Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two of the most diverse and breathtaking parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique and awe-inspiring experience, but they also have their own unique characteristics that set them apart. Big Bend is located in Texas, and offers visitors a glimpse into the Chihuahuan Desert, while Guadalupe Mountains is located in Texas and New Mexico and offers a glimpse of the rugged Guadalupe Mountains. Both parks are home to a variety of wildlife, hiking trails, and scenic vistas that will take your breath away. Whether you’re looking for a desert adventure or a mountain getaway, these two parks have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains, and compare and contrast the two to help you decide which park is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both known for their hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s diverse landscape. However, the hiking trails in each park vary in difficulty level, and offer different experiences for visitors.
Big Bend National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty level, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Chisos Basin Nature Trail, which is a short, 0.5-mile loop that offers visitors the chance to see the park’s unique Chisos Mountains, or the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which is a short, 1.4-mile round-trip hike that offers visitors a glimpse of the park’s beautiful canyons. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Emory Peak Trail, which is a strenuous, 8.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the highest point in the park, or the Outer Mountain Loop, which is a strenuous, backpacking trail that takes visitors through the park’s remote wilderness areas.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park also offers a wide range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty level. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Pinery Nature Trail, which is a short, 0.5-mile loop that offers visitors the chance to see the park’s unique pinon-juniper woodlands, or the Frijole Ranch Nature Trail, which is a short, 1-mile loop that offers visitors the chance to see the park’s historic Frijole Ranch. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which is a strenuous, 8.4-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the highest point in Texas or the El Capitan Trail, which is a strenuous, 8-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the summit of El Capitan.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty level, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Big Bend National Park is known for its unique Chisos Mountains and beautiful canyons while Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its unique pinon-juniper woodlands and historic Frijole Ranch. Both parks offer visitors a wide range of hiking experiences, but the types of hikes you can enjoy in each park will be different due to the different climate and geography of the two parks.
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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both home to a diverse range of wildlife. Some of the animals commonly seen at Big Bend National Park include black bears, mountain lions, javelinas, bighorn sheep, and white-tailed deer. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including roadrunners, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. There are also many different species of reptiles and amphibians found in the park, including the desert tortoise, the Texas horned lizard, and the red spotted toad.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and white-tailed deer. The park is also known for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 200 species of birds found within the park, including the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the black-capped vireo. Additionally, the park is home to many different species of reptiles, including the desert tortoise, the Texas horned lizard, and the red spotted toad. Some of the plants commonly seen in the park include the prickly pear cactus, the yucca, and the Joshua tree.
Both parks offer a great opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, with Big Bend National Park being known for its desert wildlife and Guadalupe Mountains National Park for its mountain wildlife. Both parks are great options for those who are interested in wildlife and nature.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Guadalupe Mountains 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 | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Big Bend National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Deer Mouse |
| Striped Skunk | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Common Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | American Badger |
| Gray Wolf | California Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| American Badger | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| California Myotis | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Fringed Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Bighorn Sheep |
| Western Harvest Mouse | White-Tailed Deer |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Eastern Racer |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Prairie Ring-Necked Snake |
| Desert Kingsnake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Texas Nightsnake | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Desert Kingsnake |
| Mexican Milksnake | Texas Night Snake |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Desert Striped Whipsnake |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Big Bend Tree Lizard |
| Glossy Snake | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Glossy Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | American Bullfrog |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Insects
| Big Bend National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Ladies | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both known for their striking landscapes and natural wonders. Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its rugged desert terrain, including the Chisos Mountains and Santa Elena Canyon. Visitors can also experience the Rio Grande river, which forms a natural border between the United States and Mexico. The park is also home to over 1,200 species of plants, making it a popular destination for botanists and nature enthusiasts.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, is known for its towering peaks and rugged terrain. The park’s main attraction is Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet. Visitors can also see the famous “bowl” or “bowl of fire” which has a striking red and orange color. The park also features many different types of wildlife such as Elk, Pronghorn, and Black bear. The park is a popular destination for hikers, campers and backpackers due to its many trails and backcountry campsites.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience unique and diverse landscapes, making them both great choices for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for rugged desert terrain or towering peaks, Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer visitors a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy. Both parks are known for their rugged and diverse landscapes, offering visitors the opportunity to explore and discover the beauty of nature.
Big Bend National Park is famous for its vast desert landscapes, including the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, bird watching, and stargazing in this park. The park also offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as river rafting, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The park’s most popular trail is the Chisos Mountains, which offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged mountain landscapes and the Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. The park offers visitors a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Guadalupe Peak Trail, which takes hikers to the summit of the peak. Visitors can also enjoy camping, bird watching, and stargazing in the park. The park also has an extensive cave system, which is open for guided tours.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, camping, bird watching, and stargazing. Big Bend National Park is known for its vast desert landscapes and outdoor activities such as river rafting, rock climbing, and horseback riding, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its rugged mountain landscapes and the Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. Both parks are great for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both known for their diverse and unique landscapes. The weather at both parks can vary greatly depending on the time of year, and this can affect the best time to visit.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is known for its hot summers and mild winters. The summer months can be quite hot with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it best to visit in the spring or fall. During these seasons, temperatures are milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Winter can also be a great time to visit as the park is less crowded and the desert landscapes are beautiful with a dusting of snow.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Chihuahuan Desert but has a higher elevation than Big Bend National Park. This results in cooler temperatures, with summer highs in the 80s and winter lows in the 20s. It’s best to visit in the spring or fall when temperatures are milder and the wildflowers are in bloom. Winter can also be a great time to visit for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
When it comes to wildlife, both parks offer visitors a chance to see a diverse range of animals and plants. Big Bend National Park is home to over 400 species of birds, over 60 species of mammals, and over 75 species of reptiles. Visitors can also see a wide variety of cacti and other desert plants. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, elk, mule deer, and mountain lions. Visitors can also see a wide variety of wildflowers and other plants, including the state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet.
In summary, Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both unique and beautiful national parks with different weather conditions, but both are great to visit in Spring and Fall, and both are home to a wide range of wildlife and plants. They offer unique and different experiences, so it depends on what you are looking for in terms of weather and activities.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both great options for families looking to experience the natural beauty of the southwestern United States. Both parks offer a variety of activities that are suitable for children of all ages.
Big Bend National Park offers a range of activities that are suitable for families, such as scenic drives, ranger-led programs, and short, easy hikes. The park’s Chihuahuan Desert landscape is also a unique and fascinating environment for children to explore. The park has several campground options and picnic areas for families, making it easy to plan a camping trip. The park also has a visitors center with educational exhibits and ranger-led programs.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park also offers a variety of activities that are suitable for families, such as scenic drives, ranger-led programs, and short, easy hikes. The park’s rugged landscape is also a unique and fascinating environment for children to explore. The park has several campground options and picnic areas for families, making it easy to plan a camping trip. The park also has a visitors center with educational exhibits and ranger-led programs.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are great options for families looking to experience the natural beauty of the southwestern United States. Both parks offer a variety of activities that are suitable for children of all ages, such as scenic drives, ranger-led programs, and short, easy hikes. Both parks also have campground options and picnic areas for families, making it easy to plan a camping trip. Both parks have visitors center with educational exhibits and ranger-led programs. Ultimately, the choice of park may come down to personal preference, the specific activities and attractions that interest the family, and the time of year that is most convenient to travel.