Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a diverse range of landscapes and natural features that are sure to leave visitors in awe. From the rugged, otherworldly terrain of the Badlands to the towering spires and rock formations of Pinnacles, these parks offer a one-of-a-kind experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike, a thrilling rock climb, or an opportunity to spot rare wildlife, Badlands and Pinnacles have something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey as we take a closer look at these two incredible parks.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both known for their unique and diverse hiking trails.
Badlands National Park offers a variety of trails that range from easy, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks to more strenuous backcountry hikes. Some popular trails include the Badlands Loop Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s rugged terrain, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which takes visitors through a fossil-rich area and offers a glimpse into the park’s prehistoric past.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, offers a more rugged hiking experience. The park is known for its towering rock formations and steep canyons, which provide a challenging and rewarding hike. Some popular trails include the High Peaks Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s iconic spires, and the Bear Gulch Cave Trail, which takes visitors through a series of underground caves. The park also offers several family-friendly and easy trails like the Balconies Cave Trail and the Moses Spring Trail.
Both parks offer a wide variety of hiking options for visitors, but Pinnacles is more challenging and offers more strenuous hikes than Badlands National Park.
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 Pinnacles National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop | 8690.436 | 484.9368 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Pinnacles Trail Loop | 15288.73 | 527.9136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bear Gulch Day Use Area to Reservoir via Rim Trail | 2896.812 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| High Peaks Trail | 10138.842 | 539.8008 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop Trail | 12713.786 | 549.8592 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Reservoir | 1770.274 | 96.9264 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies | 8207.634 | 150.876 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Balconies Trail | 13196.588 | 592.836 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Juniper Canyon Trail to High Peaks | 5793.624 | 383.7432 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Balconies Cave Trail | 4184.284 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Badlands National Park, visitors can expect to see bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species including the golden eagle, the ferruginous hawk, and the swift fox. In terms of plant life, the park is home to prairie grasses, wildflowers, and cacti.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of animal species including the California condor, the golden eagle, and the black-tailed deer. The park is also home to a variety of bat species including the Townsend’s big-eared bat and the California myotis. In terms of plant life, visitors can expect to see chaparral, oak woodlands, and the park’s namesake pinnacles, which are towering rock formations made of volcanic ash.
Both parks offer great opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. However, Pinnacles National Park is known for its unique rock formations and the California Condor, which is a very rare species to see. On the other hand, Badlands National Park is known for its diverse animal population and the prairie grassland ecosystem which is different from Pinnacles National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Pinnacles 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 | 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 | Great Blue Heron |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Badlands National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Porcupine | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | House Mouse |
| Hoary Bat | Puma |
| Red Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Gray Fox |
| House | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mule Deer | North American Badger |
| Gray Fox | California Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Northern Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Badger | Townsends’ Big-Eared Bat |
| Weasel | Western Harvest Mouse |
| North American River Otter | Western Small-Footed Bat |
| Common Shrew | Yuma Myotis |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Pallid Bat |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gophersnake |
| Racer | Yellow-Bellied Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Common Gartersnake |
| Milksnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | California Kingsnake |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Night Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Morning Cloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Cabbage White |
| Silvery Blue | Silvery Blue |
| Common Check-Skipper | Common Checkered-Skipper |
| Clouded Sulphur | Buckeye |
| Honey Bee | Purplish Copper |
| Variegated Fritillary | Anise Swallowtail |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Gray Hairstreak |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Green Sunfish |
| Golden Shiner | Fathead Minnow |
| European Carp | Threespine Stickleback |
| Longnose Dace | Mosquitofish |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both known for their unique and rugged landscapes. Badlands National Park is famous for its layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires that rise out of the prairie. The park’s 244,000 acres are home to a diverse array of plants and animals, including bison, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. Visitors can hike along the park’s many trails, which offer breathtaking views of the badlands.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering monoliths and rock formations that are believed to have formed from an ancient volcano. The park’s 26,000 acres are home to a variety of plant and animal life, including the California condor, black bears, and the threatened California red-legged frog. Pinnacles is also a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and camping. The park’s scenic trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and rock formations.
Both parks are must-see destinations for nature enthusiasts, offering unique landscapes and a wide range of outdoor activities.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both known for their unique landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Both parks offer hiking and camping as popular activities, but there are some key differences in the types of experiences visitors can expect at each park.
At Badlands National Park, visitors can explore the rugged badlands terrain on a variety of hiking trails. The park also offers backcountry camping for those looking for a more rugged experience. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn being commonly seen.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering rock formations and unique volcanic landscape. Hiking is a popular activity here, with trails that range from easy to strenuous. The park also offers rock climbing and birdwatching opportunities. The park is home to a variety of birds, including the California condor, which is a popular bird to spot.
Overall, both parks offer unique experiences and have their own specialties. If you’re looking for a rugged and wild experience, Badlands National Park is a great choice. But if you’re looking for a more challenging hike and rock climbing, Pinnacles National Park is a great option. Both parks are great for family-friendly activities and nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both located in the western United States and have distinct seasonal weather patterns. Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and has hot summers with temperatures often reaching above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold winters with temperatures dropping below freezing. The best time to visit the park is in the spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is located in California and has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The park receives most of its precipitation during the winter months, making spring and fall the best time to visit when the weather is dry and mild.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, with Pinnacles National Park known for its challenging hikes that take visitors through steep terrain and rocky landscapes. The park has a number of easy and moderate trails as well, which are great for families. In contrast, the Badlands National Park has a mix of easy, moderate and strenuous trails. Some of the trails in the park are easy and accessible, while others are rugged and backcountry trails that require a high level of fitness. The park is also known for its scenic drives that offer visitors the opportunity to see the park’s unique landscapes from the comfort of their car.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Badlands National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both great options for families, but each park offers a unique experience. Badlands National Park is known for its striking and otherworldly landscapes, with towering spires and deep canyons carved by ancient rivers. The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as ranger-led walks and talks, as well as guided hikes and educational programs. The park also has a Junior Ranger Program that allows children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources while earning a badge.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique rock formations and diverse wildlife. The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as guided cave tours, rock climbing, and ranger-led walks and talks. The park also has a Junior Ranger Program that allows children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources while earning a badge. The park also offers hiking trails with different levels of difficulty, from easy hikes to strenuous treks through the park’s rugged wilderness.
Both parks offer a great family-friendly experience, but if you’re traveling with children, Badlands National Park might be a better option as the park’s landscape is more unique and otherworldly. Pinnacles National Park is also a great option for families who enjoy hiking and rock climbing.