Badlands National Park vs Hot Springs National Park

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Badlands National Park vs Hot Springs National Park

Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most distinct and unique national parks in the United States. The Badlands is a rugged and otherworldly landscape of colorful rock formations and deep canyons, while Hot Springs is a verdant oasis of lush greenery and natural hot springs. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of nature, but in very different ways. If you’re looking for an adventure in the wilds of the Great Plains or a relaxing soak in nature’s hot tubs, you can’t go wrong with either of these parks. So pack your hiking boots and your swimsuits, and get ready for a journey through two of America’s most unique and spectacular national parks.

Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas are both known for their scenic hiking trails, but the trails at each park offer different experiences.

Badlands National Park has a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, paved trails to more challenging, off-trail routes. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Door Trail, which is a short, paved trail that leads to a unique rock formation, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is a short, paved trail that passes by a fossil exhibit. On the other hand, some of the more challenging hikes at the park include the Castle Trail, which is a 3-mile hike that takes you to the top of a Badlands formation, and the Notch Trail, which is a strenuous, off-trail hike that takes you through a narrow canyon.

Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of hiking trails, but they are still scenic and offer different levels of difficulty. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Hot Springs Creek Trail, which is a short, paved trail that follows Hot Springs Creek, and the Sunset Trail, which is a 1-mile hike that offers great views of the surrounding area. The park also has one of the most challenging hikes, the Goat Rock Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike that takes you to the top of Goat Rock for a panoramic view of the park.

Both Badlands and Hot Springs National Parks offer a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and challenging off-trail routes, while Hot Springs National Park is known for its scenic, easy to moderate hikes that also provide beautiful views.

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 Hot Springs National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Sunset Trail 20921.42 722.9856 Hard loop 4
West Mountain Trail 3057.746 107.8992 Moderate loop 4.5
Goat Rock Trail 3862.416 115.824 Moderate out and back 4.5
Gulpha Gorge Trail 1931.208 116.7384 Moderate out and back 4
The Grand Promenade and Side Trails 1931.208 33.8328 Moderate loop 4
Dead Chief Trail 4345.218 121.92 Moderate out and back 4
Hot Springs Mountain Trail 5310.822 204.8256 Easy loop 4
Peak Trail 2092.142 108.8136 Easy out and back 3.5
Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail 11426.314 592.836 Moderate out and back 4
Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail 2092.142 87.7824 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife and plant species.

Badlands National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bison, coyotes, and prairie dogs. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 250 species of birds, including the golden eagle, ferruginous hawk, and the rare black-footed ferret. The park’s rugged terrain and harsh conditions have also helped to preserve many plant species, including cacti, sagebrush, and prairie grasses.

Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is a haven for plant and animal life. The park’s lush greenery is home to a wide variety of trees, including oak, hickory, and magnolia. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, turkey, and squirrels. Additionally, Hot Springs National Park is a birding hot spot, with over 200 species of birds, including the American goldfinch, Baltimore oriole, and the colorful painted bunting.

Overall, both parks offer visitors the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife and plant species. However, the types of wildlife and plants you’ll see will depend on the time of year you visit, as well as the specific areas of the park you choose to explore. Visitors to Badlands National Park will have the chance to see large mammals and a variety of bird species in the rugged terrain, while visitors to Hot Springs National Park will have the chance to see a wide variety of plant and animal life in the lush greenery.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Badlands National Park Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs 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 Silver-Haired Bat
Hoary Bat Hoary Bat
Red Fox Red Fox
Long-Tailed Weasel Long-Tailed Weasel
House House Mouse
Mountain Lion Mink
Mule Deer Gray Fox
Gray Fox North American River Otter
Long-Legged Myotis Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat
Northern Myotis White-Tailed Deer
Badger Virginia Opossum
Weasel Eastern Red Bat
North American River Otter White-Footed Mouse
Common Shrew Norway Rat
Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat Eastern Cottontail

Reptiles

Badlands National Park Hot Springs National Park
Gopher Snake
Racer
Western Rattlesnake
Common Garter Snake
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard
Milksnake
Eastern Fence Lizard

Amphibians

Badlands National Park Hot Springs National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Bullfrog
Tiger Salamander
Bullfrog
Woodhouse’s Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Insects

Badlands National Park Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs National Park
Fathead Minnow Largemouth Bass
Golden Shiner Green Sunfish
European Carp Bluegill
Longnose Dace Fathead Minnow
Yellow Bullhead Golden Shiner
Channel Catfish European Carp
Black Bullhead Yellow Bullhead
Creek Chub Graceful Catfish
Black Crappie
Black Bullhead
Mosquitofish
Creek Chub
Brown Bullhead
Goldfish
Smallmouth Bass

Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Badlands National Park is known for its unique and colorful geological formations, including layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park also features mixed-grass prairie and riparian areas, providing habitats for a diverse array of wildlife. Some popular landmarks in the park include the Badlands Loop Road, which offers scenic drives and overlooks, and the Pinnacles Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the Badlands formations.

Hot Springs National Park is known for its hot springs, from which the park gets its name. The hot springs are fed by a natural hot water aquifer, and the park features several historic bathhouses where visitors can bathe in the hot springs. The park also features scenic hiking trails, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. Additionally, visitors can explore the park’s historic downtown area, which features preserved 19th-century architecture.

Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy.

At Badlands National Park, visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain through a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Badlands Loop Road, which offers scenic views of the park’s colorful rock formations and deep canyons. The park also offers backcountry hiking and camping for those who want to explore the park’s wilderness areas. In addition, the park has several scenic drives, including the Badlands Loop Road, which offers visitors the chance to see the park’s unique landscapes from the comfort of their own car.

At Hot Springs National Park, visitors can enjoy the park’s natural hot springs by taking a dip in the park’s historic bathhouses, or by taking a soak in one of the park’s many natural hot springs. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers visitors a panoramic view of the park and the surrounding area. In addition, the park has several scenic drives, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers visitors the chance to see the park’s unique landscapes from the comfort of their own car.

Overall, both parks offer visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Visitors to Badlands National Park will have the chance to explore the park’s rugged terrain through hiking and backcountry camping, while visitors to Hot Springs National Park will have the chance to enjoy the park’s natural hot springs and scenic drives. Both parks also offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s unique landscapes and wildlife through a variety of hiking trails.

Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas have different weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit each park.

Badlands National Park has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 100°F (38°C) and it can be very dry. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, and snowfall is common. The park is also prone to strong winds year-round, which can make hiking and outdoor activities challenging. The best time to visit the park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are milder and the park’s wildflowers and fall foliage are in bloom.

Hot Springs National Park has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90°F (32°C) and the park can be quite humid. In the winter, temperatures are mild and snowfall is rare. The park also has a high amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the spring and summer. The best time to visit the park is in the fall or winter, when temperatures are cooler and the park’s fall foliage is in its peak.

In summary, the weather at Badlands National Park is best during spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park is in bloom, while the weather at Hot Springs National Park is best in the fall and winter when temperatures are cooler and the park’s fall foliage is at its peak. It’s important to keep in mind that the weather can change quickly in both parks, so it’s always best to be prepared for any condition, especially if you plan to hike or engage in any other outdoor activities.

Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park

Both Badlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park are great options for families looking to experience the outdoors and explore nature. However, there are some differences to consider when deciding which park is best for your family.

Badlands National Park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities that are suitable for families. There are several short and easy hikes, such as the Door and Window trails, that allow families to explore the park’s unique geological formations. The park also has a Junior Ranger program, which is a fun and educational way for children to learn about the park’s history and wildlife. Additionally, the Badlands Loop Road provides a great opportunity for families to take a scenic drive and see the park’s highlights from the comfort of their car.

On the other hand, Hot Springs National Park is more suitable for families who are interested in history and culture. The park has several historic bathhouses where visitors can bathe in the hot springs, and the park’s downtown area features preserved 19th-century architecture. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is also a great option for families, as it offers views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.

In summary, both parks have great family-friendly options. However, if your family is more interested in outdoor activities and nature, Badlands National Park would be a better fit. If your family is more interested in history and culture, Hot Springs National Park would be a better fit.

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