Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both are known for their rugged landscapes and diverse wildlife, but they offer very different experiences. Imagine standing in the middle of Badlands National Park, surrounded by towering spires and deep canyons, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, offers spectacular views of towering peaks and rugged desert terrain. These two parks are like night and day, and yet they both offer an unparalleled experience that will leave you in awe. So, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for a challenging hike or a nature lover seeking a peaceful escape, these parks offer something for everyone. So, come and explore the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park and the majestic peaks of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and discover for yourself why these two national parks are must-see destinations.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both popular destinations for hikers, offering a diverse range of trails that range from easy to challenging.
Badlands National Park features several easy hiking trails that are suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. These include the Door Trail, which is a short, paved trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Badlands formations, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is a short, paved trail that takes visitors through an area where fossils of ancient animals have been discovered. Additionally, the Badlands Loop Road provides access to many scenic overlooks and short trails with views of the striking rock formations and prairies.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its challenging hikes, including Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, and the challenging El Capitan trail, which is a 7.4 miles round trip hike that offers breathtaking views of El Capitan and the surrounding Chihuahuan desert. The park also features several moderate to strenuous hikes, including the McKittrick Canyon Trail, which is a 3.4 miles round trip hike through a beautiful and secluded canyon, and the Devil’s Hall Trail, which is a 2.4 miles round trip hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering walls.
In summary, while both Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails, Badlands National Park is known for its easy and accessible trails that are suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its challenging hikes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and is known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bison, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Visitors may also see a variety of birds, such as hawks, eagles, and turkey vultures. The park is also home to a diverse array of plants, including cactus, prairie grasses, and wildflowers.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in Texas and is known for its rugged mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and elk. Visitors may also see a variety of birds, such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and a wide variety of songbirds. The park is also home to a diverse array of plants, including cactus, yucca, and a variety of wildflowers and trees.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bison, coyotes, and prairie dogs, as well as a variety of birds and plants. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its rugged mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and elk, as well as a variety of birds and plants. Both parks offer great opportunity for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains 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 | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Badlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Deer Mouse |
| Striped Skunk | Raccoon |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Deer Mouse | Porcupine |
| Raccoon | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Red Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Gray Fox |
| House | Gray Wolf |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mule Deer | American Badger |
| Gray Fox | California Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Northern Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Badger | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Weasel | Western Harvest Mouse |
| North American River Otter | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
| Common Shrew | Bighorn Sheep |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | White-Tailed Deer |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Racer | Eastern Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Garter Snake | Prairie Ring-Necked Snake |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Milksnake | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Desert Kingsnake |
| Texas Night Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Desert Striped 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 | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | American Bullfrog |
| Bullfrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulfur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Ladies |
| Monarch | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Common Checkered-Skipper |
| Morning Cloak | Clouded Sulphur |
| Cabbage White | Variegated Fritillary |
| Silvery Blue | Buckeye |
| Common Check-Skipper | Gray Hairstreak |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Green Sunfish |
| European Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park is known for its unique and dramatic landscapes, featuring layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands Loop Road, a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers some of the most breathtaking views. Along the way, you’ll see formations such as the Pinnacles, which are towering spires of rock that rise up from the surrounding grasslands, and the Badlands formations, which are layered rock formations that have been carved and sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. Visitors also enjoy the many overlooks, which offer panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its rugged desert terrain and towering peaks. The most famous landscape of the park is Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert landscape. The park is also home to the Guadalupe Mountains, a rugged range of peaks that rise up from the desert floor. The park also features several hiking trails that take visitors to the top of the peaks, providing a challenging hike and breathtaking views. Another popular natural feature of the park is the McKittrick Canyon, a beautiful, narrow canyon that features a permanent stream, cottonwood trees and the colorful fall foliage.
Both Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer unique and varied landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, these parks offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both popular national parks that offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Badlands National Park is known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for hiking and wildlife viewing. The park offers several hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length, allowing visitors to explore the park’s rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park and stop at designated viewpoints to take in the stunning views of the Badlands. Additionally, the park also offers ranger-led programs and guided tours, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s history, geology and wildlife.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for hiking and backpacking. The park offers several hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length, allowing visitors to explore the park’s mountain landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park and stop at designated viewpoints to take in the stunning views of the Guadalupe Mountains. Additionally, the park also offers ranger-led programs and guided tours, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s history, geology and wildlife. The park is also popular among rock climbers and offer challenging routes.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are popular destinations for hiking and wildlife viewing, with the former known for its unique landscapes and the latter for its rugged mountain landscapes. Both parks also offer ranger-led programs, guided tours and scenic drives as additional activities for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park have different seasonal weather patterns due to their location.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and has a semi-arid climate. Winters in the park can be very cold with temperatures dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. The summers are generally hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Spring and fall are generally mild with comfortable temperatures, making them the best time to visit the park for outdoor activities.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in Texas and has a more moderate climate. The park experiences warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and mild winters with temperatures dropping to freezing. The park also receives occasional snowfall in the winter. The park is known to have a monsoon season, which occurs in the summer, bringing afternoon thunderstorms. Fall season is considered the best time to visit the park as the weather is mild and there is less chance of rain.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its cold winters and hot summers, making spring and fall the best time to visit for outdoor activities. Guadalupe Mountains National Park has a more moderate climate, with warm summers and mild winters, with the fall season being the best time to visit due to mild weather and less chance of rain.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Badlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both family-friendly national parks, but they offer different experiences.
Badlands National Park offers a unique and diverse landscape with layered rock formations, prairie grasslands, and diverse wildlife. It also has several hiking trails, a scenic drive, and a visitor center with educational exhibits. The park is suitable for children, but some of the trails may be too challenging for young children.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers scenic hiking trails, a visitor center, and a variety of wildlife. The park is also home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which is a popular destination for hikers. The park is suitable for children, but the hike to Guadalupe Peak may be too challenging for young children.
Overall, both parks offer a great family-friendly experience, but if you’re traveling with young children, it may be best to visit Badlands National Park as some of the hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park may be too challenging for them.