Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park are two of the most diverse and spectacular parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Imagine towering cliffs, deep canyons, and rolling desert landscapes as far as the eye can see. These two parks are like two sides of the same coin, each with its own unique features and attractions. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a serene escape, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and make you want to explore more. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that will take you to the heart of the wild, then read on to learn more about Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park both offer visitors a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backpacking trips. Both parks are known for their rugged and remote wilderness, offering visitors the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in the United States.
At Big Bend National Park, visitors can enjoy hiking on over 150 miles of trails. Some of the easiest hikes include the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, which is a short, easy trail that takes visitors through the park’s desert landscape, and the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, which is a short, easy trail that takes visitors along the Rio Grande. For those looking for more challenging hikes, the park offers several backpacking trails, including the Outer Mountain Loop, which is a strenuous, 30-mile trail that takes visitors through the park’s rugged mountain wilderness, and the South Rim Trail, which is a strenuous, 16-mile trail that takes visitors along the rim of the Chisos Mountains.
Canyonlands National Park, on the other hand, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s vast canyons and mesas. Some of the easiest hikes include the Grand View Point Trail, which is a short, easy trail that takes visitors to a viewpoint overlooking the park’s canyons, and the Upheaval Dome Trail, which is a moderate, 2-mile trail that takes visitors to a viewpoint overlooking a unique geological formation. For those looking for more challenging hikes, the park offers several backpacking trails, including the Chesler Park Loop, which is a strenuous, 11-mile trail that takes visitors through the park’s rugged canyons and mesas, and the Druid Arch Trail, which is a strenuous, 8-mile trail that takes visitors to a viewpoint overlooking a unique natural arch.
Both parks offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, but the main difference is the type of landscapes and the natural wonders that can be found on the trails. Big Bend National Park is known for its desert wilderness and the Rio Grande, while Canyonlands National Park is known for its vast canyons and mesas. Visitors can choose the park that best suits their interests and preferences.
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 Canyonlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Arch Trail | 965.604 | 18.8976 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand View Point Trail | 2896.812 | 52.7304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chesler Park Loop Trail | 18668.344 | 589.788 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| False Kiva Trail | 3057.746 | 136.8552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail | 2414.01 | 91.7448 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Aztec Butte Trail | 2092.142 | 66.7512 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Druid Arch Trail | 15288.73 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Shafer Trail | 30899.328 | 949.7568 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| White Rim Overlook Trail | 2896.812 | 48.768 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Syncline Loop | 13840.324 | 496.824 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and are known for their diverse wildlife.
Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, including desert bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and javelinas. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 450 species of birds having been recorded in the park. Some of the most commonly seen birds include golden eagles, roadrunners, and peregrine falcons. Additionally, Big Bend National Park is known for its diverse plant life, including cactus species such as the saguaro and prickly pear, as well as agave and yucca plants.
Canyonlands National Park also boasts a diverse array of wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammals such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. Visitors may also see golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons flying above the park. The park is also a great place to spot lizards, snakes, and other reptiles. The park is also home to a wide variety of plant life such as cacti, yucca, and Joshua Trees.
In summary, Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park both offer a wide variety of wildlife for visitors to see. Big Bend National Park is particularly known for its birds and diverse plant life, while Canyonlands National Park is known for its mammals and reptiles. Both parks are great options for visitors who are interested in wildlife and outdoor activities.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Canyonlands 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
| Big Bend National Park | Canyonlands National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | House Mouse |
| Common Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Wolf | American Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| American Badger | Common Gray Fox |
| California Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | American Badger |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Ermine |
| Western Harvest Mouse | California Myotis |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Canyonlands National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Eastern Racer |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Desert Kingsnake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Texas Nightsnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Mexican Milksnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | Nightsnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | Striped Whipsnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Glossy Snake | Tree Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Canyonlands National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | American Bullfrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Canyonlands National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brown Trout |
| Bluegill | Largemouth Bass |
| Fathead Minnow | Green Sunfish |
| Common Carp | Bluegill |
| Longnose Dace | Fathead Minnow |
| Yellow Bullhead | Common Carp |
| Channel Catfish | Northern Pike |
| Mosquitofish | Speckled Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both known for their stunning and diverse landscapes.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas and is known for its rugged mountains, deep canyons, and desert landscapes. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Chisos Mountains, which offer visitors panoramic views of the surrounding desert, and the Santa Elena Canyon, which is a dramatic 1,500-foot-deep gorge carved by the Rio Grande. Another notable feature of the park is the Hot Springs, which offer visitors the chance to soak in naturally heated pools.
Canyonlands National Park is located in southern Utah and is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs and deep canyons. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Island in the Sky, which offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and the Needles, which are a series of colorful sandstone spires. Another notable feature of the park is the White Rim Trail, which is a 100-mile long trail that offers visitors the chance to explore the park’s backcountry.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park are known for their stunning and diverse landscapes, each park has its own unique features and attractions. Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged mountains, deep canyons, and desert landscapes, while Canyonlands National Park is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and panoramic views. Both parks are perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for a serene escape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both popular national parks that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities. The park has over 150 miles of trails, including the challenging Emory Peak Trail, which leads to the highest point in the park, and the South Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. The park also offers backpacking trips that range from one to four days in length and allow visitors to explore the park’s remote wilderness areas. In addition, visitors can also enjoy river activities such as floating and canoeing on the Rio Grande, and rock climbing.
Canyonlands National Park is known for its hiking, backpacking, and off-roading opportunities. The park is divided into three districts, Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze, each offering unique landscapes and trails. Island in the Sky is the most visited district and offers several easy and moderate hikes that offer panoramic views of the park. The Needles district offers more strenuous hikes and backpacking trips, while The Maze district is a remote area that requires a high clearance vehicle and is suitable for experienced hikers and backcountry campers. The park also offers several off-road trails for visitors to explore by 4-wheel drive or mountain bike.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, as well as river activities, while Canyonlands National Park is known for its hiking, backpacking, and off-roading opportunities. Both parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy and are popular with people who enjoy nature and outdoor recreation.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and have distinct seasonal weather patterns. The weather at both parks can be quite different, so it is important to consider the weather when planning a visit.
Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas and has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park can be extremely hot during the summer months, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall are the best times to visit the park, as the temperatures are milder, and the park’s wildflowers and fall foliage are in bloom. Winter is also a good time to visit, as the temperatures are milder and the park’s landscapes are covered in snow.
Canyonlands National Park is located in southern Utah and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park can be extremely hot during the summer months, with temperatures often reaching over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall are the best times to visit the park, as the temperatures are milder, and the park’s wildflowers and fall foliage are in bloom. Winter is also a good time to visit, as the temperatures are milder and the park’s landscapes are covered in snow.
Both Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park offer visitors a wide variety of outdoor activities, but the best time to visit will depend on the weather. Spring and fall are the best times to visit both parks if visitors are looking for milder temperatures and natural beauty, while winter is a good time to visit if visitors are looking for snow and cold temperatures. Summer can be quite hot in both parks, so it is important to take precautions and stay hydrated.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park
Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors. However, they have different levels of accessibility and different types of activities that might suit different families.
Big Bend National Park is relatively more family-friendly than Canyonlands National Park. It has several easy hiking trails, such as the Chisos Basin Loop, which offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s beautiful mountain scenery. The park also has a visitors center, where children can learn about the park’s history and wildlife. Ranger-led activities such as campfire talks, guided nature walks and wildlife watching are also available in the park throughout the year.
Canyonlands National Park, on the other hand, is more remote and rugged than Big Bend National Park. It has several hiking trails that are strenuous, and not suitable for young children. The park is also less developed and does not have as many ranger-led activities and educational programs as Big Bend National Park. However, it does have some family-friendly trails such as the Mesa Arch Trail, which offers visitors a chance to see a natural arch and beautiful views of the surrounding canyons.
In summary, while both Big Bend National Park and Canyonlands National Park offer families a chance to explore the great outdoors, Big Bend National Park is generally more family-friendly with its easy hiking trails, visitors center, and ranger-led activities. Canyonlands National Park is better suited for families who are looking for a more remote and rugged outdoor experience.