Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and scenic drives. Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and is known for its rugged terrain, diverse plant and animal life, and the Rio Grande, which winds its way through the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and is famous for its majestic peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a nature lover, both parks offer something for everyone. In this article, we will compare and contrast the two parks to help you decide which one to visit on your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both known for their beautiful hiking trails and outdoor activities. However, the type of hiking experience offered at each park is quite different.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas, and is known for its rugged, backcountry trails. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the South Rim Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert, and the Emory Peak Trail, which leads to the highest point in the park. These hikes can be challenging due to the rugged terrain and lack of shade, but they offer a unique and rewarding experience.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, offers a completely different type of hiking experience. The park is known for its alpine meadows, towering peaks, and diverse wildlife. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Old Fall River Road, which is a historic auto road that is now open to hikers, and the Bear Lake Loop, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. These hikes are generally easier than those in Big Bend National Park, and are suitable for a wide range of hikers.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer beautiful hiking experiences, but the type of hiking experience will depend on the park you choose. Big Bend National Park offers a rugged and remote wilderness experience, while Rocky Mountain National Park offers a more traditional, alpine hiking experience. So, it depends on what type of hiking experience you are looking for.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both home to a wide variety of wildlife, however, the animals, birds, and plants that you can expect to see at each park are quite different.
Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southwest Texas, is home to a wide variety of desert-adapted animals, including:
– Coyotes
– Desert bighorn sheep
– Javelina
– Mountain lions
– Mule deer
– Roadrunners
– Black bears
– Skunks
– Raccoons
– Armadillos
– Bats
The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including:
– Golden eagles
– Hawks
– Hummingbirds
– Ospreys
– Peregrine falcons
– Quails
– Roadrunners
– Vultures
Big Bend National Park is also home to a wide variety of cacti, yucca, and other desert plants, as well as several types of trees such as mesquite, juniper, and oak.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, is home to a wide variety of animals and birds that are adapted to life in the high-altitude mountain ecosystem, including:
– Elk
– Moose
– Mountain goats
– Mule deer
– Bighorn sheep
– Black bears
– Coyotes
– Marmots
– Pika
– Pikas
– Foxes
The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including:
– Bald eagles
– Hawks
– Hummingbirds
– Pileated woodpeckers
– Ravens
– Steller’s Jays
Rocky Mountain National Park is also home to a wide variety of wildflowers, trees, and other plants that are adapted to life in the high-altitude mountain ecosystem, such as aspen, pine, spruce, larch.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants that are adapted to their respective environments. While Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of desert-adapted animals and plants, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a wide variety of animals and plants that are adapted to life in the high-altitude mountain ecosystem.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Big Bend National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
Bobcat | Bobcat |
Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
Black Bear | Raccoon |
Porcupine | Black Bear |
Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
House Mouse | Red Fox |
Mountain Lion | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
Common Gray Fox | Mink |
Gray Wolf | Mule Deer |
Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
American Badger | Gray Wolf |
California Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
Fringed Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Badger |
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Ermine |
Western Harvest Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
Big Bend National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
---|---|
Sonoran Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Rattlesnake |
Ring-Necked Snake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
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 | Rocky Mountain National Park |
---|---|
Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | Wood Frog |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
Big Bend National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
Bluegill | Brown Trout |
Fathead Minnow | Western Longnose Sucker |
Common Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
Longnose Dace | Speckled Dace |
Yellow Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
Channel Catfish | |
Mosquitofish |
Insects
Big Bend National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Monarch | |
American Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Mourning Cloak | |
Cabbage White | |
Silvery Blue | |
Common Checkered-Skipper | |
Clouded Sulphur | |
Variegated Fritillary | |
Buckeye | |
Commom Wood Nymph | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail | |
Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both known for their stunning natural landscapes and diverse array of outdoor recreational opportunities. Big Bend National Park is located in the southwestern part of Texas and is home to a variety of landscapes, including the Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande, and the Chihuahuan Desert. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, backpacking, and river trips. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and over 450 species of birds.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the northern part of Colorado and is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the American West. The park’s peaks, valleys, and alpine lakes offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, backpacking, and fishing. The park is also home to an array of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. Both of the parks offer a great time for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, but the landscapes and the wildlife are quite different.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, however, the most popular activities at each park are quite different.
Big Bend National Park, located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southwest Texas, is known for its rugged wilderness, remote location, and beautiful desert landscapes. Some of the most popular activities at the park include:
– Hiking: The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. The park is home to several iconic hikes, including the South Rim Trail and the Lost Mine Trail.
– Camping: The park has three developed campgrounds, as well as several backcountry campsites that are only accessible by foot.
– River running: Big Bend National Park is home to the Rio Grande, which offers visitors the opportunity to go rafting and kayaking in the desert landscape.
– Scenic drives: The park has several scenic drives that offer beautiful views of the park’s deserts and mountains, including the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the River Road.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and diverse wildlife. Some of the most popular activities at the park include:
– Hiking: The park has over 300 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the park’s most popular hikes include the Keyhole Route and the Chasm Lake Trail.
– Scenic drives: The park has several scenic drives that offer beautiful views of the park’s mountains and valleys, including the Trail Ridge Road and the Bear Lake Road.
– Fishing: The park is home to several high-altitude lakes, which offer visitors the opportunity to fish for cutthroat trout, brook trout, and other species.
– Camping: The park has five developed campgrounds and several backcountry campsites.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy. While Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged wilderness, remote location, and beautiful desert landscapes, Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, scenic drives, and other outdoor activities in both parks.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both known for their rugged and varied landscapes, but the weather at these two parks couldn’t be more different. Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and is known for its hot summers and mild winters. The park’s location in the desert means that it can be quite hot during the summer months, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit Big Bend is typically between October and May, when the temperatures are milder and the park is less crowded.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and is known for its cold winters and cool summers. The park is located at a higher elevation than Big Bend, which means that the temperatures are much cooler, even during the summer months. The park is also known for its heavy snowfall during the winter months, which can make some of the park’s roads and trails impassable. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is typically between June and September, when the snow has melted and the weather is milder.
In conclusion, Big Bend National Park is best to visit during the cooler months, while Rocky Mountain National Park is best during the summer months. But both parks have something unique to offer in terms of weather and landscapes. Visitors should be prepared for different kind of weather and different kind of activities to enjoy.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Big Bend National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both great places for families to visit, but they offer different types of experiences. Big Bend National Park is known for its remote wilderness and rugged terrain, and it’s a great place to explore if your family is looking for a more adventurous vacation. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to more challenging backcountry treks, and there are also opportunities for camping, birdwatching, and stargazing. However, it is important to note that the park is quite remote, so you’ll need to be prepared for hot, dry weather and limited services.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is a bit more developed and offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities. The park has a number of short, easy hikes that are perfect for families with young children, and there are also many scenic drives that offer stunning views of the mountains. Additionally, there are plenty of picnic areas and campgrounds where families can enjoy the outdoors together. The park also has a variety of ranger-led programs that are designed to help visitors of all ages learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history. Overall, if you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation that combines nature, adventure and some amenities, Rocky Mountain National Park might be a great option.