for its unique desert plants such as Joshua trees, cacti and sagebrush. Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of plants that are adapted to the colder climate such as Lodgepole Pine, Douglas Fir and Englemann Spruce.
Overall, while Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park are vastly different in terms of climate and terrain, both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of unique and fascinating wildlife. From the desert bighorn sheep in Arches to the bison in Yellowstone, both parks are a naturalist’s delight.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 |
| Common Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Badger | Badger |
| California Myotis | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Northern River Otter | California Myotis |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Eastern Racer | Rubber Boa |
| 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 | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Common Carp | Lake Trout |
| Speckled Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Insects
| Arches National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Arches National Park is famous for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Other notable landscapes in the park include the Windows section, featuring double arches, and the Park Avenue area, with towering red rock formations. The park also offers scenic drives and hiking trails, providing visitors with a variety of opportunities to explore and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geothermal features, including Old Faithful geyser and the colorful hot springs of the Grand Prismatic Spring. The park also boasts the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with its dramatic waterfalls and impressive rock formations. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears, and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and backpacking.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, and offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
One of the most popular activities at Arches National Park is hiking. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, ranging from easy, paved paths to challenging backcountry routes. The park’s most famous hike is the trail to Delicate Arch, a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the base of the iconic arch. Other popular hikes include the Park Avenue Trail, which offers great views of the Park Avenue rock formations and the Windows Section, which takes visitors to the base of some of the park’s famous arches.
Another popular activity at Arches National Park is scenic driving. The park’s main road takes visitors through a variety of stunning landscapes, including towering red rock formations, natural arches, and vast desert vistas. Visitors can also take guided tours of the park, which provide an in-depth look at the park’s geology and history.
In contrast, Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geothermal features like the Old Faithful geyser and the colorful hot springs of the Grand Prismatic Spring. Visitors can also take guided tours of the park, which provide an in-depth look at the park’s geology and history. Another popular activity is wildlife watching. Visitors can spot bison, elk, and grizzly bears. Also, the park’s scenic drives offer great opportunities to see the park’s diverse landscapes, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Lamar Valley, which is known for its wildlife viewing opportunities.
In addition, visitors to Yellowstone National Park can also enjoy hiking, camping, and backpacking. There are a wide variety of trails available for visitors to explore, ranging from easy, paved paths to challenging backcountry routes. The park also offers a number of developed campgrounds, as well as backcountry camping options for those looking for a more wilderness experience.
Overall, both Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and scenic drives to wildlife watching and geothermal features. While Arches National Park is known for its natural arches and hiking, Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, wildlife, and scenic drives.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park both have vastly different seasonal weather patterns that can greatly affect the best time of year to visit each park.
Arches National Park, located in southern Utah, has hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the park can be quite hot and dry during this time. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Winter can be quite mild, with temperatures averaging in the 40s and 50s, but nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, has a much cooler climate with colder winters and milder summers. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, and the park’s roads may be closed due to snow and ice. Summer temperatures are milder, with temperatures averaging in the 70s and 80s. Spring and fall are also good times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
In summary, the best time to visit Arches National Park is in Spring and Fall, when the temperature is mild and comfortable for hiking and exploring, whereas the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is during the Summer, when the park’s roads are open and the snow has melted allowing visitors to access more areas of the park. However, if you’re a fan of winter sports, visiting Yellowstone during the wintertime can also be a great option as the park is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Both Arches National Park and Yellowstone National Park are great options for families, but they offer different experiences. Arches National Park is known for its stunning natural rock formations, including over 2,000 natural stone arches. The park offers many short and easy hikes that are great for families, such as the Delicate Arch Trail and the Park Avenue Trail. Additionally, the park has a visitor center with interactive exhibits, and ranger-led activities are offered in the summer.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is known for its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. The park offers many educational opportunities for children, including ranger-led walks and talks, Junior Ranger programs, and the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. Additionally, the park has many scenic drives, including the famous Grand Loop Road, which offers great opportunities to see wildlife.
Overall, both parks are great options for families, but depending on what your family is interested in, one park may be a better fit than the other. If your children are interested in natural rock formations and easy hikes, Arches National Park would be a great choice. If your children are interested in geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, Yellowstone National Park would be a better fit.