Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both unique and breathtaking national parks that offer visitors a chance to explore the great outdoors in different ways. The Badlands, located in South Dakota, is known for its rugged terrain and striking rock formations, while Kobuk Valley, located in Alaska, is known for its vast expanses of untouched wilderness and the chance to see caribou and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to hike, camp, and experience nature, but each park has its own distinct character and charm. Imagine the Badlands, with its colorful rock formations, towering spires, and deep canyons, contrasts with the vast and wild landscapes of Kobuk Valley, with its rolling hills, vast tundra, and pristine rivers. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed trip or a serene escape, these two parks have something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for an exciting and unforgettable vacation, you can’t go wrong with either Badlands National Park or Kobuk Valley National Park.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both known for their rugged landscapes and beautiful hiking trails, but the types of hikes offered at each park differ.
Badlands National Park has several hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy, paved trails to strenuous, unpaved trails. The Badlands Loop Road is an easy, paved trail that winds through the park’s rugged badlands terrain, offering visitors a chance to view the park’s unique geologic formations. The Castle Trail is a strenuous, unpaved trail that leads to the park’s highest point, offering panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain. Other popular trails in the park include the Pinnacles Overlook Trail and the Notch Trail, both of which offer visitors a chance to view the park’s unique geologic formations and wildlife.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is less developed for hiking, most of the park is wilderness area, with no established trails, and visitors are encouraged to explore the park on their own. The park is home to the famous Kobuk River and the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, both of which can be explored on foot. The park’s rugged terrain and remote location make it a destination for experienced hikers and backpackers looking for a challenging wilderness experience.
In summary, while Badlands National Park has several established hiking trails that range in difficulty, Kobuk Valley National Park is less developed for hiking and visitors are encouraged to explore the park on their own. Both parks offer visitors the chance to explore rugged landscapes, but the type of experience offered is different.
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 Kobuk Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of animals and plants that can be seen at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is home to a variety of animals such as bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Visitors may also see a variety of birds such as golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, and mountain plovers. The park also has a diverse array of plants, including the mixed-grass prairie, riparian areas, and badlands formations.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of Arctic wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. Visitors may also see a variety of birds such as peregrine falcons, gyrfalcons, and rough-legged hawks. The park also has a diverse array of plants such as arctic tundra, spruce-birch forests, and boreal forests.
Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife opportunities for visitors, but the types of animals and plants found in each park are quite different. Visitors to Badlands National Park can expect to see a wide variety of animals and plants that are typical of the Great Plains region, while visitors to Kobuk Valley National Park can expect to see a wide variety of Arctic wildlife and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Savannah Sparrow |
| Barn Swallow | American Kestrel |
| Savannah Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
| Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
| American Kestrel | Green-Winged Teal |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Shoveler |
| American Wigeon | Golden Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Badlands National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Bobcat | Porcupine |
| Striped Skunk | Red Fox |
| Little Brown Bat | Mink |
| Deer Mouse | Wolf |
| Raccoon | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Snowshoe Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Common Shrew |
| Red Fox | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Montane Shrew |
| House | Lynx |
| Mountain Lion | Wolverine |
| Mule Deer | American Marten |
| Gray Fox | Grizzly Bear |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Moose |
| Northern Myotis | Least Weasel |
| Badger | Pygmy Shrew |
| Weasel | Northern Bog Lemming |
| North American River Otter | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Golden Shiner | Lake Trout |
| European Carp | Northern Pike |
| Longnose Dace | Burbot |
| Yellow Bullhead | Coho Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | King Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Creek Chub | Alaskan Stickleback |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park both offer visitors the chance to see a variety of natural landscapes and features.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and striking rock formations. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Badlands Loop Road, a scenic drive that offers views of the park’s colorful rock formations, towering spires, and deep canyons. Other popular landscapes in the park include the Pinnacles Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the park’s unique rock formations, and the Badlands Wilderness Area, a hike-only area that offers visitors the chance to explore the park’s backcountry.
Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its vast expanses of untouched wilderness and the chance to see caribou and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. The park’s most famous landscape is the Kobuk River, a glacial river that flows through the park and is home to a variety of fish species. The park’s most visited area is the Sand Dunes, which are the largest dunes in Alaska, and offers visitors the chance to hike, camp and see the park’s wildlife. Other popular landscapes in the park include the Walker Lake, where visitors can enjoy fishing and boating, and the nearby Brooks Range, which offers hikers the chance to explore the park’s mountainous terrain.
In conclusion, Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer visitors the chance to explore different types of landscapes and natural features. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and striking rock formations, while Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its vast expanses of untouched wilderness and the chance to see caribou and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to hike, camp, and experience nature, but each park has its own distinct character and charm.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both known for their unique natural landscapes and diverse wildlife, but the activities offered at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and is known for its rugged terrain and unique rock formations. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking on a variety of trails, including easy nature walks and more challenging backcountry treks. The park also offers scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and ranger-led programs. Some of the most popular activities at Badlands National Park include hiking the Badlands Loop Road, taking a scenic drive through the park, and seeing the bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn that call the park home.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its vast wilderness and remote location. The park is home to the largest caribou herd in North America and visitors can enjoy hiking, backpacking, and camping in the park. The park is also known for its beautiful wildflowers, and the best time to visit is during the summer months. Some of the most popular activities at Kobuk Valley National Park include hiking to the park’s sand dunes, taking a guided river trip to see the caribou, and camping in the park’s remote wilderness.
In terms of family-friendliness, Badlands National Park may be more suitable for families with young children. The park offers many easy nature walks and scenic drives, making it easy for families to experience the park’s beauty without having to do a lot of strenuous hiking. On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park is more remote and rugged and may not be as well-suited for families with young children.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
The seasonal weather at Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park can be quite different, which affects when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Badlands National Park is located in the northern Great Plains region of the United States, and the park’s weather is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the best time to visit the park for those who enjoy warm weather. However, during the summer months, the park can also experience thunderstorms and flash floods. Spring and fall are also great times to visit the park, with milder temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter can be harsh with subzero temperatures, snow and ice making it difficult to access the park’s roads and trails.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and the park’s weather is characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Summer temperatures can reach up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the best time to visit the park for those who enjoy mild weather and the chance to see wildlife like bears and caribou. However, during the summer months, the park can also experience heavy rain and mosquitoes. Winter can be harsh with subzero temperatures, snow and ice making it difficult to access the park’s roads and trails.
In summary, the best time to visit Badlands National Park is during the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild, while the best time to visit Kobuk Valley National Park is during the summer months when the weather is mild and wildlife is more active. Keep in mind that both parks are subject to severe weather conditions and it’s important to plan accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Badlands National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors, but they have different levels of accessibility and offerings for families traveling with children.
Badlands National Park is generally considered more family-friendly than Kobuk Valley National Park. The park has a variety of paved trails and boardwalks that are easy to navigate, making it accessible for families with young children or strollers. The park also offers a number of ranger-led activities, such as guided hikes and campfire programs, which can be a fun way for families to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history. There is also a visitors center that has educational materials and interactive exhibits that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness park that is less developed and less accessible for families with young children or strollers. The park has few developed trails and no boardwalks, and visitors are required to be self-sufficient and prepared for backcountry conditions. The park’s remote location also means that there are fewer ranger-led activities and visitor services, such as campfire programs or educational materials.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children and looking for a more traditional family-friendly national park experience, Badlands National Park is the best choice. It offers a variety of paved trails and boardwalks, ranger-led activities, and a visitors center with educational materials. However, if you are looking for a more wilderness-oriented experience, and your family is comfortable with remote and rugged terrain, Kobuk Valley National Park can be a unique and exciting adventure for the whole family.