Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of America’s most beloved natural wonders, each offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Badlands National Park is a rugged and otherworldly landscape of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and sweeping grasslands. It’s a place where ancient seas and shifting sands have carved out a truly unique and awe-inspiring landscape. On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is a true wonder of the natural world, home to geysers, hot springs, and an incredible array of wildlife. The park’s geothermal features are truly one-of-a-kind, and the chance to see bison, elk, and even bears in the wild is an experience that is not to be missed. Both Badlands and Yellowstone are unique, with diverse landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife. Imagine yourself surrounded by the rugged beauty of Badlands, or the awe-inspiring geysers of Yellowstone, these parks are sure to leave you in awe and make you curious to read more about the rest of the article.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Here is a comparison of some of the easiest and hardest hikes at each park:
Badlands National Park:
– Easiest: The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a 0.25-mile paved trail that takes visitors through an area where they can see fossilized animals and plants that lived in the area millions of years ago. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
– Hardest: The Castle Trail is a challenging 7.4-mile hike that takes visitors through rugged badlands and offers views of the park’s unique landscapes. It is steep and rocky, and hikers should be prepared for a strenuous hike.
Yellowstone National Park:
– Easiest: The boardwalk at the Old Faithful Geyser is an easy 0.5-mile walk that takes visitors to see one of the park’s most famous geysers. The boardwalk is wheelchair and stroller accessible
– Hardest: The Mount Washburn Trail is a strenuous 6.8-mile hike that takes visitors to the summit of Mount Washburn, which offers panoramic views of the park. It is steep and rocky, and hikers should be prepared for a challenging hike.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore, from easy, accessible trails to challenging, strenuous hikes. The Fossil Exhibit Trail at Badlands National Park and the boardwalk at Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park are the easiest hikes at each park, while the Castle Trail at Badlands National Park and the Mount Washburn Trail at Yellowstone National Park are the most challenging hikes at each park. Both Parks are unique in the landscapes they offer, and it’s worth spending time to explore different trails and discover the different features the park has to offer.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife, however, the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in 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 spot mule deer, elk, and bison. Birds commonly seen in the park include the golden eagle, prairie falcon, and the ferruginous hawk. The park also boasts a diverse array of plant life, including cacti, yucca, and prairie grasses.
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its large population of bison, elk, and deer, as well as wolves, bears, and coyotes. Visitors may also spot bighorn sheep, moose, and even mountain lions. The park also has a rich birdlife, with species such as the bald eagle, osprey, and the trumpeter swan commonly seen. The park also has a wide variety of plant life, including wildflowers, conifers, and aspen groves.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, and prairie dogs, as well as a variety of bird and plant species. Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is known for its large population of bison, elk, and deer, as well as its wolves, bears, and coyotes, as well as a variety of bird and plant species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Northern Myotis | Wolf |
| Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| North American River Otter | Badger |
| Common Shrew | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | California Myotis |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Racer |
| Racer | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Western Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Morning Cloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Silvery Blue |
| Silvery Blue | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Common Check-Skipper | Common Sulphur |
| Clouded Sulphur | Variegated Fritillary |
| Honey Bee | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Variegated Fritillary | Purplish Copper |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Anise Swallowtail |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Longnose Sucker |
| Yellow Bullhead | Lake Trout |
| Channel Catfish | Mottled Sculpin |
| Black Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Creek Chub | Speckled Dace |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Badlands National Park is home to some of the most unique and otherworldly landscapes in the United States. The park’s layered rock formations and deep canyons are a result of millions of years of erosion and sedimentation. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Badlands Loop Road, which winds through the park’s rugged terrain and offers stunning views of the layered rock formations. Another famous landscape in the park is the Pinnacles Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the park’s unique geologic formations. The Badlands also features beautiful hiking trails such as the Notch Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow and winding canyon, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which features an array of fossils from ancient sea creatures that once lived in the area.
Yellowstone National Park is home to an array of natural wonders, including some of the most famous geysers and hot springs in the world. The park’s most famous landscape is undoubtedly Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser, which erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. Another famous landscape in the park is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which offers visitors stunning views of the park’s rugged terrain and the Yellowstone River. The park also features beautiful mountain ranges such as the Absaroka Range and the Gallatin Range, and also features waterfalls such as the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its layered rock formations, deep canyons, and sweeping grasslands, and has famous landscapes such as the Badlands Loop Road, Pinnacles Overlook, Notch Trail and Fossil Exhibit Trail. Yellowstone National Park is known for its geysers, hot springs, and an array of wildlife and has famous landscapes such as Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Absaroka Range, Gallatin Range and the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular tourist destinations that offer a variety of activities for visitors. Both parks feature unique landscapes, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that make them ideal places to visit for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families.
One of the most popular activities at Badlands National Park is hiking. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backcountry treks. Visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain, canyons, and prairies, and see bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is best known for its geothermal features such as geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. Visitors can see Old Faithful geyser, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the colorful terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, including the popular Mount Washburn Trail. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, visitors have the opportunity to see bison, elk, bears, wolves, and other animals in their natural habitats.
Other popular activities at both parks include camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. At Yellowstone, visitors can also take a scenic drive on the park’s famous Grand Loop Road, and at Badlands visitors can take scenic drive on Badlands Loop Road. Both parks offer ranger-led programs, guided tours, and educational opportunities for visitors.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer unique and diverse recreational opportunities for visitors, with Badlands National Park offering more opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, while Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features and wildlife viewing. Both parks are great for families, but if you want to focus on hiking and wildlife viewing, Badlands National Park would be a better option, otherwise, if you want to see geothermal features and a lot of wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is the better choice.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park have different weather patterns and climates, which can affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are the warmest with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s to low-90s Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and the park can receive snowfall. The spring and fall months are milder with temperatures in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, has a subalpine climate with cool summers and cold winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are the warmest with temperatures averaging in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and the park can receive heavy snowfall. The spring and fall months are milder with temperatures in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit.
The best time to visit Badlands National Park would be the spring and fall months when the weather is milder and the crowds are smaller. The park’s unique landscapes and wildlife can be seen during these months. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but the heat can be intense. Winter is the least popular time to visit due to the colder temperatures and the potential for snow and ice.
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park would be the summer months, when the weather is milder and the park’s geysers and other thermal features are active. The fall is also a good time to visit, when the park’s colorful fall foliage is on display. Winter is the least popular time to visit due to the colder temperatures, snow and ice, and many of the park’s roads being closed.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park can affect when is the best time of year to visit each park. The spring and fall months are the best time to visit Badlands National Park, while the summer months are the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park. However, both Parks are unique and have different features to offer, and it’s worth considering visiting at different times of the year to experience the different seasons.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Both Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature and enjoy outdoor activities. However, they offer slightly different experiences and amenities that may make one park more suitable for your family than the other.
Badlands National Park is a great option for families with children. The park offers a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails, including the Badlands Loop Road, which is a paved road that winds through the park’s rugged terrain and offers stunning views of the layered rock formations. The park also has a children’s nature program called “Junior Ranger Program” that allows children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources and earn a badge for completing the activities. Additionally, there are several picnic areas and campgrounds in the park, making it easy for families to plan a day trip or overnight camping trip.
Yellowstone National Park is also a great option for families, but it may be more suitable for older children and teenagers as some of the activities and hiking trails can be more strenuous. The park features a variety of geysers and hot springs, and the chance to see bison, elk, and even bears in the wild, which can be an exciting and educational experience for children. Additionally, the park offers a Junior Ranger Program as well for children. However, the park is larger than Badlands and may require more time to travel around and explore, which may be less suitable for very young children or those with limited mobility. Additionally, the park has many amenities such as hotels, restaurants and rest areas, which make it easy to plan a multi-day trip, making it suitable for families who would like to spend more time in the park.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are family-friendly and offer great opportunities for children to learn about nature and participate in outdoor activities. However, Badlands National Park may be more suitable for families with younger children, as it offers shorter and easier hiking trails and a more compact area to explore, while Yellowstone National Park may be more suitable for families with older children and teenagers, as it offers more strenuous activities and a larger area to explore over a longer period of time.