Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park may not seem like they have much in common at first glance. One is located in the middle of the desert in Texas, while the other is on an island in the middle of Lake Superior. But both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re a hiker, a camper, or just a nature lover, these two parks have something for everyone. From the rugged mountains of Big Bend to the secluded wilderness of Isle Royale, you’ll be enchanted by the natural beauty of these two spectacular places. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we compare and contrast the best that Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park have to offer.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both known for their diverse hiking trails, but they offer vastly different experiences. Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, is known for its rugged and remote terrain, with trails that traverse through canyons, deserts, and mountains. Some of the most popular trails at Big Bend include the Chisos Mountain Loop, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the South Rim, which is considered a strenuous hike but offers some of the best views of the park.
On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, is known for its remote wilderness and beautiful lake views. The park is only accessible by boat or seaplane and has over 165 miles of hiking trails, which take visitors through dense forests, rocky shorelines, and rugged cliffs. Some of the easiest hikes at Isle Royale include the Minong Ridge Trail, which offers beautiful views of the island and Lake Superior, and the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which is considered the park’s main trail and offers a variety of landscapes and views. The hardest hike would be the Mount Desor hike, a challenging ascent that takes you to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the island and the lake.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer unique hiking experiences, but Big Bend is better for those looking for a more rugged and remote wilderness experience, while Isle Royale is better for those looking for a more secluded and peaceful wilderness experience.
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 Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both known for their diverse and unique wildlife. Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is home to a variety of animals such as black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and javelinas. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the Mexican jay, black-capped vireo, and Colima warbler. In addition, the park is home to a variety of plants, including cacti, yucca, and agave.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. The park is home to a variety of animals such as moose, wolves, foxes, and beavers. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the common loon, bald eagle, and peregrine falcon. In addition, the park is home to a variety of plants, including balsam fir, white spruce, and quaking aspen.
In terms of the wildlife, Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park both offer a unique and diverse experience, but the different ecosystems and climate of these two parks make them very different in terms of the animals and plants one can expect to see.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Black Bear | Hoary Bat |
| Porcupine | Red Fox |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | Mink |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Gray Wolf |
| House Mouse | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mule Deer | North American River Otter |
| Common Gray Fox | Canada Lynx |
| Gray Wolf | Marten |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Moose |
| American Badger | Red Bat |
| California Myotis | Norway Rat |
| Fringed Myotis | Southern Red-Backed Vole |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Northern Long-Eared Bat |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Coaster Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Common Carp | Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow |
| Longnose Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Yellow Bullhead | Lake Trout |
| Channel Catfish | Northern Pike |
| Mosquitofish | Ellpout |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, is known for its vast deserts and rugged mountains, which offer visitors a unique and diverse landscape to explore. The park is home to the Chisos Mountains, which are the highest point in the park, and offer stunning views of the surrounding desert. Additionally, the park is home to the Rio Grande, which runs through the park and offers visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including big horn sheep and black bears.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, is known for its beautiful lakes and rugged wilderness. The park is home to over 400 small islands, and visitors can explore the many hiking trails that wind through the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding lakes and forests. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, moose, and a variety of bird species. Additionally, visitors can take a boat tour of the park and see the many shipwrecks that are located in the surrounding waters.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park are known for their unique and diverse landscapes, and offer visitors the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the United States. Whether you’re looking for rugged deserts or beautiful lakes and forests, these two parks have something for everyone to enjoy.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two very different parks that offer a variety of activities for visitors.
Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscapes. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, backpacking, and rock climbing. One of the most popular activities at Big Bend is hiking, with over 150 miles of trails to explore. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to see the park’s famous landscapes, such as the Chisos Mountains and Santa Elena Canyon.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is an island located in Lake Superior. The park is known for its remote wilderness and excellent opportunities for backpacking and camping. Visitors can explore the park’s 165 miles of hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the lake and the island’s unique ecosystem. The park is also a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking, as well as fishing and wildlife watching. The park is home to a variety of animals, including wolves, moose, and foxes.
In terms of when to visit, Big Bend National Park is best visited during the spring and fall months, when the temperatures are mild and the park’s wildflowers are in bloom. Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is best visited during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park’s trails and waterways are easily accessible.
Overall, both parks offer unique and diverse experiences for visitors. Big Bend National Park is a great destination for those looking for a rugged and adventurous experience, while Isle Royale National Park is ideal for those seeking a more remote and wilderness-oriented experience.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both located in the United States, but they have vastly different climates. Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas and has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit the park is in the fall and spring when temperatures are milder, and the park is less crowded. On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park is located in the northern region of Lake Superior in Michigan, and has a more moderate climate with cool summers and cold winters. The park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, so the best time to visit is during the summer months when the lake is navigable.
When it comes to hiking, both parks offer a variety of trails to explore, but the terrain and difficulty level of the hikes are vastly different. Big Bend National Park has a mix of desert and mountainous terrain and offers a variety of hikes from easy nature walks to strenuous backpacking trips. Some popular hikes include the Chisos Basin Loop, the South Rim Trail, and the Emory Peak Trail. Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is primarily composed of rugged wilderness and rocky shorelines, and offers more challenging backpacking trips and rugged wilderness camping. Some popular trails in the park include the Minong Ridge Trail, the Greenstone Ridge Trail, and the Rock Harbor Trail.
In conclusion, Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park both offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but they are vastly different in terms of climate, terrain, and hiking opportunities. The best time to visit, and the type of experience you want to have, will determine which of these two parks you should visit.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Big Bend National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both great options for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring nature, but they offer different types of experiences.
Big Bend National Park is located in the southwestern part of Texas and offers a wide variety of activities for families to enjoy. The park has several hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, including some that are suitable for children. Families can also take a scenic drive through the park to see the beautiful landscapes, go fishing, or take a guided ranger program to learn more about the park’s history and wildlife.
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior, off the coast of Michigan. It is known for its remote wilderness and excellent opportunities for backpacking, camping, and canoeing. While the park does offer some shorter and easy hikes, most of the park’s trails are more strenuous, making it less suitable for young children. The park is also only accessible by boat or seaplane, which may not be suitable for some families.
Overall, Big Bend National Park is generally considered more family-friendly than Isle Royale National Park, as it offers a wider range of activities and is more easily accessible. However, Isle Royale National Park offers a more rugged and remote wilderness experience for families who are looking for a more challenging adventure.