Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park are two of the most iconic and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. These two parks offer vastly different landscapes and experiences, but both are equally beautiful and awe-inspiring. Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of South Dakota, and it’s known for its rugged and otherworldly terrain. The park’s unique landscape is formed from layers of rock and sediment that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. On the other hand, Grand Teton National Park is located in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, and it’s known for its stunning mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife.
Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Badlands National Park is home to bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn, while Grand Teton National Park is home to elk, bison, moose, and a variety of bird species. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks.
In short, Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park are two of the most incredible national parks in the United States, each offering a unique and awe-inspiring landscape. Whether you’re looking for rugged terrain, stunning mountain vistas, or a chance to spot some of North America’s most iconic wildlife, these two parks have something for everyone. So, pack your hiking boots, and let’s explore the beauty of Badlands and Grand Teton National Parks together!
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park offer vastly different hiking experiences. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged, otherworldly terrain, with hiking trails that meander through layered rock formations and deep canyons. The park has a variety of trails, ranging from easy, self-guided nature walks to more strenuous backcountry hikes. Some popular trails in the park include the Badlands Loop Road, which is a scenic drive that offers several pull-offs for short hikes, and the Castle Trail, which is a moderate hike that leads to a dramatic vista of the Badlands formations.
On the other hand, Grand Teton National Park is known for its majestic mountain range and alpine landscapes. The park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backcountry trekking. Some popular hikes in the park include the Taggart Lake Trail, which is a relatively easy hike that offers beautiful views of the Teton Range, and the Paintbrush Canyon Trail, which is a challenging hike that leads to stunning views of the Tetons and the surrounding valleys. The park also offers backcountry hiking trails that lead to remote areas of the park, such as the Alaska Basin Trail, which is a strenuous hike that offers a chance to see wildlife and alpine wildflowers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a more rugged and otherworldly hiking experience, Badlands National Park may be the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more alpine and majestic hiking experience, Grand Teton National Park is the perfect choice.
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 Grand Teton National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Canyon Trail | 15610.598 | 343.8144 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Jenny Lake Trail | 12391.918 | 221.8944 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake Loop | 6598.294 | 130.7592 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Delta Lake via Amphitheater Lake Trail | 14484.06 | 709.8792 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail | 14323.126 | 896.7216 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 179.832 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Phelps Lake Trail | 11265.38 | 220.98 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Lake Solitude Trail | 25749.44 | 803.7576 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| String Lake Trail | 5954.558 | 79.8576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop | 9656.04 | 231.9528 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park are both home to a diverse range of wildlife, each with its own unique set of species. At Badlands National Park, visitors can spot bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and mule deer roaming the park’s grasslands and badlands. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including the golden eagle, turkey vulture, and the swift fox. The park also has a number of reptiles and amphibians, including the greater short-horned lizard and the bullsnake.
Grand Teton National Park is known for its large population of big mammals such as elk, moose, bison, and pronghorn. The park is also home to a variety of predators including the gray wolf, black bear and mountain lion. Visitors also have a chance to spot bighorn sheep, beavers, and river otters. It is also a birders paradise where visitors can spot species such as Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Great Gray Owls. Additionally, the park is home to a number of plant species, including wildflowers, aspen groves, and sagebrush.
Both parks are great for wildlife viewing, but the wildlife you’ll see will depend on the time of year you visit and the specific areas of the park you explore. It’s important to remember to always give wildlife their space and never feed them.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Grand Teton 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 | Grand Teton 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 |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Northern Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Weasel | Badger |
| North American River Otter | Ermine |
| Common Shrew | California Myotis |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Grand Teton National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Racer | Rubber Boa |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Grand Teton National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Grand Teton 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 | Grand Teton National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Redband Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Lake Trout |
| Yellow Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Channel Catfish | Longnose Dace |
| Black Bullhead | Speckled Dace |
| Creek Chub | Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Badlands National Park is known for its unique and otherworldly terrain, formed from layers of rock and sediment that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Badlands formations, which are characterized by their layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. Visitors can explore these formations by hiking the park’s many trails, including the popular Badlands Loop Road. Along this road, you can also find Pinnacles Overlook, which offers a stunning view of the park’s rugged terrain.
On the other hand, Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning mountain vistas and alpine lakes. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Teton Range, which is a 40-mile-long mountain range that features 13,770-foot-high Grand Teton, the highest peak in the range. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Teton Range by taking a scenic drive, or by hiking one of the many trails that lead to the summit.
Another famous landscape at Grand Teton National Park is the Snake River Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the Snake River and the Teton Range. The park is also home to many beautiful alpine lakes, including Jenny Lake, which is one of the most visited spots in the park. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, or hike the trails that surround it.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its unique and otherworldly terrain, and Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning mountain vistas and alpine lakes. Both parks offer a variety of natural wonders that are sure to take your breath away.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park are both popular outdoor destinations that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Badlands National Park, some of the most popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. The park has several well-maintained trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the rugged terrain and see the unique geologic formations up close. Wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn can often be seen roaming the park’s grasslands. The park also offers a scenic drive through the Badlands Loop Road, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
At Grand Teton National Park, some of the most popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and scenic drives. The park is home to several well-maintained trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s rugged terrain and see the stunning Teton mountain range up close. Wildlife such as elk, bison, and moose can often be seen roaming the park’s grasslands. Fishing is also a popular activity in the park’s many rivers and lakes, and the park offers several scenic drives through the surrounding landscape.
Both Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and outdoor activities. However, Badlands National Park offers an unique landscapes and rock formations while Grand Teton National Park offers the chance to see an array of wildlife and the grand mountain ranges. Both parks offer different experiences and are great for different types of visitors.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park are two very different parks with different climates and weather patterns. Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of South Dakota and is known for its hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is typically in the spring or fall when the temperatures are milder. During the summer, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it too hot for most visitors to comfortably hike and explore the park. In contrast, Grand Teton National Park is located in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, and has a much cooler climate. The park is known for its mild summers and cold winters, with the best time to visit is typically during the summer months when the temperatures are pleasant and the wildflowers are in bloom. During the winter, heavy snowfall can make the park inaccessible to most visitors. The temperature difference between the two parks is significant and can greatly affect the experience of visiting each one.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park
When it comes to family-friendliness, both Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park have a lot to offer. However, each park has its own unique features that may make it more appealing for families with children.
Badlands National Park is a great destination for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities. The park offers a variety of easy to moderate trails that are perfect for families, such as the short boardwalk trail to the Badlands Loop Road, which offers great views of the park’s unique geology. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that children can participate in to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history. Additionally, the park has a visitor center that offers exhibits and ranger-led programs that can help families learn more about the park’s unique landscape and wildlife.
On the other hand, Grand Teton National Park is a great destination for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities and breathtaking mountain views. The park offers a variety of easy to moderate trails that are perfect for families, such as the Jenny Lake trail, which is a great spot for a picnic and a swim. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that children can participate in to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history. Additionally, the park has a variety of ranger-led programs that can help families learn more about the park’s unique landscape and wildlife.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Grand Teton National Park are great family-friendly destinations. They both offer a variety of outdoor activities, Junior Ranger programs, and ranger-led programs that can help families learn more about the park’s unique landscape and wildlife. The best park to visit with children depends on the families preference, if they want to see unique geology or breathtaking mountain views.