Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. While Big Bend is known for its rugged desert landscapes, stunning canyons, and ancient fossils, Biscayne is a true tropical paradise, with crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. Imagine taking a hike through the Chisos Mountains, then cooling off by snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay. Or, explore the colorful coral reef of Biscayne, and then stargaze in the dark, star-filled sky of Big Bend. These two parks offer a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, you’re sure to find something that will capture your heart in Big Bend and Biscayne National Parks. Get ready for an epic journey as we take you through these two amazing national parks, and discover the best ways to explore them!
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park
Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park are both popular destinations for hiking, offering a wide range of trails for visitors to explore. Both parks offer a variety of trail lengths and difficulty levels, making them accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and offers over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Chisos Basin Loop Trail, which is a 2.4 mile loop that offers beautiful views of the Chisos Mountains, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which is a 1.4 mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the base of the Santa Elena Canyon. On the other hand, some of the most strenuous hikes at the park include the Emory Peak Trail, which is a 7.4 mile round trip hike to the highest peak in the park, and the South Rim Trail, which is a 17.4 mile hike that offers challenging terrain and stunning views of the park.
Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and offers several hiking trails, many of which are easy and accessible to visitors of all skill levels. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the Mangrove Trail, which is a 0.5 mile trail that takes visitors through a mangrove forest, and the Coastal Prairie Trail, which is a 0.5 mile trail that offers views of the park’s coastal prairie habitats. One of the most challenging hike in Biscayne National Park is the Elliot Key Trail, which is a 7-mile hike that takes visitors through a hardwood hammock and mangrove forest, and ends at the beach.
In summary, Big Bend National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, while Biscayne National Park offers mainly easy hiking trails, but also a challenging hike at Elliot Key trail. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and habitats, from deserts to prairies, and from mangrove forests to beaches.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne National Park Walk | 15932.466 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Creek Canal Trail | 2735.878 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Jetty Trail | 1448.406 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Boca Chita Trail | 1287.472 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 3 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park
Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park are quite different.
Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, is known for its desert ecosystem and is home to a variety of animals, including white-tailed deer, black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and javelinas. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 450 species of birds, such as the roadrunner, golden eagle, and Montezuma quail. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the desert tortoise, desert horned lizard, and the Texas horned lizard. In terms of plants, Big Bend National Park has a diverse array of cacti and desert plants, including the yucca, ocotillo, and prickly pear cactus.
Biscayne National Park, located in Florida, is known for its marine ecosystem and is home to a variety of marine life, including manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a wide variety of fish species. The park is also home to several species of coral and other marine plants, such as sea grasses and mangroves. Biscayne National Park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 300 species of birds, such as the roseate spoonbill, great egret, and brown pelican. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the American crocodile, green sea turtle, and the Atlantic salt marsh snake.
Overall, Big Bend National Park is known for its desert wildlife, while Biscayne National Park is known for its marine wildlife. If you’re interested in seeing desert animals and plants, Big Bend National Park would be the better option, while if you’re interested in seeing marine animals and plants, Biscayne National Park would be the better option. Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, so it’s best to evaluate your interests and what you want to see before deciding on which park to visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Canada Goose | American Robin |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Northern Flicker |
| American Robin | Merlin |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | American Kestrel |
| Barn Swallow | Bald Eagle |
| Savannah Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | European Starling |
| Hermit Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| American Kestrel | American Wigeon |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Red-Winged Blackbird |
| Green-Winged Teal | Blue-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Big Bend National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Bobcat |
| American Beaver | Striped Skunk |
| Muskrat | Raccoon |
| Big Brown Bat | House Mouse |
| Bobcat | Common Gray Fox |
| Striped Skunk | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Deer Mouse | White-Tailed Deer |
| Raccoon | Virginia Opossum |
| Black Bear | Black Rat |
| Porcupine | Eastern Gray Squirrel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Least Shrew |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Mexican Milksnake | |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Bluegill |
| Bluegill | Golden Shiner |
| Fathead Minnow | Common Carp |
| Common Carp | Yellow Bullhead |
| Longnose Dace | Black Crappie |
| Yellow Bullhead | Brown Bullhead |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Insects
| Big Bend National Park | Biscayne National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park
Big Bend National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Texas. The park’s most famous landscape is the Chisos Mountains, a range of mountains that rise out of the desert floor and offer spectacular views from the top. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the South Rim Trail, which takes you to the top of the Chisos Mountains and offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert. Another must-see landscape in Big Bend is Santa Elena Canyon, a majestic canyon carved out by the Rio Grande that is a popular spot for rafting and kayaking. The park also boasts several other natural wonders, including the Boquillas Canyon, which offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere and beautiful sunsets, and the Hot Springs, a natural hot spring located in the park.
Biscayne National Park is known for its beautiful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, offering a great spot for snorkeling and diving. The park’s most famous landscape is the Biscayne Bay, where visitors can explore the shallow waters and discover a variety of marine life, including colorful coral reef, tropical fish, and sea turtles. The park also includes the beautiful Elliott Key, an island that offers great hiking trails, and the historic Stiltsville, a collection of stilt houses built in the 1930s, which are now protected as a historic site. Another must-see landscape in Biscayne is the unique mangrove forest, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park
Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park are both popular national parks in the United States, and offer a variety of activities for visitors. However, the types of activities that are most popular at each park are quite different.
Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, is known for its rugged terrain and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, and backpacking. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscape. The park also offers backpacking and camping opportunities, with several designated campsites and backcountry campsites for visitors to choose from. Additionally, the park offers scenic drives, such as the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the Chisos Basin Road, which offer spectacular views of the park’s landscape.
Biscayne National Park, located in Florida, is known for its marine ecosystem and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including snorkeling, diving, and boating. The park is home to a variety of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and other underwater features that are popular among snorkelers and divers. The park also offers boat tours and rentals, allowing visitors to explore the park’s waterways and see the park’s marine life up close. Additionally, the park offers several hiking trails and kayak rentals, which allow visitors to explore the park’s mangrove forests, marshes, and coastal areas.
Overall, Big Bend National Park is known for its outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking, while Biscayne National Park is known for its marine activities such as snorkeling, diving, and boating. If you’re interested in outdoor activities and exploring rugged terrain, Big Bend National Park would be the better option, while if you’re interested in marine activities and exploring the underwater world, Biscayne National Park would be the better option. Both parks offer unique and diverse activities, so it’s best to evaluate your interests and what you want to do before deciding on which park to visit.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park
Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park are both located in different regions of the United States and have vastly different seasonal weather patterns.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and has a hot and arid climate. The park experiences high temperatures during the summer months, with average high temperatures reaching into the 90s from May to September. The park also experiences low humidity and low precipitation, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to escape the heat. The best time to visit the park is in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are milder and the park’s wildflowers and wildlife are most active.
Biscayne National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Florida, and has a tropical climate. The park experiences warm temperatures year-round, with average high temperatures reaching into the 80s and 90s. The park also experiences high humidity and heavy rainfall during the summer months, with the heaviest rainfall occurring from June to September. The best time to visit the park is during the winter and spring months, when the temperatures are milder and the humidity is lower.
In summary, Big Bend National Park has a hot and arid climate, with the best time to visit the park being in the spring and fall. Biscayne National Park has a tropical climate, with the best time to visit the park being in the winter and spring. Both parks are affected by their respective climates, with the best time to visit each park being the time when the weather is most comfortable for outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park
Big Bend National Park and Biscayne National Park both offer unique and fun experiences for families. However, depending on the age and interests of your children, one park may be better suited for your family than the other.
Big Bend National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities and nature. The park offers a variety of short, easy hikes and scenic drives that are perfect for children. The park’s visitor center has a Junior Ranger Program that can be a fun and educational experience for children. The park also offers several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great place for families to spend a night or weekend in the great outdoors.
Biscayne National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy water activities. The park’s clear waters, coral reefs, and a wide variety of marine life make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, diving, and boating. The park also offers a Junior Ranger Program and several ranger-led activities that can be a fun and educational experience for children. Keep in mind that much of the park is only accessible by boat, so if your family doesn’t have access to one, you may want to consider other options.
In conclusion, if your family enjoys outdoor activities and nature, Big Bend National Park is a great option. If your family enjoys water activities, Biscayne National Park is a great option. Both parks offer fun and educational activities for children, and both are great places to spend a night or weekend in the great outdoors.