Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore and discover a wide range of landscapes and natural wonders. While Badlands National Park is known for its rugged and dramatic badlands formations, Saguaro National Park is famous for its towering saguaro cacti and diverse desert ecosystem. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a fun and educational family vacation, these two parks have something for everyone. Join us as we explore the many similarities and differences between Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park, and discover which park is right for you.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park offer vastly different hiking experiences. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged and otherworldly landscapes, with hikes that take you through canyons, badlands, and prairies. The park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy boardwalks to strenuous backcountry hikes. The Badlands Loop Road is a great option for those looking for an easy hike, as it offers several short trails that take you to some of the most iconic landscapes in the park. The Castle Trail, on the other hand, is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park, taking hikers on a 9-mile round trip through the rugged Badlands terrain.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering saguaro cacti, which can only be found in the Sonoran Desert. The park offers several trails that take visitors through the desert landscape, from easy nature walks to more strenuous hikes that offer great views of the cacti. The Freeman Homestead Trail is a great option for families and those looking for an easy hike, as it is a short, paved trail that takes you through a grove of saguaro cacti. The Douglas Spring Trail, on the other hand, is a more strenuous hike that takes you to the top of the Rincon Mountains, offering great views of the surrounding desert landscape.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park are both home to a variety of unique wildlife species.
Badlands National Park is known for its bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and coyotes. Visitors may also spot black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, and golden eagles. The park also has a diverse array of bird species such as the sharp-tailed grouse, the greater sage-grouse and the ferruginous hawk. The park also has a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the Great Plains toad and the prairie rattlesnake.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of desert-dwelling animals such as the collared peccary, desert tortoise, and the Gila monster. Visitors may also spot the rock squirrel, the desert cottontail, and the desert bighorn sheep. The park also has a diverse array of bird species including the cactus wren, Gilded Flicker and the Gila Woodpecker. The park also has a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the Couch’s spadefoot toad and the Arizona coral snake.
Both parks are also home to a variety of plant species, but Saguaro National Park is notable for its namesake cacti, the saguaro, which can grow up to 50 feet tall.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Badlands National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House | Common Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Badger |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Californis Myotis |
| Northern Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Badger | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Weasel | Western Harvest Mouse |
| North American River Otter | Yuma Myotis |
| Common Shrew | Bighorn Sheep |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | White-Tailed Deer |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Racer | Western Rattlesnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Milksnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Night Snake |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Bullfrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Canyon Treefrog |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Saguaro 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 | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park offer visitors very different landscapes to explore. Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is known for its rugged and otherworldly terrain. The park is home to layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires that have been shaped over millions of years by erosion and weathering. The park’s Badlands Loop Road offers visitors a chance to take in the park’s stunning views and unique geology, including the Pinnacles Overlook and the Badlands Loop Road.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and is known for its vast desert landscape and its famous saguaro cacti. These cacti, which can grow up to 50 feet tall, are unique to the Sonoran Desert and are a symbol of the American Southwest. The park is divided into two districts, the Rincon Mountain District, and the Tucson Mountain District, both of which offer visitors a chance to explore the park’s unique desert landscape and see the saguaro cacti in all their glory. The park also offers many hiking trails, such as the Douglas Spring Trail in Rincon Mountain District, which takes visitors through a beautiful desert canyon and to the summit of Douglas Spring.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park are both unique and stunning national parks that offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Badlands National Park, some of the most popular activities include hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and coyotes, and visitors can see these animals while on a hike or a scenic drive. The park also offers backcountry camping and backpacking opportunities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Badlands.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is known for its iconic saguaro cacti, which can only be found in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Visitors can hike the park’s many trails to explore the cacti, as well as other desert plants and animals. The park also offers ranger-led programs, including guided nature walks and sunset hikes, as well as a scenic drive through the park. Additionally, visitors can also explore the park on horseback, mountain bike, or take guided tours for more unique experiences.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, the main difference is the landscape and the unique plants and animals that can be found in each park. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife, while Saguaro National Park is known for its iconic saguaro cacti and desert landscape.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Saguaro National Park in Arizona are both unique and beautiful places to visit, but they have very different seasonal weather patterns.
Badlands National Park has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall when temperatures are milder. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it quite hot and uncomfortable to hike and explore the park. Winter can bring snow and ice, making some trails and roads impassable.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, has a desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the cooler months of fall and spring. Summer temperatures can easily reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it too hot for most activities. Winter is the best time to visit for those who enjoy hiking and exploring the park, since temperatures are mild during the day and cool at night.
When it comes to hiking, Badlands National Park offers a variety of trails, from easy boardwalk trails to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the Badlands Loop Road, which offers scenic views of the park’s unique rock formations, and the Castle Trail, which takes visitors to the top of a rock formation for panoramic views.
Saguaro National Park is also home to a variety of hiking trails, but it’s known for its cactus-lined trails. The park is divided into two districts, the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District, both of which offer different landscapes and hiking experiences. Some of the most popular trails include the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, which is an 8-mile scenic drive with several hiking trails, and the Douglas Spring Trail, which is a moderate hike that offers views of the park’s towering saguaro cacti.
In summary, Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park offer different landscapes and weather conditions, so the best time to visit depends on what type of activities and experiences you’re looking for. The Badlands are best visited in the spring or fall and Saguaro National Park is best visited during the winter months. Both parks have a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, with different landscapes and views.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Badlands National Park and Saguaro National Park are both great options for a family-friendly vacation, but they offer very different experiences.
Badlands National Park is known for its unique and rugged landscapes, with deep canyons, towering spires, and colorful rock formations. The park offers several easy hiking trails that are suitable for families, including the short, paved Badlands Loop Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s landscapes. Visitors can also take a guided ranger-led hike for a more in-depth look at the park’s geology and natural history.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering saguaro cacti, which can grow up to 50 feet tall. The park offers several easy hiking trails that are suitable for families, including the Desert Ecology Trail and the Freeman Homestead Trail. Visitors can also take a guided ranger-led hike or join a guided nature walk for a more in-depth look at the park’s unique desert ecology.
Both parks are great options for families, but depending on your interests, one may be a better fit than the other. Badlands National Park offers a more rugged and natural experience, while Saguaro National Park offers a more desert-specific experience with a chance to see the iconic saguaro cacti. Both parks have visitor centers and rangers to assist visitors with their plans.