Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both unique and spectacular national parks, each offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty and wonder of nature in completely different ways. Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of western Texas and is known for its rugged terrain, spectacular canyons, and diverse plant and animal life. Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Cascade Mountains of northern California and is known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and geysers. Both parks offer visitors a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the beauty and serenity of the great outdoors. Whether you’re a hiker, a camper, or just someone looking to take in some breathtaking views, Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both must-see destinations. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we dive deep into the comparison of Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park both offer visitors a wide range of hiking trails, but they have different terrains and levels of difficulty.
Big Bend National Park has over 150 miles of trails, offering a range of difficulty levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, a 0.5-mile loop that is wheelchair accessible, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, a 1.4-mile round-trip hike that offers stunning views of the Rio Grande. Another easy hike is the Lost Mine Trail, a 4.8-mile round-trip hike that climbs to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park has over 150 miles of trails, including easy nature walks and strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Lassen Peak Trail, a 2-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Lassen Peak, and the Bumpass Hell Trail, a 3-mile round-trip hike to a geothermal area with boiling mud pots and steam vents. Another easy hike is the Kings Creek Falls, a 1-mile round-trip hike to a beautiful waterfall and great spot for swimming.
Both parks also offer some challenging hikes, such as the South Rim Trail, an 18-mile round-trip hike that offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park and the Summit Lake North and South, which are both steep and strenuous hikes that offer great views of the volcanic landscape in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks, with Big Bend National Park having more focus on the desert and rugged mountain terrains, and Lassen Volcanic National Park having more focus on volcanic landscapes.
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 Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, each park has its own unique characteristics and set of species.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, and it’s home to a wide variety of desert animals, such as roadrunners, jackrabbits, and rattlesnakes. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and the black-capped vireo. The park’s desert environment also supports a diverse array of cacti and other desert plants, such as yucca and agave.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in the Cascade Range of Northern California and is known for its volcanic landscapes and alpine meadows. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. The park also has a diverse bird population, including the great horned owl, the northern goshawk, and the hermit thrush. The park’s subalpine and alpine environments also support a variety of wildflowers, including lupines, Indian paintbrushes, and mountain heathers.
In summary, while both Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are home to diverse and fascinating wildlife, each park has its own unique characteristics and set of species that reflect the different environments and climates of the regions they are located in. Big Bend National Park is known for its desert wildlife and plants, while Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, alpine meadows, and subalpine wildlife and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Lassen Volcanic 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 | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Raccoon |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Black Bear | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Mountain Lion |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mink |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Gray Fox |
| House Mouse | Wolf |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Snowshoe Hare |
| Common Gray Fox | Fringed Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Yuma Myotis |
| American Badger | Bighorn Sheep |
| California Myotis | Montane Shrew |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Ringtail |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Virginia Opossum |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Wolverine |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Racer |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Desert Kingsnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Texas Nightsnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Mexican Milksnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | Rubber Boa |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | Western Whiptail |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Western Skink |
| Glossy Snake | Western Fence Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Common Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Longnose Dace | Silver Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | King Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Mottled Sculpin |
| Mosquitofish | Speckled Dace |
| Brown Bullhead |
Insects
| Big Bend National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park both offer visitors a wide range of beautiful landscapes and natural features to explore.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert terrain, with towering mountains, canyons, and steep cliffs. The park is home to the Chisos Mountains, a range of peaks that rise above the desert floor, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the Rio Grande, which runs through the park and offers opportunities for rafting and kayaking. The park also features several scenic drives, including the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which offers views of the Chisos Mountains and the Santa Elena Canyon, a dramatic gorge carved by the Rio Grande.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, with geothermal features such as boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs. The park is home to Lassen Peak, an active volcano that last erupted in 1915, and visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also features several lakes and streams, including Manzanita Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. The park also features several scenic drives, including the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, which offers views of the volcanic landscape and the park’s geothermal features.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert terrain, canyons, and mountain ranges, while Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, geothermal features, and beautiful lakes. Both parks offer plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both beautiful and unique national parks that offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Big Bend National Park is located in western Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscapes, including desert, mountains, and rivers. Some of the most popular activities at Big Bend include hiking, backpacking, and camping in the Chisos Mountains, river rafting and kayaking on the Rio Grande, and birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore the park’s many historical and cultural sites, such as the Hot Springs Historic District and the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern California and is known for its volcanic landscapes, including geothermal areas, lava fields, and fumaroles. Some of the most popular activities at Lassen include hiking and backpacking in the park’s wilderness areas, camping, and enjoying the park’s many geothermal features, such as the boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and the Lassen Peak. Visitors can also enjoy skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months, and ranger-led walks and campfire programs are offered during the summer.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged terrain, diverse landscapes and river rafting, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, geothermal features and hiking, backpacking, and camping. Both parks offer unique opportunities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both located in the western United States and offer visitors a chance to experience diverse landscapes and wildlife. However, the seasonal weather at these two parks is quite different.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas and has hot summers and mild winters. The park’s higher elevations offer some relief from the heat, but temperatures can still reach into the 90s and even 100s during the summer months. The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more comfortable.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in the Cascade Range of California and has a much cooler climate. The park’s high elevation means that snow is common in the winter and the park’s roads are often closed due to snow. The summer months are the best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park as the snow has melted and temperatures are mild.
In terms of wildlife, Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of species including desert bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and over 450 species of birds. Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to a variety of mammals such as black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer. As for birds, the park is home to a variety of species of waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds, as well as a variety of plants and wildflowers.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Both Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a wide range of family-friendly activities and experiences. However, the type of activities and level of accessibility may vary between the two parks.
Big Bend National Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities for families, including hiking, camping, and picnicking. The park also features several educational programs and ranger-led activities, including guided hikes and campfire talks. However, some of the park’s more strenuous hikes and backcountry camping may not be suitable for very young children. Additionally, some of the park’s remote locations and rugged terrain may be challenging for families with strollers or mobility issues.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park also offers a variety of outdoor activities for families, including hiking, camping, and picnicking. The park also features several educational programs and ranger-led activities, including guided hikes and campfire talks. Additionally, the park has several easy and short hikes that are perfect for families with young children, such as the Discovery Trail, which is an easy, level walk that features information about the park’s volcanic features. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program for children.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are family-friendly and offer a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs. Lassen Volcanic National Park may be more suitable for families with young children due to its easy hikes, while Big Bend National Park may be more suitable for families with older children who are interested in more challenging outdoor activities.