Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both natural wonders that offer a unique and diverse landscape to explore. The Badlands, located in South Dakota, features a vast and rugged terrain of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and grassy prairies. Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado boasts towering peaks, alpine lakes, and lush forests. Both parks offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual explorer, these parks have something to offer for everyone. Join us as we take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two iconic national parks and find out which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Both parks have trails for hikers of all skill levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged and dramatic landscapes, with trails that take hikers through deep canyons and past towering rock formations. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Door Trail, a short, paved trail that leads to a viewpoint of the Badlands formations, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, an easy, paved walk that takes visitors to an exhibit of fossils found in the park. For more experienced hikers, the Castle Trail offers a challenging hike through the rugged terrain of the Badlands, while the Badlands Loop Road offers a scenic drive through the park.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is known for its spectacular mountain landscapes and alpine lakes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Bear Lake Nature Trail, a short, paved trail that takes visitors around Bear Lake, and the Alberta Falls Trail, a moderate hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. For more experienced hikers, the Keyhole Route is a challenging hike that leads to the summit of Longs Peak, the park’s highest mountain, and the Sky Pond Trail offers a strenuous hike with beautiful views of alpine lakes and mountain peaks.
Both Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer visitors a wide range of hiking opportunities, with trails that can accommodate hikers of all skill levels. However, depending on what you’re looking for in a hike, one park might be a better fit than the other. If you’re looking for rugged, dramatic landscapes and less crowded trails, Badlands National Park might be the perfect fit, while if you’re looking for alpine landscapes, beautiful lakes, and challenging hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park might be the place for you.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Badlands National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and mule deer. The park also has a large population of prairie dogs, as well as a variety of bird species such as the swift fox, golden eagle, and burrowing owl. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including sagebrush, prickly pear cactus, and yucca.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain lions. The park also has a large population of black bears, as well as a variety of bird species such as the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and the Clark’s nutcracker. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, aspen, and conifers.
While both parks offer the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park may have a wider variety of large mammals and bird species. However, the Badlands National Park offers the opportunity to see unique and rare species such as the swift fox and burrowing owl. Both parks are great for wildlife viewing and it depends on the visitor’s preference which one they would like to visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain 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 | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain 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 | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Racer | Western Rattlesnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Clouded Sulphur |
| Honey Bee | Variegated Fritillary |
| Variegated Fritillary | Buckeye |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Purplish Copper | Purplish Copper |
| Anise Swallowtail | Anise Swallowtail |
| Gray Hairstreak | Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Western Longnose Sucker |
| Yellow Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Channel Catfish | Speckled Dace |
| Black Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most diverse and beautiful national parks in the United States. They both offer a wide range of landscapes, from rugged mountains to vast prairies, and are home to an abundance of natural wonders.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is famous for its unique and otherworldly landscapes, which are composed of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and rolling prairies. Visitors can take in the stunning vistas at overlooks such as Badlands Loop Road and Pinnacles Overlook, or hike the park’s many trails, including the Badlands Loop Trail and the Door Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow passageway in the rock formations.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is known for its majestic mountain ranges, including the Continental Divide, which runs through the park. Visitors can take in the stunning views from scenic drives such as Trail Ridge Road, or hike to the summit of peaks such as Longs Peak and Mount Ida. The park also offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, horseback riding, and camping.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a wide range of landscapes, from rugged mountains to vast prairies, and are home to an abundance of natural wonders. If you’re looking for a unique and otherworldly landscapes, Badlands National Park is for you and If you’re looking for majestic mountain ranges and a wide range of recreational activities, Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place for your next visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the activities and experiences on offer at each park are quite different.
At Badlands National Park, visitors can explore the park’s unique geologic formations on foot or by car. There are several hiking trails that wind through the park’s rugged badlands, offering visitors the chance to see bison, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. The park also offers ranger-led tours, which provide a great way to learn about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife. Other popular activities include wildlife watching, photography, and stargazing.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with over 300 miles of trails to explore, including the famous Keyhole Route to the summit of Longs Peak. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Fishing and camping are also popular activities in the park. The park’s high elevation also makes it a great destination for wildlife viewing, with elk, bighorn sheep, and moose being commonly seen.
In terms of family-friendly activities, both parks offer many options, but Rocky Mountain National Park has more options for families with children with its wide range of activities, while Badlands National Park is best suited for families who are interested in hiking and wildlife viewing.
In summary, while both Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, the activities and experiences available at each park are quite different. Badlands National Park is known for its unique geologic formations, while Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its wide range of outdoor activities and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both beautiful and unique national parks, but they have vastly different seasonal weather.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park experiences temperatures as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The best time to visit Badlands National Park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s unique landscapes are at their most vibrant.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in Colorado and has a subalpine climate with mild summers and cold winters. The park experiences temperatures as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is in the summer or fall, when the park’s alpine meadows and wildflowers are in bloom, and the park’s snow-capped peaks are easily visible.
In terms of hiking trails, Badlands National Park offers a variety of trails that range from easy to strenuous. The park’s most popular hike is the Badlands Loop Road, a paved road that takes visitors through the park’s most scenic landscapes. The park also offers a number of backcountry hiking trails for those looking for a more challenging hike.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, offers a wide variety of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous alpine climbs. Some of the park’s most popular hikes include the Trail Ridge Road, which offers scenic views of the park’s alpine tundra, and the Keyhole Route, which is a strenuous hike that leads to the summit of Longs Peak.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a unique experience for visitors, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather, and the park’s landscapes are at their most vibrant. If you’re looking for a hot, dry climate with unique landscapes, Badlands National Park is the perfect destination. If you’re looking for mild summers, cold winters, and alpine landscapes, Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect destination.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Badlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both beautiful and unique national parks, but they offer very different experiences for families.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and is known for its otherworldly landscapes of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and prairie grasslands. The park offers a variety of easy to moderate hiking trails, including the popular Badlands Loop Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s unique geology. Families can also enjoy ranger-led programs and educational activities at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in Colorado and is known for its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, including the easy and popular Bear Lake Nature Trail and the more challenging Sky Pond Trail. Families can also enjoy ranger-led programs, educational activities, and scenic drives such as the Trail Ridge Road.
Both parks offer a great outdoor experience for families but if you’re looking for a park with more family-friendly activities, Rocky Mountain National Park might be a better option. It offers more diverse activities such as ranger-led programs and scenic drives that might be more appealing to families with children. But if you’re looking for a park with unique landscapes and a more rugged experience, Badlands National Park might be the better option.