Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park are two of America’s most diverse and awe-inspiring national parks. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore the rugged beauty of the American wilderness, but in very different ways. Big Bend, located in the heart of southwest Texas, is a land of contrasts, where towering mountains meet the vast expanse of the Chihuahuan Desert. Pinnacles, on the other hand, is located in central California and is known for its unique rock formations and diverse ecosystems. Both parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure, but which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at what each park has to offer and find out!
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both known for their stunning hiking trails, however, they each offer unique experiences for visitors.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and offers a diverse range of hiking trails. Some of the easiest hikes include the Chisos Basin Trail, which is a 1.5-mile loop that offers breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which is a 1.4-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the base of the Santa Elena Canyon. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the South Rim Trail offers a 14-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the top of the Chisos Mountains, offering panoramic views of the desert.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique rock formations and offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. The Balconies Cave Trail is a popular easy hike that takes visitors through a cave and offers views of the park’s unique rock formations. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the High Peaks Trail offers a strenuous 8-mile hike that takes visitors to the summit of the park’s highest peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Both Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails that offer visitors the opportunity to experience the unique landscapes and natural wonders of each park. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a more challenging one, these parks have something for everyone.
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 Pinnacles National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop | 8690.436 | 484.9368 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Old Pinnacles Trail Loop | 15288.73 | 527.9136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Bear Gulch Day Use Area to Reservoir via Rim Trail | 2896.812 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
High Peaks Trail | 10138.842 | 539.8008 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop Trail | 12713.786 | 549.8592 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Reservoir | 1770.274 | 96.9264 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies | 8207.634 | 150.876 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Balconies Trail | 13196.588 | 592.836 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Juniper Canyon Trail to High Peaks | 5793.624 | 383.7432 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Balconies Cave Trail | 4184.284 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Big Bend, visitors can expect to see a variety of desert animals such as pronghorn, desert bighorn sheep, and black bears. The park is also home to over 450 species of birds, including the roadrunner, golden eagle, and peregrine falcon. Visitors may also encounter snakes, lizards, and other reptiles, as well as a variety of cacti and other desert plants.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is home to a different set of animals and plants. The park is known for its unique rock formations, which provide habitats for a variety of wildlife such as the California condor, golden eagle, and peregrine falcon. The park is also home to black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats. Visitors may also encounter a variety of reptiles, including the western fence lizard and the alligator lizard. The park is also home to a diverse array of plants, including chaparral, oak, and madrone. Overall, both parks offer great opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, but they are quite different in terms of the types of animals and plants that you can expect to see.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Big Bend National Park | Pinnacles 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 | 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 | Great Blue Heron |
Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
Bald Eagle | European Starling |
Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
European Starling | Killdeer |
Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
Big Bend National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
Muskrat | Bobcat |
Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
Deer Mouse | Raccoon |
Raccoon | Silver-Haired Bat |
Black Bear | Hoary Bat |
Porcupine | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Silver-Haired Bat | House Mouse |
Hoary Bat | Puma |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
House Mouse | Gray Fox |
Mountain Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
Mule Deer | Long-Eared Myotis |
Common Gray Fox | North American Badger |
Gray Wolf | California Myotis |
Long-Legged Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
American Badger | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
California Myotis | Townsends’ Big-Eared Bat |
Fringed Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Western Small-Footed Bat |
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Yuma Myotis |
Western Harvest Mouse | Pallid Bat |
Reptiles
Big Bend National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
---|---|
Sonoran Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
Prairie Rattlesnake | Yellow-Bellied Racer |
Ring-Necked Snake | Ringneck Snake |
Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
Desert Kingsnake | Common Gartersnake |
Texas Nightsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | California Kingsnake |
Mexican Milksnake | Rubber Boa |
Central Texas Whipsnake | Night Snake |
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Western Whiptail |
Big Bend Tree Lizard | Glossy Snake |
Eastern Collared Lizard | Western Skink |
Glossy Snake | Long-Nosed Snake |
Long-Nosed Snake | Desert Spiny Lizard |
Desert Spiny Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
Big Bend National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
---|---|
Barred Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
American Bullfrog | |
Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
Big Bend National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Green Sunfish |
Green Sunfish | Fathead Minnow |
Bluegill | Threespine Stickleback |
Fathead Minnow | Mosquitofish |
Common Carp | |
Longnose Dace | |
Yellow Bullhead | |
Channel Catfish | |
Mosquitofish |
Insects
Big Bend National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Monarch | |
American Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Mourning Cloak | |
Cabbage White | |
Silvery Blue | |
Common Checkered-Skipper | |
Buckeye | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail | |
Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of beautiful landscapes and natural features that are sure to take your breath away. Some of the most famous landscapes at the park include:
– The Chisos Mountains: This towering mountain range is the centerpiece of the park and offers visitors a chance to hike to the summit of several peaks, including Emory Peak, the highest point in the park. From the summit, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
– Santa Elena Canyon: This beautiful canyon is carved by the Rio Grande and is a popular spot for rafting and kayaking. The sheer walls of the canyon rise over 1,500 feet above the river and offer visitors a chance to see the park from a different perspective.
– The Hot Springs: Big Bend has several hot springs that are popular with visitors looking to soak in the warm waters. The hot springs are located in remote areas of the park and are accessible by hiking trails.
Pinnacles National Park is known for its unique rock formations and diverse ecosystems, some of the most famous landscapes at the park include:
– The Pinnacles: These massive rock formations are the centerpiece of the park and offer visitors a chance to hike and climb through a maze of towering spires and deep canyons. The park’s hiking trails take visitors through the heart of the pinnacles and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
– The Talus Caves: These dark and mysterious caves are formed by boulders that have tumbled down from the surrounding cliffs. The caves are a popular spot for spelunking and offer visitors a chance to explore a unique and otherworldly landscape.
– The High Peaks: The park also has several high peaks that offer great views over the park and the surrounding area.
Overall, both parks offer visitors a chance to see some truly spectacular landscapes and natural wonders. Whether you’re looking to hike through towering mountains or explore mysterious caves, Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different types of experiences.
At Big Bend, visitors can explore a vast desert landscape with unique geological formations, including canyons, mountains, and riverbanks. Wildlife commonly seen in the park include desert bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Hiking is a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Other activities include camping, rock climbing, and river rafting.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, offers a different type of landscape, with towering volcanic rock formations, caves, and talus caves. Wildlife commonly seen in the park include California condors, black bears, and mountain lions. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Rock climbing and cave exploration are also popular activities.
Both parks are family-friendly, but depending on your family’s interests, one park might be a better fit than the other. Big Bend offers a variety of outdoor activities and the chance to explore a unique desert landscape, while Pinnacles offers the opportunity to explore towering rock formations and caves.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park both offer unique and beautiful hiking experiences, but the weather at these two parks can vary greatly. Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is known for its hot and dry climate, with temperatures ranging from the high 90s to low 100s in the summer and high 60s to low 70s in the winter. Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is located in central California and has a Mediterranean climate, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 70s in the summer and high 40s to low 50s in the winter.
The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is in the fall and spring, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for hiking. The park also offers cooler temperatures for the summertime visitors and a chance to see the park’s beautiful wildflowers. On the other hand, Pinnacles National Park is best visited in the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild and the wildflowers are in bloom. Summertime is also a good option to visit as the temperatures are not too hot, but visitors should be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
In terms of hiking trails, Big Bend National Park offers a wide range of options, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Chisos Basin Loop, which offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains, and the South Rim Trail, which provides panoramic views of the desert. Pinnacles National Park, meanwhile, is known for its unique rock formations and challenging hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the High Peaks Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s towering rock formations, and the Balconies Cave Trail, which takes visitors through a series of caves and narrow passageways.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park offer beautiful landscapes and a variety of hiking options for visitors to enjoy. However, the weather and the best time to visit will be different for both parks, with Big Bend National Park being better for those looking for hot and dry climate and Pinnacles National Park being better for those looking for milder and cooler temperatures.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Both Big Bend National Park and Pinnacles National Park are great options for families looking to experience the beauty of the American wilderness. However, there are a few key differences between the two parks that may make one more suitable than the other for traveling with children.
Big Bend National Park is a bit more remote than Pinnacles National Park, and the park’s facilities and services are more limited. The park has a few campgrounds and picnic areas, but there are no visitor centers or other amenities. The park’s hiking trails can be challenging, and some of the park’s most popular attractions, such as the Santa Elena Canyon and the Hot Springs, are only accessible by foot. This may make Big Bend National Park less suitable for families with very young children or those who are not comfortable with more rugged outdoor activities.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is more developed and more easily accessible. The park has several visitor centers, picnic areas, and campgrounds, as well as a variety of hiking trails that are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. The park also has several ranger-led programs that are designed to be family-friendly and educational. Pinnacles National Park is also less remote than Big Bend National Park, which means that visitors have more options for food, lodging and other amenities.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Pinnacles National Park may be a better option for you. The park is more developed, and there are more facilities and services available for visitors. The park also has a variety of hiking trails and ranger-led programs that are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. While Big Bend National Park is certainly a beautiful and unique place to visit, its remote location and limited facilities may make it less suitable for families with children.