Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park are two incredibly diverse national parks that offer visitors a chance to experience the best of nature. Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is known for its rugged and otherworldly landscapes, with colorful rock formations that look like something out of a science fiction movie. Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, is located in Nevada and offers a more serene and peaceful experience, with towering peaks and ancient Bristlecone Pine trees. Both parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and camping opportunities, but they offer vastly different experiences. If you’re looking for an otherworldly adventure, Badlands National Park is the perfect destination, but if you’re looking for a more secluded and peaceful getaway, Great Basin National Park is the perfect choice. No matter which park you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring the natural wonders of these two national parks.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park
Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park offer vastly different hiking experiences. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged, otherworldly landscapes and offers a variety of shorter, easier hikes that allow visitors to explore these unique landscapes. Some popular trails include the Door Trail, which takes hikers through a narrow passageway in the Badlands formations, and the Pinnacles Overlook Trail, which offers views of the park’s famous spire-like formations.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park offers a more mountainous hiking experience, with longer, more strenuous trails that lead to alpine lakes and summits. The park’s most popular hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which takes hikers to an ancient grove of bristlecone pine trees, some of which are over 4,000 years old. Another challenging hike is the Wheeler Peak Trail, which takes hikers to the summit of the park’s highest peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Overall, Badlands National Park is more suitable for visitors looking for short, easy hikes and unique landscapes, while Great Basin National Park is more suitable for visitors looking for longer, more strenuous hikes and alpine scenery.
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 Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park
Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. However, the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park are quite different.
At Badlands National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals such as bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including hawks, eagles, and vultures. In addition to mammals and birds, the park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including lizards and snakes. The park also has a diverse array of plants, including prairie grasses, wildflowers, and cacti.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is home to a variety of animals such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and sage grouse. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including lizards and snakes. The park also has a diverse array of plants, including sagebrush, juniper, and pinion pine.
In conclusion, while both Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park are home to a diverse array of wildlife, the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park are quite different. Badlands National Park is known for its prairie grasses, wildflowers, and cacti, while Great Basin National Park is known for its sagebrush, juniper, and pinion pine.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Great Basin 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 | Great Basin 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 | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Lion |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Northern Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| North American River Otter | Badger |
| Common Shrew | Ermine |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Californis Myotis |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Racer |
| Racer | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Western Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Milksnake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Bullfrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Canyon Treefrog |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch Butterfly |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Morning Cloak | Mourningcloak |
| Cabbage White | Cabbage White |
| Silvery Blue | Silvery Blue |
| Common Check-Skipper | Common Checkered-Skipper |
| Clouded Sulphur | Clouded Sulphur |
| Honey Bee | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Variegated Fritillary | Purplish Copper |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Anise Swallowtail |
| Purplish Copper | Gray Hairstreak |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Speckled Dace |
| Channel Catfish | Cutthroat Trout |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park
Badlands National Park is known for its striking and unique geological formations, including layered rock formations, rugged canyons, and towering spires. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands Loop Road, a scenic drive that takes visitors through some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the park. Along the way, visitors can stop at overlooks to take in the views and hike on the many trails that traverse the park’s rugged terrain.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is home to the ancient and beautiful Lehman Caves, a limestone cave system that features intricate and colorful formations. The park is also home to the 13,063-foot-high Wheeler Peak, the second-highest peak in Nevada, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Additionally, visitors can enjoy hiking on the many trails that lead to alpine lakes, glaciers, and wildflower meadows, including the strenuous Bristlecone Pine Trail that leads to the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
In summary, while Badlands National Park offers striking and unique geological formations, Great Basin National Park offers ancient and beautiful limestone caves, the second-highest peak in Nevada and hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes, glaciers, and wildflower meadows. Both parks offer different and unique experiences that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park
Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but they have their own unique features that set them apart.
At Badlands National Park, visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain on foot or by car, taking in the striking landscapes of layered rock formations and deep canyons. Hiking is a popular activity here, with several trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to more challenging backcountry treks. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can explore the park’s vast wilderness areas, including the 13,063-foot peak of Wheeler Peak. Hiking is also a popular activity here, with trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain. Other popular activities include camping, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, both parks have a lot to offer, but they have their own unique features. Badlands National Park is great for those who want to explore rugged terrain and enjoy hiking, while Great Basin National Park is great for those who want to explore vast wilderness areas and enjoy hiking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when the temperatures are milder. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it too hot for some activities. In the winter, the park can be snowy and icy, making some roads and trails impassable.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, has a high desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park is also open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when the temperatures are milder. During the summer, temperatures can reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and in the winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The park is also home to the only glacier in Nevada, the Lehman Caves, which can only be visited during the warmer months.
Both parks have the best hiking conditions in the spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler and the wildflowers are in bloom. If you’re looking to explore the Lehman Caves, Great Basin National Park is the best option. If you’re looking to see bison, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife, Badlands National Park is the best option.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park
Badlands National Park and Great Basin National Park are both family-friendly destinations for those looking to explore the great outdoors with their children. Both parks offer a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Badlands National Park is known for its striking geological formations, including layered rock formations, deep canyons, and fossil beds. The park offers a variety of easy hikes that are perfect for families, such as the short, paved Badlands Loop Road, which offers spectacular views of the Badlands formations. The park also offers ranger-led programs and activities for children, such as the Junior Ranger program.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, offers families the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Great Basin region. The park features ancient bristlecone pine forests, limestone caverns, and the 13,063-foot-high Wheeler Peak. The park offers a variety of easy hikes, such as the Bristlecone Trail, which is a half-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines, and the Lehman Creek Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a beautiful alpine meadow.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer a variety of activities and programs that are suitable for children and families. Both also offer easy hikes and ranger-led programs that help make the park experience more engaging for kids. Both parks have a variety of natural wonders and beautiful landscapes.