Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most spectacular and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience a wide range of natural wonders, from rugged deserts to geysers and hot springs. While Big Bend is known for its breathtaking desert landscapes and incredible stargazing, Yellowstone is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and vast wildlife. If you’re a nature lover looking for an adventure, these two parks are a must-visit. Imagine yourself standing in the middle of a desert oasis, watching as the stars light up the night sky, or exploring the vast wilderness of Yellowstone and encountering bison, elk, and bears in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a hiker, a birdwatcher, or just someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Big Bend and Yellowstone offer something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through two of America’s most iconic national parks.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular outdoor destinations that offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors. Both parks offer unique hiking experiences that attract visitors from all over the world.
Big Bend National Park offers over 150 miles of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, which is a short, 0.5-mile loop that offers visitors a chance to learn about the park’s desert landscape and wildlife. The Boquillas Canyon Trail is a moderate hike that takes visitors down to the Rio Grande river and offers great views of the canyon. The strenuous hikes in the park include the Emory Peak Trail, which is a 7.4-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the highest point in the park and offers panoramic views of the park.
Yellowstone National Park offers over 900 miles of hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the boardwalks that take visitors through geyser basins such as the Upper Geyser Basin and the Lower Geyser Basin. The Fairy Falls Trail is a moderate hike that takes visitors to the base of the park’s tallest waterfall. The strenuous hikes in the park include the Mount Washburn hike, which is a 6.6-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the summit of Mount Washburn and offers panoramic views of the park.
In conclusion, both Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Big Bend National Park is known for its desert landscapes and the Emory Peak Trail, while Yellowstone National Park is known for its geyser basins and the Mount Washburn hike. Both parks offer great opportunities to explore nature and discover the unique landscapes and wildlife that each park has to offer.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer visitors a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife.
Big Bend National Park is home to a diverse array of animals, including over 450 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, and over 50 species of reptiles and amphibians. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include white-tailed deer, desert bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and javelinas. Additionally, the park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as roadrunners, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons, as well as a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as desert tortoises, horned lizards, and bullfrogs.
Yellowstone National Park is also known for its diverse wildlife, including over 60 species of mammals, over 300 species of birds, and over 16 species of fish. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include bison, elk, moose, bears, wolves, and pronghorns. Additionally, the park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as trumpeter swans, ospreys, and bald eagles, as well as a variety of fish species, such as cutthroat trout and arctic grayling.
In terms of plants, Big Bend National Park is home to over 1,200 species of plants, including cacti, yucca, and agave, which are adapted to the arid desert climate. Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is home to over 1,000 species of plants, including conifers such as lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and Engelman spruce, which are adapted to the cold and snowy mountain climate.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer visitors a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife and plants, however, the types of wildlife and plants seen at each park are different due to the different climatic conditions of the regions. Big Bend National Park offers a chance to see desert wildlife and plants, while Yellowstone National Park offers a chance to see mountain wildlife and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| American Badger | Wolf |
| California Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Badger |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Western Harvest Mouse | California Myotis |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Rubber Boa |
| 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 | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Common Carp | Lake Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Channel Catfish | Speckled Dace |
| Mosquitofish | Arctic Grayling |
Insects
| Big Bend National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both known for their breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.
At Big Bend, one of the most famous landscapes is the Chisos Mountains, a range of rugged peaks that rise dramatically from the desert floor. The Chisos Mountains offer some of the best hiking and backpacking in the park, with trails that lead to breathtaking overlooks and scenic vistas. Another famous landscape at Big Bend is the Rio Grande, which winds its way through the park, providing opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, including Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world, which erupts every 35-120 minutes. The park also boasts a number of other geysers, hot springs, and mudpots that are a sight to behold. Another famous landscape at Yellowstone is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which features the Lower and Upper Falls, which are spectacular to see. The park also offers a wide range of hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks, where visitors can take in panoramic views of the park’s diverse landscapes. Additionally, Yellowstone offers a vast wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, wolves, and many other species, adding to the park’s fame.
Overall, Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer visitors a wide range of natural wonders to explore, including rugged mountains, scenic rivers, geothermal features and wildlife. Both parks are truly unique and offer unforgettable experiences.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, however, the most popular activities at each park are different due to the different natural features of the parks.
Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking trails. The park has over 150 miles of trails, including the strenuous Emory Peak Trail, which offers visitors a chance to summit the highest peak in the park. Additionally, the park also offers a variety of scenic drives, such as the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which offers visitors a chance to see the park’s beautiful desert landscapes. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, such as campfire talks, bird watching tours, and guided hikes, which provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.
Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, such as geysers and hot springs. The park has over 300 geysers, including Old Faithful, which is one of the most famous geysers in the world. Additionally, the park also offers a variety of scenic drives, such as the Grand Loop Road, which offers visitors a chance to see the park’s beautiful mountain landscapes. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as wildlife watching, fishing, and camping in the park. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, such as campfire talks, guided walks, and snowcoach tours, which provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking trails, while Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features such as geysers and hot springs. Both parks also offer scenic drives, ranger-led programs, wildlife watching and camping opportunities, but the type of activities and natural features may vary between the parks.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular outdoor destinations that offer a wide range of activities for visitors. However, the seasonal weather at these two parks can vary greatly and can affect when is the best time of year to visit.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and has a unique climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The park’s hottest months are from May to September, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The park’s coldest months are from November to February, with temperatures averaging around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring and fall are considered the best time to visit the park, with mild temperatures and comfortable weather.
Yellowstone National Park is located in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and has a more typical mountain climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. The park’s warmest months are from June to September, with temperatures averaging around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The park’s coldest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The park receives heavy snowfall during the winter months, which can make some of the park’s roads and trails inaccessible. The best time to visit the park is considered to be during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s roads and trails are fully accessible.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Big Bend National Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and comfortable, whereas the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s roads and trails are fully accessible.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Both Big Bend National Park and Yellowstone National Park are great options for families looking to experience the great outdoors, but each park offers a different type of experience that may appeal to families with children in different ways.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and remote locations, and it offers a variety of hiking trails and backcountry camping options for families. The park has a visitors center and a small museum where children can learn about the park’s natural history and cultural heritage. However, the park does not have many amenities for families, such as playgrounds or picnic areas. The park also has some strenuous hikes, that may not be suitable for younger children.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is a more developed park with a wide range of facilities and amenities for families. The park has several campgrounds, picnic areas, and playgrounds, as well as a variety of ranger-led activities, including guided hikes and educational programs. The park also offers a wide range of family-friendly hikes, including some that are short and easy, making them suitable for children of all ages. Additionally, the park has a visitors center, and a few museums, where children can learn about the park’s geysers, hot springs, and wildlife.
In summary, if you’re looking for a more rugged and remote wilderness experience, Big Bend National Park may be a better option, while if you’re looking for a more developed park with a wide range of amenities and family-friendly activities, Yellowstone National Park may be a better choice.