When it comes to national parks, few can compare to the diversity and beauty of Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. These two parks are vastly different in terms of their landscapes, climate, and activities, but they both offer an unforgettable experience. Big Bend National Park is located in the rugged Chihuahuan Desert of Texas and boasts stunning canyons, towering mountains, and a wide variety of plant and animal life. On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the Caribbean and is a tropical paradise, with white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush rainforests. Whether you are a desert enthusiast or a beach lover, Big Bend and Virgin Islands national parks are sure to leave you in awe. Imagine waking up to the sound of desert silence in Big Bend, and then taking a short flight to the Caribbean, where you can spend the afternoon snorkeling in the turquoise water. These two national parks are truly one-of-a-kind experiences that are not to be missed. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as you explore the natural wonders of Big Bend and Virgin Islands National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the types of hikes and the landscapes they traverse are quite different.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and offers a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park’s most popular hike is the Window View Trail, which is a relatively easy hike that offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. Another popular hike is the Lost Mine Trail, which is a moderate hike that leads to a beautiful viewpoint of the surrounding desert. The park also offers more strenuous hikes, such as the South Rim Trail and the Emory Peak Trail, which both offer breathtaking views of the park but require a good level of fitness and experience.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands, offers a different type of hiking experience. The park is home to several hiking trails, but the most popular is the Reef Bay Trail. This hike is a moderate to difficult trail that passes through lush tropical rainforest, past several historic sugar plantations, and ends at a secluded beach. Another popular hike is the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, which is an easy hike that takes visitors through the park’s mangrove forests and offers views of the Caribbean Sea. The park also offers more strenuous hikes, such as the Bordeaux Mountain Trail and the L’Esperance Trail, which both offer panoramic views of the island but require a good level of fitness and experience.
In summary, Big Bend National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails with diverse landscapes and difficulty levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks, while Virgin Islands National Park offers hiking trails that are mostly moderate to strenuous and showcase the beautiful tropical rainforests and Caribbean Sea.
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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are both rich in biodiversity and offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife. However, the types of wildlife you can see at these two parks are quite different due to their vastly different ecosystems.
Big Bend National Park, located in southwestern Texas, is home to a wide variety of desert wildlife. Visitors to the park can expect to see animals such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, javelina, mountain lions, and black bears. The park also has a wide variety of bird species, including roadrunners, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. Additionally, the park is home to many species of reptiles, such as desert tortoises, Gila monsters, and various species of rattlesnakes, and amphibians.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is home to a wide variety of tropical wildlife. Visitors to the park can expect to see animals such as lizards, geckos, iguanas, and anoles. The park also has a wide variety of bird species, including bananaquits, parrots, and frigatebirds. Additionally, the park is home to many species of fish, such as tarpon, barracuda, and snapper, and marine mammals like dolphins, sea turtles, and whales. The park also has a rich variety of plants, such as sea grapes, mangroves, and coconut palms.
In conclusion, Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, but the types of wildlife you can expect to see at these two parks are quite different. Big Bend National Park is known for its desert wildlife, while Virgin Islands National Park is known for its tropical wildlife. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors interested in observing and learning about different ecosystems and the wildlife that inhabits them.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Big Bend National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Common Gray Fox | Mink |
| Gray Wolf | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| American Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
| California Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Fringed Myotis | Badger |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | North American River Otter |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Bullsnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Racer |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Rattlesnake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Desert Kingsnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Texas Nightsnake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| 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 | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Flathead Minnow |
| Common Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Longnose Dace | Carp/European Carp |
| Yellow Bullhead | Northern Pike |
| Channel Catfish | Burbot |
| Mosquitofish | Longnose Dace |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Big Bend National Park, located in southwest Texas, is known for its rugged and diverse landscapes. The park features a range of terrains including desert, mountains, and rivers. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Chisos Mountains, a range of peaks that rise abruptly from the desert floor, and the Rio Grande, which carves a dramatic path through the park. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and overlooks, such as the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the Chisos Basin Overlook.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is known for its tropical landscapes and crystal clear waters. The park features a variety of landscapes including white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and rocky cliffs. The park’s most famous landscapes include Trunk Bay, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and the Bordeaux Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling and diving in the park’s crystal clear waters, and hiking through the park’s lush rainforests.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are both popular national parks that offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. However, due to the vastly different ecosystems, the types of activities offered at each park are quite different.
Big Bend National Park, located in southwestern Texas, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, camp, and explore the park’s unique desert landscape. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s canyons, mountains, and desert. Camping is also a popular activity at Big Bend National Park, with several campgrounds and backcountry sites available for visitors. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy river-related activities such as floating and kayaking on the Rio Grande river.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a popular destination for beach-goers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Many visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling or diving in the park’s coral reefs, which are home to a wide variety of tropical fish and other marine life. The park also has several hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s tropical forest and learn about the island’s unique ecosystem.
In conclusion, Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy, but the types of activities offered at each park are quite different. Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking, camping, and river-related activities, while Virgin Islands National Park is known for its beaches and water-related activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors looking to explore and enjoy different ecosystems and outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Big Bend National Park in Texas and Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands are two very different national parks with vastly different climates and weather patterns.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and has hot summers with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and mild winters with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The best time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate. The summer months can be extremely hot and not suitable for strenuous activities.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park experiences a rainy season from September to November and a dry season from December to August. The best time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and snorkeling is during the dry season, when there is less chance of rain and the water is clearer. The rainy season can also bring strong winds and rough seas, making some activities difficult or dangerous.
Overall, while Big Bend National Park is best visited in the cooler seasons, Virgin Islands National Park is best visited during the dry season. Both parks offer different experiences, with Big Bend National Park being a desert park and Virgin Islands National Park being a tropical island park, so it ultimately depends on what type of experience you’re looking for.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are both great options for a family vacation, but they offer very different experiences. Big Bend National Park is located in Texas and offers a unique blend of desert and mountain landscapes. The park is known for its rugged terrain, with hiking and backpacking being popular activities. Families with children can also enjoy scenic drives, picnicking, and ranger-led programs.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is located on the island of St. John in the Caribbean. The park offers a lush tropical environment and is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Popular activities at the park include snorkeling, swimming, and hiking. Families with children can also enjoy ranger-led programs, beachcombing, and picnicking.
In conclusion, both Big Bend National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are family-friendly and offer unique experiences. If your family is looking for a desert adventure, Big Bend National Park is the perfect choice. However, if your family is looking for a tropical vacation, Virgin Islands National Park is the perfect choice.