Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are both natural wonders that offer visitors a chance to explore the beauty and grandeur of the American Southwest. Both parks are known for their rugged landscapes, spectacular vistas, and unique geological features. But while the Grand Canyon is one of the most famous and visited national parks in the United States, Big Bend is a hidden gem that is often overlooked. Both parks offer something unique and special for visitors, but if you’re looking for a more peaceful and less crowded experience, Big Bend may be the park for you. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a relaxing family vacation, both parks offer a wide range of activities and opportunities for adventure. So pack your bags and get ready to explore two of America’s most spectacular national parks.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are both renowned for their spectacular hiking trails. Both parks offer a wide range of trails for hikers of all skill levels, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.
At Big Bend National Park, the Chihuahuan Desert offers a unique hiking experience. One of the most popular trails is the Lost Mine Trail which is a moderate hike that offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. Another popular trail is the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, a moderate hike that takes you through the beautiful Santa Elena Canyon. For the more adventurous hikers, the Outer Mountain Loop is a challenging backcountry hike that takes you through the Chisos Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert.
Grand Canyon National Park is home to some of the most famous and challenging hiking trails in the world. The Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail are two of the most popular and strenuous hikes in the park. The Bright Angel Trail is a 9.5-mile round trip hike and is considered one of the most strenuous trails in the park. The South Kaibab Trail is a 7-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the Canyon. The Rim Trail is a gentle hike that offers breathtaking views of the Canyon from the rim and is a great option for families.
In conclusion, both Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Big Bend National Park offers a unique desert hiking experience with trails such as the Lost Mine Trail, Santa Elena Canyon Trail and the Outer Mountain Loop. Grand Canyon National Park is famous for its challenging trails like the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail and also offers easy hikes like the Rim Trail, which is a great option for families.
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 Grand Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail | 28485.318 | 1525.8288 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge | 4988.954 | 358.7496 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail | 8690.436 | 635.8128 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop | 26875.978 | 1400.8608 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point | 2896.812 | 210.9216 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Grand Canyon Rim Trail | 8690.436 | 106.9848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village | 34761.744 | 1614.8304 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Shoshone Point Trail | 3379.614 | 45.72 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail | 19633.948 | 961.9488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point | 8690.436 | 602.8944 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are both known for their diverse and unique wildlife. Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of animals including desert bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. Visitors may also spot roadrunners, javelina, and the occasional bobcat. The park also boasts a variety of bird species, including peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the rare Colima warbler. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the Desert Tortoise, and a wide range of cacti and succulents.
On the other hand, Grand Canyon National Park is home to a wide variety of animals such as elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and the endangered California Condor. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and the rare Golden Eagle. Visitors may also spot reptiles such as the Gila Monster and the Desert Tortoise. The park is also home to a wide variety of plants and trees, including the Pinyon Pine, Joshua Tree and the beautiful wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
Both Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are great places to see a variety of wildlife and plants in their natural habitats. However, Grand Canyon National Park is known to have a wider variety of wildlife due to its location and diversity of habitats.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Grand Canyon 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 | Grand Canyon 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Common Gray Fox | Mule Deer |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | Badger |
| Fringed Myotis | California Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | North American River Otter |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Fringed Myotis |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Desert Kingsnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Texas Nightsnake | Hernandez’s 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 | Milksnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Striped Whipsnake |
| Glossy Snake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Tree Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Western Whiptail |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Canyon Treefrog |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Common Carp | Green Sunfish |
| Longnose Dace | Bluegill |
| Yellow Bullhead | Fathead Minnow |
| Channel Catfish | Golden Shiner |
| Mosquitofish | European Carp |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Insects
| Big Bend National Park | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Big Bend National Park is known for its vast deserts, rugged mountains, and stunning canyons. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Chisos Mountains, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and the Rio Grande River. The Santa Elena Canyon is also a popular destination, with its towering walls and scenic river views. Other natural wonders in the park include the hot springs, the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, and the diverse array of cacti and desert plants that call the park home.
Grand Canyon National Park, on the other hand, is known for its vast and intricate canyon system that stretches for miles. The most famous landscape in the park is, of course, the Grand Canyon itself, with its towering cliffs, brilliant colors, and awe-inspiring vistas. Visitors can also explore the park’s diverse ecosystem, including the North Rim, South Rim, and the Inner Canyon, each of which offers unique perspectives of the canyon and its surroundings. Other popular natural features in the park include the Colorado River, the Bright Angel Trail, and the many overlooks that offer panoramic views of the canyon.
Both parks offer a wide variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy strolls to strenuous backcountry treks. Big Bend National Park offers a number of short, easy hikes that lead to scenic overlooks and historic sites, as well as longer, more challenging hikes that take visitors deep into the backcountry. The Grand Canyon, on the other hand, has a number of easy, paved trails that lead to overlooks and scenic viewpoints, as well as more strenuous backcountry trails that require permits and a high level of fitness.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, but they offer different types of experiences.
At Big Bend National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, and river running. The park is known for its diverse landscape, which includes rugged mountains, canyons, and desert. Popular hiking trails include the South Rim, Emory Peak, and Marufo Vega. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande.
At Grand Canyon National Park, the main attraction is the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon itself. Visitors can hike along the Bright Angel Trail, the South Kaibab Trail, or the North Rim Trail, all of which offer stunning views of the canyon. Other popular activities include taking a mule ride, rafting the Colorado River, or taking a helicopter tour. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, which offers panoramic views of the canyon.
In terms of wildlife, Big Bend National Park is home to a variety of species including black bears, mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, and over 450 species of birds. Grand Canyon National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and the elusive California condor.
In terms of family-friendly, both parks are great options, but it depends on what type of activities and experience you are looking for. Big Bend National Park is great for outdoor activities and wilderness experience, while Grand Canyon National Park is great for families that want to experience one of the natural wonders of the world.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park have vastly different weather patterns due to their geographical location and elevation.
Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas and has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park experiences little rainfall and high temperatures during the summer months, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
Grand Canyon National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and has a more diverse range of temperatures and weather patterns due to its elevation. The park’s elevation ranges from 2,000 to 8,000 feet, resulting in cooler temperatures at the higher elevations. The summer months can be hot, with temperatures in the upper 90s, but the temperature cools down significantly at night. The park experiences the most rainfall during the summer monsoon season, which can make hiking and other outdoor activities more challenging. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
In summary, while both parks have different climates, the best time to visit them is during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder, and outdoor activities are more comfortable. However, it’s worth noting that the Grand Canyon National Park is more prone to monsoon season which can affect the outdoor activities, while Big Bend National Park is a desert park, with hot summers and mild winters.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park
Big Bend National Park and Grand Canyon National Park are both great places to visit with the family, but each park offers a unique experience. Big Bend National Park is located in Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. The park offers a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to the Chisos Mountains, which offer beautiful vistas and hiking trails for all skill levels.
Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona and is known for its iconic landscape, the Grand Canyon. The park is home to several different ecosystems, including the desert and the high country. Visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon, take a mule ride, or even raft the Colorado River. The park also offers a variety of educational programs for children, such as Junior Ranger and Geology talks.
If you’re traveling with children, both Big Bend and Grand Canyon National Parks offer different experiences that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Big Bend National Park is great for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, while Grand Canyon National Park is great for families who want to learn about the park’s geology and history. Both parks have visitor centers and rangers that can help plan a family-friendly itinerary.