Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most diverse and captivating national parks in the United States. Both parks offer an array of natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe. From the rugged Badlands formations in South Dakota, to the towering sequoias in California, these parks offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or a history buff, these parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience. In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting the two parks, highlighting the must-see landmarks, and discussing the best time of year to visit. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure, as we take you on a journey through the Badlands and the Sequoias.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. In Badlands National Park, the South Unit offers some of the easiest hikes, such as the Door Trail and the Window Trail, which are both short and relatively flat. These trails take visitors through the park’s unique geologic formations and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The North Unit of Badlands National Park offers more challenging hikes, such as the Castle Trail and the Notch Trail. These hikes are longer and offer more elevation gain, but also offer breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks also offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. The easiest hikes include the Big Trees Trail, which takes visitors through the park’s famous giant sequoia groves, and the General Sherman Tree Trail, which leads to the largest tree on Earth by volume.
For more experienced hikers, the parks offer trails such as the High Sierra Trail, which is a strenuous hike that passes through the park’s rugged backcountry and offers spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The park also offers strenuous backpacking trails like the Rae Lakes Loop and the John Muir Trail.
Both Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. While Badlands National Park is known for its unique geologic formations and rugged terrain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is known for its giant sequoia groves and stunning mountain views. Both parks offer something unique and beautiful for visitors to explore, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for an easy nature walk.
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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Badlands National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals such as bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bison, and coyotes. The park also has a wide variety of bird species, including hawks, eagles, and vultures. The park is also home to a number of reptiles, including snakes and lizards.
In contrast, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their giant sequoia trees, which are among the largest and oldest living organisms on Earth. Visitors to the park can also expect to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and marmots. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the Steller’s jay and the white-headed woodpecker. The park also has a variety of plants, including wildflowers and ferns.
Overall, both parks offer a great opportunity for visitors to see a wide range of wildlife, but the types of animals and plants that you will see will differ between the two parks, with Badlands National Park being home to more of the animals and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks being home to more of the plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Badlands National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
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 | Green-Winged Teal |
Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
Badlands National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
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 | House Mouse |
Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
Gray Fox | Mink |
Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
Northern Myotis | Gray Fox |
Badger | Wolf |
Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
North American River Otter | Long-Eared Myotis |
Common Shrew | Badger |
Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Ermine |
Reptiles
Badlands National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | Gopher Snake |
Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
Western Rattlesnake | Racer |
Common Garter Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
Milksnake | Common Garter Snake |
Eastern Fence Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
Rubber Boa | |
Nightsnake | |
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
Badlands National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
Tiger Salamander | |
Bullfrog | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
Badlands National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
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 | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
Golden Shiner | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
European Carp | Brown Trout |
Longnose Dace | Green Sunfish |
Yellow Bullhead | Golden Shiner |
Channel Catfish | European Carp |
Black Bullhead | Black Bullhead |
Creek Chub | Brown Bullhead |
Goldfish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Badlands National Park is a vast expanse of rugged terrain and dramatic landscapes, with towering buttes, deep canyons, and otherworldly formations that are unlike anything else on earth. The park is a geologist’s dream, with layered rock formations that reveal millions of years of history. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, taking in views of the Badlands formations and the vast prairies that surround them. Some of the most popular features of the park include the Badlands Loop Road, which takes visitors through some of the park’s most spectacular landscapes, and the Pinnacles Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are home to some of the largest and oldest trees on earth. These parks are located in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains and are known for their giant sequoia trees, which are some of the largest and oldest living organisms on earth. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree on earth by volume, and the Congress Trail, which takes visitors through a grove of giant sequoias. Additionally, visitors can explore the park’s many other natural wonders such as the granite cliffs, deep canyons and cascading waterfalls. The High Sierra Trail offers a strenuous but rewarding hike with scenic views of the park’s rugged terrain, while the easy Congress Trail offers a chance to see the famous trees up close.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both known for their unique and diverse natural landscapes. The wildlife, however, is quite different between the two parks.
At Badlands National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of animals such as bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and prairie dogs. The park also has a large population of birds, including the rare and endangered swift fox, as well as various species of hawks, eagles, and vultures. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including grasses, cacti, and wildflowers.
In contrast, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to a much different ecosystem. These parks are known for their giant sequoia trees, which can reach heights of over 300 feet and live for more than 3,000 years. Wildlife in these parks include black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, and many species of birds such as eagles and owls. The park is also home to many species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, including the sequoia, as well as oak, pine, and cedar.
As for the most popular activities, Badlands National Park is known for its hiking, backpacking, and scenic driving. The park has a variety of trails that range from easy, paved nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road to see the park’s unique geologic formations.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are also known for their hiking and backpacking. The parks have over 800 miles of trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Many visitors come to these parks to see the giant sequoia trees, which can be found in several different groves throughout the park. The park also offers ranger-led nature walks, campfire programs, and horseback riding. Both parks offer camping, picnicking and rock climbing, however, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer more opportunities for backcountry camping and river activities like fishing and swimming.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both beautiful destinations, but they have very different weather patterns. Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota, and the weather there is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures often reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and dropping below freezing in the winter. The best time to visit the park is between late spring and early fall, when the weather is mild and the park’s famous formations are at their most colorful.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are located in California and have a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The parks receive heavy snowfall in the winter, making the best time to visit between late spring to early fall when most of the snow has melted and the trails are accessible. The park is famous for its giant sequoia trees and high altitude wilderness, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy hiking and backpacking. In terms of hiking trails, Badlands National Park offers a wide range of trails that vary in difficulty, with some easy trails that are suitable for families and some strenuous trails that are perfect for experienced hikers. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks also offer a variety of hiking trails, including some easy hikes that take you through the giant sequoias, and some more challenging hikes that take you to the top of the mountain peaks.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Badlands National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both great options for families, but they offer very different experiences.
Badlands National Park is known for its unique geologic formations, including layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. It is a great place to explore on foot, with a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. The park also offers a number of ranger-led programs and activities that are perfect for families, including guided hikes, campfire talks, and stargazing events.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are home to some of the largest trees on Earth, the giant sequoias. Families can take a leisurely stroll on the Congress Trail, or drive along the Generals Highway to see the giant sequoias up close. There are also a variety of ranger-led programs such as nature walks, campfire talks, and guided hikes that cater to families.
Overall, both parks are perfect for families, but if you’re looking for an easy hike and unique geologic formations, Badlands National Park is perfect while if you’re looking for a chance to see the largest trees on Earth, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is your best option.