If you’re looking for a nature lover’s paradise, you can’t go wrong with Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park. Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, and a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy. Big Bend National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Texas, is known for its rugged desert terrain and the stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. On the other hand, Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species and the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. Whether you’re a hiker, a birdwatcher, or an angler, both parks offer an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States!
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park
Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park are both beautiful and unique national parks, each offering a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Big Bend National Park is located in west Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscape, including mountains, canyons, and deserts. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, which is a 0.5-mile loop that offers a great introduction to the park’s desert ecosystem, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a stunning canyon and along the Rio Grande river. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in Big Bend include the Emory Peak Trail, which is a 8.2-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the highest peak in the park, and the Outer Mountain Loop, which is a 29-mile backpacking trail that takes you through the heart of the Chisos Mountains.
Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its vast wetlands and diverse wildlife. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Anhinga Trail, which is a 0.8-mile loop that takes you through a sawgrass marsh and offers great opportunities to spot alligators and wading birds, and the Gumbo Limbo Trail, which is a 0.4-mile loop that takes you through a tropical hardwood hammock and offers a great introduction to the park’s subtropical ecosystem. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in Everglades include the Wilderness Waterway, which is a 99-mile backpacking trail that takes you through the heart of the park’s wilderness, and the Snake Bight Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a mangrove forest and offers great opportunities to spot wading birds and manatees.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and offer visitors the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
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 Everglades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park
Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, each with its own unique set of animals, birds, and plants.
At Big Bend, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of desert animals such as black bears, mountain lions, white-tailed deer, and javelinas. The park is also home to a large population of birds, including roadrunners, golden eagles, and a variety of falcons and hawks. The park is also home to many different types of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and lizards. In terms of plants, the park is home to a wide variety of cacti, yucca, and other desert plants.
Everglades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its vast wetlands and subtropical environment. Visitors to the park can expect to see a wide variety of animals such as alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and dolphins. The park is also home to a large population of birds, including herons, egrets, and a variety of wading birds. In terms of plants, the park is home to a wide variety of mangroves, cypress, and other wetland plants.
Both Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be seen will vary depending on the park. So, if you’re looking for a more desert-like environment with a focus on desert animals and plants, Big Bend National Park may be the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more subtropical environment with a focus on wetland animals and plants, Everglades National Park may be the better choice.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Everglades 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 | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Bobcat |
| Muskrat | Striped Skunk |
| Big Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Bobcat | Red Fox |
| Striped Skunk | House Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Gray Fox |
| Black Bear | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Porcupine | White-Tailed Deer |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Eastern Cottontail |
| Hoary Bat | House Rat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Spotted Skunk |
| House Mouse | Fox Squirrel |
| Mountain Lion | Eastern Gray Squirrel |
| Mule Deer | Feral Hog |
| Common Gray Fox | Northern Short-Tailed Shrew |
| Gray Wolf | Least Shrew |
| 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 | Everglades 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 | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Bluegill |
| Bluegill | Golden Shiner |
| Fathead Minnow | Yellow Bullhead |
| Common Carp | Channel Catfish |
| Longnose Dace | Black Crappie |
| Yellow Bullhead | Mosquitofish |
| Channel Catfish | Brown Bullhead |
| Mosquitofish | Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park
Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its rugged desert terrain, colorful canyons, and majestic mountain ranges. Visitors can take in the stunning views from the top of the Chisos Mountains or hike through the winding canyons of the Santa Elena and Mariscal. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and black bears.
On the other hand, Everglades National Park is located in Southern Florida and is known for its vast wetlands and diverse ecosystem. Visitors can take an airboat tour through the mangrove swamps or hike through the pine rocklands to see alligators, panthers, and manatees in their natural habitats. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the roseate spoonbill, wood stork, and the great egret. The park also has a unique landscape known as the “River of Grass”, which is a slow-moving river that flows through the park and creates a unique ecosystem for the animals that live there.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park are famous for their unique landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see some of the most stunning natural wonders in the country and have an unforgettable experience in these two parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park
Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park are both known for their unique and diverse wildlife. At Big Bend, visitors can see a variety of animals such as black bears, mountain lions, roadrunners, and javelina. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the rare Colima warbler and the black-capped vireo. Visitors can also see a variety of plants, including cacti, yucca, and agave.
In contrast, Everglades National Park is known for its vast wetlands and subtropical wilderness. Visitors can see a variety of animals such as alligators, panthers, manatees, and crocodiles. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the roseate spoonbill and the great blue heron. Visitors can also see a variety of plants, including mangroves, sawgrass, and cypress.
As for popular activities, Big Bend National Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and river trips. The park also has several scenic drives and overlooks where visitors can take in the beautiful views. In contrast, Everglades National Park offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, camping, canoeing, and kayaking. Visitors can also take an airboat tour to see the park’s unique wildlife and take a ranger-led tour to learn more about the park’s ecology and history.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife, but the activities and scenery are quite different. Big Bend is known for its rugged terrain and desert-like landscapes, while Everglades is known for its vast wetlands and subtropical wilderness. Both parks are great for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, but the best park to visit depends on what type of outdoor activities and scenery you are looking for.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park
Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park are both located in different regions of the United States and as such, experience very different weather patterns throughout the year.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in west Texas and is known for its hot and dry summers and mild winters. The park’s summer temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it very hot and uncomfortable to hike during the day. However, the park can be pleasant during the early morning and late evening hours, and the park’s high elevations provide a cooler climate. The best time to visit Big Bend National Park would be during the fall and spring when the temperature is mild and comfortable, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its warm and humid summers, and mild winters. The park’s summer temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity can be high, making it uncomfortable to hike during the day. However, the park’s wetlands and waterways provide a cooling effect, and the park’s subtropical climate makes it ideal for spotting wildlife. The best time to visit Everglades National Park would be during the winter, when the temperature is mild and comfortable, and the humidity is low, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
In summary, the weather at Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park is vastly different, with Big Bend National Park being hot and dry during summer, and Everglades National Park being warm and humid. The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is during the fall and spring, while the best time to visit Everglades National Park is during the winter.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park
Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park are both unique and beautiful national parks, each offering a unique set of natural landscapes and activities for visitors to enjoy. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, the two parks offer quite different experiences.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and river trips. The park is known for its rugged and remote terrain, and many of the trails and campsites are relatively challenging and may not be suitable for young children. However, the park also offers several easier trails, including the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail and the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, which are both wheelchair-accessible and offer excellent opportunities to see desert wildlife and plants.
On the other hand, Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including mangrove forests, sawgrass marshes, and hardwood hammocks. The park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as ranger-led programs and educational activities for children. The park also has several easy trails, including the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail, which are both wheelchair-accessible and offer excellent opportunities to see alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Everglades National Park are excellent places to visit with children, but Everglades National Park may be a better choice for families with young children, due to its more family-friendly activities and trails.