Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most breathtaking and diverse national parks in the United States. Big Bend, located in Texas, is a desert oasis that boasts rugged mountains, sparkling streams, and an array of plant and animal life. Meanwhile, Katmai, located in Alaska, is a rugged wilderness that is home to brown bears, wolves, and an array of other wildlife, as well as the famous Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic ash-filled valley. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore untamed wilderness, witness the power of nature, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, fish, or simply take in the beauty of the great outdoors, Big Bend and Katmai have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to explore two of America’s most incredible national parks.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both known for their beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities, but they offer different types of hiking experiences.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in West Texas, and offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Chisos Basin Loop Trail, which is a 3-mile hike that offers beautiful views of the Chisos Mountains and the desert below. Another easy hike is the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike that takes visitors through the Santa Elena Canyon and offers beautiful views of the Rio Grande River. Some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the South Rim Trail, which is a 17-mile hike that offers beautiful views of the Chisos Mountains and the desert below, and the Emory Peak Trail, which is a 7-mile hike that takes visitors to the summit of Emory Peak, the highest point in the park.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in the state of Alaska, and offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Brooks Camp Trail, which is a 1-mile hike that takes visitors to Brooks Camp, where they can view bears and other wildlife. Another easy hike is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Trail, which is a 2-mile hike that takes visitors through the volcanic ash and offers beautiful views of the surrounding valley. Some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Savonoski Loop Trail, which is a 26-mile hike that offers beautiful views of the park’s mountains and valleys, and the Oshetna River Trail, which is a 12-mile hike that takes visitors to the Oshetna River, where they can view bears and other wildlife.
Both parks offer a wide range of hiking opportunities, but the type of landscapes and the difficulty of the hikes are different. Big Bend National Park is known for its desert landscapes and rugged terrain, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its volcanic landscapes, valleys, and mountains. Big Bend National Park offers an opportunity for hikers to explore the desert and the mountains, while Katmai National Park & Preserve offers an opportunity for hikers to explore the Alaskan wilderness and see the wildlife. Both parks are great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to explore the unique landscapes and natural beauty of the American Southwest and Alaska.
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 Katmai National Park & Preserve
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both located in the United States, but they have very different climates and ecosystems, which results in different types of wildlife that can be found in each park.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas and is home to a wide variety of desert animals, birds, and plants. Some of the common animals that can be seen in the park include coyotes, black bears, mountain lions, white-tailed deer, and javelinas. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, roadrunners, and black-capped vireos. The park is also home to a variety of cacti and other desert plants, including agave, yucca, and ocotillo.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in southern Alaska and is characterized by its coastal rainforest and alpine tundra. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and lynx. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and trumpeter swans. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including spruce, hemlock, and cottonwood.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of desert animals, birds, and plants, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is home to a wide variety of coastal rainforest and alpine tundra wildlife, birds, and plants. If you’re looking to see desert animals and plants, Big Bend National Park would be a great option, while if you’re looking to see coastal and alpine tundra wildlife, Katmai National Park & Preserve would be a great option.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Big Bend National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
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 | Northern Flicker |
Northern Flicker | Merlin |
Merlin | Barn Swallow |
Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
Bald Eagle | European Starling |
Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
European Starling | American Wigeon |
Northern Pintail | Green-Winged Teal |
American Wigeon | American Pipit |
Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
Big Bend National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
Bobcat | Black Bear |
Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
Deer Mouse | Red Fox |
Raccoon | Mink |
Black Bear | Gray Wolf |
Porcupine | Short-Tailed Weasel |
Silver-Haired Bat | Varying Hare |
Hoary Bat | Northern River Otter |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Masked Shrew |
House Mouse | Red Squirrel |
Mountain Lion | Montane Shrew |
Mule Deer | Lynx |
Common Gray Fox | Wolverine |
Gray Wolf | American Marten |
Long-Legged Myotis | Grizzly Bear |
American Badger | Meadow Vole |
California Myotis | Moose |
Fringed Myotis | Least Weasel |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Pygmy Shrew |
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Western Harvest Mouse | Northern Bog Lemming |
Reptiles
Big Bend National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
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 | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Barred Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
American Bullfrog | |
Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
Big Bend National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
Bluegill | Lake Trout |
Fathead Minnow | Northern Pike |
Common Carp | Burbot |
Longnose Dace | Silver Salmon |
Yellow Bullhead | King Salmon |
Channel Catfish | Slimy Sculpin |
Mosquitofish | Threespine Stickleback |
Sockeye Salmon | |
Pink Salmon | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park is home to a variety of beautiful landscapes and natural features that are sure to take your breath away. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Chisos Mountains, a range of rugged peaks that rise up out of the desert floor. These mountains offer some of the most spectacular views in the park, with panoramic vistas that include the Rio Grande and the surrounding desert. Another popular landscape in Big Bend is the Santa Elena Canyon, a majestic gorge carved by the Rio Grande river. Visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon or take a guided raft trip to experience the canyon’s beauty from the river. Other natural wonders in Big Bend include hot springs, desert oasis, and the Mule Ears Viewpoint which offer a great view of the surrounding desert.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is also home to a variety of natural wonders that are sure to impress. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic ash-filled valley created by the eruption of Novarupta in 1912. The valley is filled with fumaroles, vents that emit steam and gas, and is a unique and otherworldly landscape. Another popular destination in Katmai is Brooks River, where visitors can watch brown bears fish for sockeye salmon during the summer months. Visitors also can hike to the top of Mount Katmai for breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The park also features rugged wilderness and remote backcountry, offering opportunities for backpacking, and fishing.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both popular national parks in the United States, but they offer very different types of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities at the park include hiking, camping, backpacking, and rock climbing. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails, including the popular South Rim and Emory Peak trails. Additionally, the park has a variety of scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the desert landscape. The park also offers river trips, such as guided floats and kayaking, for visitors to explore the park’s canyons and rivers.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in southern Alaska and offers a different set of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities at the park include bear viewing, fishing, backpacking, and camping. The park is home to the Brooks River, which is one of the best places in the world to view brown bears in their natural habitat. Additionally, the park is home to several other rivers and streams where visitors can fish for salmon, rainbow trout, and dolly varden. The park also has a variety of hiking trails, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which offers visitors the chance to explore an ash-filled volcanic valley.
In summary, Big Bend National Park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, backpacking, and rock climbing, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is popular for bear viewing, fishing, backpacking, and camping. Visitors to Big Bend can enjoy the desert landscapes, while visitors to Katmai can experience the coastal rainforest, alpine tundra, and explore the ash-filled volcanic valley.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both located in different parts of the United States and as such, have vastly different weather patterns.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in West Texas, and has a subtropical desert climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit the park is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s wildflowers and cacti are in bloom. The summer months can be extremely hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it less comfortable to explore the park. Winter months can be quite pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for camping and backpacking.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, and has a subarctic climate, characterized by cool summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when the weather is milder, and the park’s wildlife is more active. The park is also home to bears and this is the time where they are usually found fishing at Brooks falls. The park’s rivers, lakes and streams are also more accessible during this time. Winter months can be extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, making it less comfortable to explore the park. Additionally, many of the park’s trails and roads are closed due to snow and ice, making it difficult to access certain areas of the park.
Overall, the best time to visit both parks depends on the type of activities visitors plan to do and their comfort with different weather conditions. Big Bend National Park is best visited during spring and fall for milder temperatures and beautiful wildflowers, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is best visited during the summer for milder temperatures, more active wildlife and more accessible trails and roads.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both great choices for families, but each park has its own unique features that may appeal to different types of families.
Big Bend National Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hiking, camping, and ranger-led programs. There are several easy and short hikes that are perfect for families with young children, such as the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, which is a 0.5-mile loop that winds through the desert’s unique ecosystem. The park also has a number of campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great option for families who want to spend multiple days exploring the park. Additionally, Big Bend offers educational programs and ranger-led activities for kids, such as Junior Ranger and Night Sky programs.
On the other hand, Katmai National Park & Preserve is a more remote wilderness park, with fewer amenities and services than Big Bend. The park’s main attraction is the Brooks River, where visitors can watch bears fish for salmon during the summer months, but it’s not recommended for young children. The park also offers a variety of hiking and backpacking trails, but many of them are long and challenging. Additionally, the park’s wilderness location means that camping opportunities are more limited, and it may not be as comfortable as Big Bend.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is a more family-friendly option with a variety of easy hikes, campgrounds, and ranger-led programs, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is a more remote wilderness park that may be better suited for older children and families who are experienced in backcountry camping and hiking.