Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park may not seem like they have much in common at first glance. One is located in the desert of Texas, the other in the Arctic tundra of Alaska. But both parks offer visitors the chance to experience some of the most unique and stunning landscapes in the United States. Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged mountains and vast deserts, while Kobuk Valley National Park is home to the largest sand dunes in Alaska, as well as the wild and scenic Kobuk River. Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience a true wilderness adventure, whether it be hiking through canyons or exploring the dunes on a sand sled. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurer, or just looking for a unique vacation destination, a visit to Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both known for their diverse and rugged landscapes, offering a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. However, the type of terrain and the level of difficulty of the hikes can vary significantly between the two parks.
Big Bend National Park, located in southwest Texas, 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 Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, both of which offer relatively flat terrain and well-maintained trails. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Emory Peak Trail, which is a steep and strenuous hike to the highest point in the park, and the Outer Mountain Loop, which is a 30-mile backpacking trail that takes visitors through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the park.
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in northern Alaska, also offers a wide range of hiking trails, but the terrain is quite different from Big Bend National Park. The park is known for its vast and remote wilderness, as well as its sand dunes, which are the largest in North America. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Kobuk River Trail, which is a relatively flat and easy hike along the river, and the Onion Portage Trail, which is a short and easy hike to a historic trading post. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which can be quite strenuous due to the loose sand and the steep dunes, and the Kobuk Valley Backcountry, which is a remote and rugged wilderness area that requires a backpacking permit.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty, but the type of terrain and the level of difficulty can be quite different between the two parks. Big Bend National Park offers a variety of hikes that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks with a desert terrain, while Kobuk Valley National Park offers a remote wilderness area with sand dunes and remote backpacking trails.
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 Kobuk Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both located in the United States, but they have very different climates and ecosystems, which results in a diverse array of wildlife that can be seen in each park.
Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas, is home to a wide variety of desert wildlife, including lizards, snakes, desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and a variety of birds, such as the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and black hawk. Visitors can also see a variety of mammals, including coyotes, javelinas, and white-tailed deer. The park is also home to several threatened or endangered species, including the desert tortoise, Mexican black bear, and pronghorn.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Arctic region of Alaska and is home to a variety of wildlife that is adapted to the harsh Arctic conditions. Visitors can see caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, and wolverines, as well as a wide variety of birds, such as the trumpeter swan, tundra swan, and the Arctic tern. The park is also home to a wide variety of fish, including salmon, Arctic char, and lake trout. The park is also home to several threatened or endangered species, including the polar bear, and the spectacled eider.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of desert wildlife while Kobuk Valley National Park is home to a wide variety of Arctic wildlife. Each park offers unique opportunities to see different animals, birds, and plants in their natural habitats, making them both ideal destinations for wildlife enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Savannah Sparrow |
| Barn Swallow | American Kestrel |
| Savannah Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
| Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
| American Kestrel | Green-Winged Teal |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Shoveler |
| American Wigeon | Golden Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Big Bend National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Bobcat | Porcupine |
| Striped Skunk | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Snowshoe Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Common Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
| House Mouse | Montane Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Lynx |
| Mule Deer | Wolverine |
| Common Gray Fox | American Marten |
| Gray Wolf | Grizzly Bear |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Moose |
| American Badger | Least Weasel |
| California Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
| Fringed Myotis | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Kobuk Valley 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 | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Northern Pike |
| Fathead Minnow | Burbot |
| Common Carp | Coho Salmon |
| Longnose Dace | King Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Channel Catfish | Alaskan Stickleback |
| Mosquitofish | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park both offer visitors the opportunity to experience some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the United States.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged mountains and vast deserts. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Chisos Mountains, which rise up from the desert floor and offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park also features a variety of canyons, including Santa Elena Canyon, which is a narrow, 1,500-foot-deep canyon that visitors can hike through. Additionally, Big Bend National Park offers visitors the chance to see the Rio Grande River, which forms the park’s southern boundary.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is known for its vast sand dunes and the wild and scenic Kobuk River. The park’s most famous landscape is the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which are the largest sand dunes in Alaska. Visitors can explore the dunes on foot or even by sand sled. Additionally, the park offers visitors the chance to see the Kobuk River, which is home to a variety of fish, including salmon and Arctic grayling. The park also contains the Kobuk River Canyon, which is a spectacular natural wonder, and offers visitors the chance to see wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and moose.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged mountains and vast deserts, Chisos Mountains, canyons such as Santa Elena Canyon, and the Rio Grande River, while Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its vast sand dunes and the wild and scenic Kobuk River, the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, the Kobuk River, the Kobuk River Canyon, and the wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and moose.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both popular national parks in the United States, but they offer visitors very different experiences and activities due to their vastly different locations and climates.
Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert in western Texas, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the park’s rugged desert landscape. Hiking is one of the most popular activities at Big Bend, with over 150 miles of trails to explore. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park is also popular for camping and backpacking, with several campgrounds and backcountry campsites available. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing in the park.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Arctic region of Alaska and is known for its vast and pristine wilderness. The park is a popular destination for backpackers, river rafters, and wildlife watchers. The park is home to the Kobuk River, which provides opportunities for rafting and kayaking. Visitors can also hike on the park’s backcountry trails to see the park’s wildlife and glaciers. The park is also home to several historic sites, such as the remains of an ancient village and an old mining camp, which visitors can explore.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is popular for its hiking, camping, backpacking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing, while Kobuk Valley National Park is popular for its backpacking, river rafting, wildlife watching, and visiting historic sites. Both parks offer different activities and experiences, making them ideal destinations for different types of visitors.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both known for their unique landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, but the weather in each park can vary significantly depending on the season.
Big Bend National Park, located in southwest Texas, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park is typically busiest from November to April when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. During this time, temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-80s during the day, and the park receives very little rainfall. However, summer temperatures can be extremely hot, with daytime temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it less pleasant to visit during this time of year.
On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park, located in northern Alaska, has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short summers. The park is most accessible and best to visit during the summer months of June through August, when the snow has melted and the rivers are open for boat travel. During this time, temperatures range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s during the day, and the park receives long hours of daylight, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. However, the park is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, and temperatures can drop well below freezing, making it a less pleasant time to visit.
In summary, the best time to visit Big Bend National Park is during the fall, winter and spring months, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. On the other hand, the best time to visit Kobuk Valley National Park is during the summer months, when the park is most accessible and the weather is mild, with long hours of daylight.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Big Bend National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park both offer unique experiences for families, but they have different levels of accessibility and amenities.
Big Bend National Park is a great option for families with children because it offers a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and a visitors center with educational exhibits. The park also has a campground and several picnic areas. The park also has a variety of ranger-led programs for children, such as the Junior Ranger program, which allows children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources through hands-on activities.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is a more remote and wild park, and is not as easily accessible for families with children. The park has no road access, and visitors must fly into the park by bush plane. There are no developed trails or facilities in the park, and visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for wilderness travel. The park also has limited ranger-led programs and services.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is more family-friendly, with a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and a visitors center with educational exhibits, while Kobuk Valley National Park is more remote and wild, with no road access, no developed trails or facilities, and limited ranger-led programs and services, so it’s not as easily accessible for families with children.