Big Bend National Park vs Voyageurs National Park

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Big Bend National Park vs Voyageurs National Park

Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two very different parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. Big Bend is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas, while Voyageurs is located in the northern region of Minnesota. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Whether you’re looking for a desert adventure or a water-based excursion, these two parks have something for everyone to discover. From the rugged mountains of Big Bend to the pristine lakes of Voyageurs, these parks offer a diverse range of natural beauty that is sure to leave a lasting impression. In this comparison, we will delve into the most famous landscapes, activities, and family-friendliness of these two parks, so you can decide which one is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer vastly different hiking experiences. Big Bend is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas and offers a variety of challenging desert hikes, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. Some of the park’s most popular hikes include the Chimneys Trail, which takes hikers to the top of a desert mountain, and the South Rim Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. The park also offers several backcountry trails, allowing visitors to explore the remote areas of the park.

On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota, is known for its water-based activities, and many of its hiking trails wind through the forest, along the shores of its many lakes, and to scenic overlooks. Some of the easier hikes include the Kettle Falls Dam Trail, a one-mile hike that offers a great view of the Kettle Falls Dam, and the Rainy Lake Trail, a two-mile hike that winds through the forest and along the shores of Rainy Lake. The park’s hardest hike is the Ash River Trail, a 7-mile hike that takes hikers to the top of a hill for a panoramic view of the park.

Both parks offer unique and diverse hiking experiences, but depending on the type of terrain and activity you prefer, one may be a better fit for you. Big Bend offers more challenging desert hikes, while Voyageurs offers more of a forest and water-based experience.

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 Voyageurs National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Blind Ash Bay Trail 5793.624 117.9576 Moderate out and back 4
Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail 643.736 17.9832 Easy out and back 4
Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay 14001.258 224.9424 Moderate loop 4
Beaver Pond Overlook Trail 482.802 1.8288 Easy out and back 3.5
Kab-Ash Trail 24461.968 406.908 Easy out and back 3
Sullivan Bay Trail 2092.142 27.7368 Easy out and back 4
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail 1931.208 22.86 Easy out and back 5

Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of animals and plants that can be found in each park are quite different due to the vastly different ecosystems.

Big Bend National Park, located in southwestern Texas, is home to a wide variety of desert animals, including javelina, desert bighorn sheep, black bears, and mountain lions. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of reptiles, such as rattlesnakes and lizards, as well as a wide range of bird species, including roadrunners, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. The park also has a variety of cacti and other desert plants, such as creosote bush, ocotillo, and yucca.

Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its diverse array of aquatic wildlife. Visitors to the park may see a variety of fish species, such as walleye, northern pike, and lake trout, as well as beavers, otters, and muskrats. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as loons, bald eagles, and ospreys. The park’s dense forest also provides habitat for a variety of mammals such as deer, black bear, and moose.

In conclusion, Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park both offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, but the types of animals and plants that can be found in each park are quite different. Big Bend National Park is known for its desert animals and plants, while Voyageurs National Park is known for its aquatic wildlife and dense forest. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors looking to explore and enjoy different ecosystems and wildlife.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Big Bend National Park Voyageurs 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 Voyageurs 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 House Mouse
Common Gray Fox Mountain Lion
Gray Wolf Mink
Long-Legged Myotis Common Gray Fox
American Badger Plains Wolf
California Myotis American Badger
Fringed Myotis Ermine
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat Snowshoe Hare
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat River Otter
Western Harvest Mouse Masked Shrew

Reptiles

Big Bend National Park Voyageurs 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 Voyageurs National Park
Barred Tiger Salamander Northern Leopard Frog
American Bullfrog Wood Frog
Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Canyon Treefrog

Fish

Big Bend National Park Voyageurs National Park
Largemouth Bass Largemouth Bass
Green Sunfish Longnose Sucker
Bluegill Green Sunfish
Fathead Minnow Bluegill
Common Carp Fathead Minnow
Longnose Dace Golden Shiner
Yellow Bullhead Lake Trout
Channel Catfish Northern Pike
Mosquitofish Ellpout
Mottled Sculpin
Slimy Sculpin
Longnose Dace
Black Crappie
Black Bullhead
Creek Chub
Brown Bullhead
Smallmouth Bass

Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both spectacular destinations that offer unique landscapes and natural wonders. Big Bend National Park is located in southwest Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and vast deserts. The park is home to the Chisos Mountains, which offer incredible views of the surrounding desert and the Rio Grande. Visitors can also explore the Santa Elena Canyon, a dramatic gorge carved by the Rio Grande, and the hot springs at Hot Springs Historic District.

On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its stunning lakes and waterways. The park is named after the French-Canadian fur traders who traveled through the area in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can explore the park by boat, canoe, or kayak and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lakes and forests. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including wolves, moose, and beavers. The Kabetogama Peninsula is one of the most famous landscapes in the park, with its beautiful views of the surrounding lakes and forests.

Both Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are definitely worth visiting. The rugged deserts of Big Bend National Park offer a stark contrast to the pristine lakes and forests of Voyageurs National Park. Whether you’re looking for a desert adventure or a watery paradise, these parks have something to offer for everyone.

Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different due to the vastly different ecosystems and landscapes.

Big Bend National Park, located in southwestern Texas, is known for its rugged desert terrain and scenic vistas. The park offers a wide range of hiking and backpacking opportunities, with over 150 miles of trails that take visitors through canyons, deserts, and mountains. The park also offers camping and picnicking, as well as opportunities for stargazing and birdwatching. The park’s location in the Chihuahuan Desert makes it a popular destination for visitors interested in geology, as well as for those looking to explore the cultural history of the region.

Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its water-based recreational activities. The park offers a wide range of boating and fishing opportunities, with over 400 lakes and countless miles of shoreline to explore. The park also offers camping and picnicking, as well as opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors to the park can also explore the history of the area by visiting historic sites, like the Kettle Falls Hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In conclusion, Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park both offer visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, but the types of activities that are popular at each park are quite different. Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, as well as its scenic vistas and geology, while Voyageurs National Park is known for its water-based recreational activities, like boating and fishing, as well as its historical sites. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors looking to explore and enjoy different landscapes and activities.

Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Big Bend National Park in Texas and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota are vastly different in terms of climate and weather. Big Bend is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, which experiences hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. In contrast, Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota, which has a more extreme continental climate, with colder winters and mild summers.

The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is typically between November and April, when temperatures are mild and the desert landscape is at its most beautiful. During the summer months, the heat can be unbearable and many park facilities and services may be closed. In contrast, the best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is during the summer months, when the temperatures are mild and the lakes and waterways are open for boating and fishing.

As far as hiking trails, Big Bend offers a variety of trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks, with the most popular hikes being the Chisos Basin, the Santa Elena Canyon and the South Rim. Voyageurs National Park on the other hand, offers a variety of water-based activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, as well as hiking trails that range from easy to moderate, with popular hikes being the Kettle Falls and the Ash River Trail.

Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Big Bend National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors, but they offer very different experiences.

Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscapes, including desert, mountains, and canyons. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and river rafting, and is a great destination for families who enjoy adventure and exploring the great outdoors. However, the park is relatively remote and the weather can be harsh, so it may not be the best choice for very young children or families with limited mobility.

Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its beautiful lakes, forests, and wildlife. The park is a great destination for families who enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming, and there are also many hiking trails and campgrounds available. The park is also more easily accessible than Big Bend National Park, making it a more convenient option for families with young children or limited mobility.

In summary, if your family enjoys adventure and exploring rugged terrain, Big Bend National Park may be the better choice. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience, with plenty of water activities, Voyageurs National Park may be the best option.

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