Badlands National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most spectacular natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and grandeur of nature in a way that is truly awe-inspiring. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, these parks are sure to leave you with lasting memories of your time spent exploring the great outdoors. From the rugged and otherworldly landscapes of the Badlands to the towering cliffs and deep canyons of Zion, these two parks offer something for everyone. So if you’re looking for an adventure that will take your breath away, pack your bags and head to Badlands National Park and Zion National Park. You won’t be disappointed!
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Zion National Park
Badlands National Park and Zion National Park are both popular national parks known for their hiking trails. While both parks offer a wide range of hiking options, the trails at each park are quite different and offer distinct experiences for hikers.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged and otherworldly landscapes. The park offers several easy hiking trails such as the Door Trail, which is a 0.75-mile round trip hike that offers great views of the park’s unique rock formations. The Badlands Loop Road also offers a scenic drive through the park with several pullouts for short hikes and overlooks. However, the park also offers challenging hikes such as the Castle Trail, which is a 9-mile round trip hike that takes hikers through rugged terrain and offers great views of the park’s unique rock formations.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is known for its towering red rock cliffs, narrow canyons, and cascading waterfalls. The park offers several easy hikes such as the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile round trip hike that takes hikers along the Virgin River and offers great views of the park’s famous cliffs. The park also offers challenging hikes such as Angels Landing, which is a 5-mile round trip hike that takes hikers through a narrow canyon and offers great views from the top.
Both parks offer a wide range of hiking options, but the trails at each park are quite different and offer distinct experiences for hikers. If you’re looking for a rugged and otherworldly experience with challenging hikes, Badlands National Park is a great option. If you’re looking for towering red rock cliffs, narrow canyons, and cascading waterfalls, Zion National Park is a great option.
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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Zion National Park
Badlands National Park and Zion National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. However, the types of wildlife and plants you’ll see at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is home to a variety of animals such as bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. Visitors may also spot prairie dogs, mule deer, and elk. The park is also home to many species of birds, including the endangered swift fox and the golden eagle. The park is also known for its unique geological formations, including layered rock formations, canyons, and rugged badlands.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and deep canyons. The park is home to a variety of animals such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. Visitors may also spot desert bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. Zion National Park also has a wide variety of plant life, including juniper, pine, and the iconic Joshua tree.
Both parks have a variety of hiking trails, but the trails and the level of difficulty of the hikes vary between the two. Badlands National Park has a mix of easy and moderate trails, with the Badlands Loop Road offering a scenic drive with several pullouts for short hikes and overlooks. The park also has a few strenuous hikes, such as the Castle Trail, which climbs to the top of a rock formation.
Zion National Park has a mix of easy, moderate and strenuous trails. The Riverside Walk is an easy hike along the Virgin River, while Angels Landing is a strenuous hike with steep drop-offs and narrow trails. The park also has several strenuous backcountry hikes, such as the West Rim Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park.
In summary, if you’re looking for a park with a mix of easy and strenuous hikes, rugged badlands, and diverse wildlife, then Badlands National Park is the perfect place for you. But if you’re looking for towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and a wide variety of plant life, then Zion National Park is the perfect place for you.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Northern Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Weasel | American Badger |
| North American River Otter | Ermine |
| Common Shrew | California Myotis |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Fringed Myotis |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gophersnake |
| Racer | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Milksnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot | Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Zion 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 | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Speckled Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | Channel Catfish |
| Channel Catfish | Goldfish |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Zion National Park
Badlands National Park is known for its unique and colorful landscapes, formed by erosion of layered rock formations. The park features rugged canyons, spires, and buttes, as well as prairie grasslands and badlands formations. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Badlands Loop Road, which offers scenic views of the layered rock formations, and Pinnacles Overlook, which provides a panoramic view of the park.
Zion National Park is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs and towering peaks. The park features several famous landscapes, including the Zion Canyon, which is carved by the Virgin River and features towering sandstone cliffs, and Angels Landing, a popular hike that offers breathtaking views of the park. Other natural wonders in the park include the Narrows, a hike through a deep and narrow canyon and Riverside Walk, a easy hike along the Virgin river with beautiful views of the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Zion National Park
Badlands National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor activities and offer a wide range of options for visitors to explore.
Badlands National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking trails, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s rugged canyons, spires, and buttes. The park features several popular hiking trails, including the Badlands Loop Road, which offers scenic views of the layered rock formations, and the Pinnacles Overlook, which provides a panoramic view of the park. The park also offers several backpacking trails, including the Castle Trail and the Badlands Wilderness Trail.
Zion National Park is known for its hiking and canyoneering. The park features several popular hiking trails, including the Angels Landing, one of the most iconic and strenuous hike in the park and the Riverside Walk, a easy hike along the Virgin river with beautiful views of the park. The park also offers several canyoneering routes, including the Zion Narrows, which is a hike through a deep and narrow canyon, and the Subway, which is a popular route that features stunning rock formations and a natural swimming hole.
Both parks offer scenic drives and ranger-led programs, as well as camping and picnicking opportunities. However, Zion National Park also offers rock climbing and horseback riding as popular activities.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking trails, while Zion National Park is known for its hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing and horseback riding. Both parks offer scenic drives, ranger-led programs, camping, and picnicking opportunities for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the parks.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Zion National Park
Badlands National Park and Zion National Park both have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can affect the best time of year to visit.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, has hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s Fahrenheit, making it a prime time for hiking and outdoor activities. However, it can also be very dry, with low humidity and strong winds. The fall months are also a great time to visit, with mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. In contrast, the winter months can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing and heavy snowfall. This makes it a less ideal time to visit, as many of the park’s trails and facilities may be closed due to the weather.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, has mild winters and hot summers. The park’s unique geography creates a “rain shadow” effect, which means that it receives less precipitation than surrounding areas. This means that the park is relatively dry year-round, with the exception of occasional thunderstorms in the summer. Spring and fall are the best time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and mild weather. The summer months can be very hot, with temperatures reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit, making hiking and outdoor activities difficult during the hottest parts of the day.
In general, the best time to visit Badlands National Park is in the fall and summer, while the best time to visit Zion National Park is spring and fall. However, it depends on the activity and what you want to do. If you want to hike and explore the park, the best time of year would be during the cooler months, when the trails are less crowded and the weather is more comfortable. If you want to experience the park’s unique geology and wildlife, the best time to visit would be in the summer when the park is open, and the animals are active.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Zion National Park
Both Badlands National Park and Zion National Park are family-friendly and offer a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. However, they do have some differences that may make one park more suitable for families traveling with children than the other.
Badlands National Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as ranger-led programs, guided hikes, and scenic drives. The park also has several short and easy hiking trails, such as the Door Trail and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which are suitable for children. Additionally, the park offers a Junior Ranger program, which allows children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history through interactive activities.
Zion National Park also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including ranger-led programs, guided hikes, and scenic drives. The park has several short and easy hiking trails, such as the Riverside Walk and the Weeping Rock Trail, which are suitable for children. Additionally, the park offers a Junior Ranger program, which allows children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history through interactive activities.
Overall, Zion National Park might be a better option for families traveling with children because of the number of short and easy hiking trails that allow children to explore the park while keeping a relatively low-difficulty level. Additionally, the park offers a shuttle service to navigate inside the park, which can make it more accessible for families. However, it also depends on what your family is interested in, and if your children are interested in Geology, Badlands National Park might be more appealing. Both parks are great for families and offer unique experiences, it’s best to evaluate your family’s interests and needs before deciding on which park to visit.