Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. These parks are truly a feast for the eyes and offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Imagine towering rock formations, deep canyons, and rugged landscapes that will leave you breathless. These two parks are perfect for those looking for a true adventure and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re a hiker, a birdwatcher, or just looking for a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of nature, these two parks have something for everyone. So come along and let’s explore the Badlands and Big Bend National Parks, and discover what makes them so special.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park
Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park are both popular destinations for hikers, offering a wide variety of trails for visitors to explore. However, there are some key differences between the hiking trails at these two parks.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and unique landscapes, and the hiking trails at the park range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes at Badlands National Park include the Door Trail, which is a short, flat, and easy trail that offers great views of the Badlands formations. Another easy hike is the Pinnacles Overlook Trail, which is a short hike that takes you to the top of a ridge for a panoramic view of the Badlands. For more challenging hikes, visitors can take the Castle Trail, which is a moderate hike that takes you through a maze of rock formations, or the Badlands Loop Road, which is a strenuous hike that takes you through the heart of the Badlands formations.
Big Bend National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged desert terrain and spectacular mountain views. Hiking trails at the park range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes at Big Bend National Park include the Chisos Basin Nature Trail, which is a short and easy trail that takes you through a variety of habitats, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which is a short hike that takes you to the base of the spectacular Santa Elena Canyon. For more challenging hikes, visitors can take the Emory Peak Trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes you to the highest point in the park, or the South Rim Trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes you along the rim of the Chisos Mountains for stunning views of the desert below.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park offer a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Badlands National Park is known for its unique landscapes, while Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert terrain and spectacular mountain views. Visitors can choose from a variety of trails that cater to different skill levels and interests, making both parks great destinations for hikers.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park
Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife and offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals, birds, and plants.
Badlands National Park is home to a variety of mammals, including bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. Visitors may also see coyotes, black-footed ferrets, and mule deer. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the American goldfinch, the western meadowlark, and the red-tailed hawk. The park also offers an opportunity to see a number of reptiles and amphibians such as the prairie rattlesnake, the bull snake, the Great Plains toad and the spadefoot toad.
Big Bend National Park, on the other hand, is home to a wide variety of animals, including black bears, mountain lions, and javelinas. Visitors may also see mule deer, white-tailed deer, and desert bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the roadrunner. The park is also home to a number of reptiles and amphibians, such as the desert tortoise, the horned lizard, and the tree frog.
In terms of plants, Badlands National Park is home to a variety of cactus, sagebrush, and grasses. The park’s most famous plant is the Badlands Paintbrush, a beautiful wildflower that blooms in the spring. Big Bend National Park, on the other hand, is home to a wide variety of desert plants such as agaves, yuccas, and cacti. Additionally, Big Bend National Park also offers a variety of trees such as the Emory Oak, Pinyon Pine, and the Chisos Oak.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. Badlands National Park is known for its bison and prairie dogs, while Big Bend National Park is known for its black bears and mountain lions. Both parks offer a wide variety of birds and plants, and are great destinations for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Big Bend 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
| Badlands National Park | Big Bend 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 | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Raccoon |
| Raccoon | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Common Gray Fox |
| Gray Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Northern Myotis | American Badger |
| Badger | California Myotis |
| Weasel | Fringed Myotis |
| North American River Otter | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Common Shrew | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Big Bend National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Racer | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Desert Kingsnake |
| Milksnake | Texas Nightsnake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Mexican Milksnake | |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Big Bend National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Barred Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | American Bullfrog |
| Bullfrog | Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot | Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Big Bend National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Morning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Big Bend National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Golden Shiner | Green Sunfish |
| European Carp | Bluegill |
| Longnose Dace | Fathead Minnow |
| Yellow Bullhead | Common Carp |
| Channel Catfish | Longnose Dace |
| Black Bullhead | Yellow Bullhead |
| Creek Chub | Channel Catfish |
| Mosquitofish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park
Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park are both known for their unique and spectacular landscapes. These two parks offer a wide range of natural wonders that are sure to take your breath away.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged, colorful formations that are a result of millions of years of erosion. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands formations, which are layered rock formations that have been shaped over time by the elements. The park also features several scenic drives, including the Badlands Loop Road, which takes you through the heart of the park’s most spectacular scenery. Visitors can also take a hike to the Pinnacles Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the Badlands formations.
Big Bend National Park, in Texas, is known for its diverse landscapes that include rugged mountains, deep canyons, and vast deserts. The park’s most famous landscape is the Chisos Mountains, which are a range of rugged peaks that rise up out of the desert floor. The park also features several scenic drives, including the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which takes visitors through the heart of the park’s most spectacular scenery. Visitors can also take a hike to the Santa Elena Canyon, which is a narrow, winding canyon that is carved out of the limestone rock.
Both Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park are home to unique and spectacular landscapes that are sure to take your breath away. Whether you’re a hiker, a birdwatcher, or just looking for a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of nature, these two parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park
Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Badlands National Park, the most popular activity is hiking. The park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park’s most popular trail is the Badlands Loop Road, which offers a scenic drive through the park’s rugged terrain. Visitors can also explore the park’s backcountry by foot, horseback, or bike. The park also offers an opportunity to see the night sky, as it is one of the few places in the country with minimal light pollution.
Big Bend National Park is also popular for hiking and offers a variety of trails that range from easy to strenuous. The park’s most popular trail is the Chisos Basin Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains and the surrounding desert. Visitors can also explore the park’s backcountry by foot, horseback, or bike. Additionally, the park offers a variety of water activities such as rafting and kayaking on the Rio Grande river. Visitors can also go bird watching, stargazing, and enjoy the park’s scenic drives.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, backcountry exploration, and scenic drives. Both parks offer a variety of trails and backcountry areas, and the Big Bend National Park offers additional water activities. Both parks are also great destination for nature enthusiasts who want to enjoy a night sky and bird watching.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park
Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park are both located in different regions of the United States, and as a result, have very different seasonal weather patterns.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and has a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the landscape is lush and green. The park can also be visited in the summer, but it can get very hot with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The park can also be visited in the winter, but it can get very cold with temperatures dropping well below freezing, and snow and ice making some of the park’s roads and trails impassable.
Big Bend National Park is located in Texas and has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and comfortable, and when the park’s wildflowers and birds are at their peak. The park can also be visited in the summer, but it can get very hot with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the park’s roads and trails can become very dusty. The park can also be visited in the winter, but temperatures can drop below freezing at night, and some of the park’s facilities may be closed due to snow and ice.
In summary, the best time to visit Badlands National Park is during the spring and fall, while the best time to visit Big Bend National Park is also during the spring and fall. Both parks can be visited during the summer, but it can get very hot, and visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures and dusty conditions. Both parks can also be visited during the winter, but visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and possible closures of park facilities due to snow and ice.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park
Both Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they offer different experiences for families.
Badlands National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a mix of outdoor activities and educational experiences. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that are suitable for families, such as the Door Trail, which is a paved trail that leads to a natural rock formation. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program, which is a great way for children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources. The park also has a visitors center with educational exhibits and a bookstore where families can learn more about the park.
Big Bend National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a more rugged and remote wilderness experience. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, such as the Chisos Mountains Trail, which is a challenging hike that leads to the park’s highest point. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program, which is a great way for children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources. The park also has a visitors center with educational exhibits and a bookstore where families can learn more about the park.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Big Bend National Park are family-friendly options, but Badlands National Park may be a better choice for families who are looking for a mix of outdoor activities and educational experiences, while Big Bend National Park may be a better choice for families who are looking for a more rugged and remote wilderness experience.