Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park are two of America’s most treasured national parks, each offering its own unique and breathtaking natural wonders. Imagine soaring cliffs and towering rock formations in one park and rugged, wild deserts in the other. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities and provide visitors with an opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the American Southwest. But which one should you visit? Let’s dive in and compare Big Bend and Zion, to find out which park is the perfect destination for your next adventure. From the fiery sunsets of Big Bend’s Chihuahuan Desert to the towering cliffs of Zion’s Canyon, you’re in for a treat whichever park you choose. So, whether you’re a hiker, a camper, or just looking for a peaceful escape, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park
Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a wide range of trails that vary in difficulty and length, making them suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Big Bend National Park is located in southwestern Texas and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse ecosystem. The park’s hiking trails range from easy, scenic walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Chisos Basin Trail, which is a 1.8-mile loop that offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains, and the Window View Trail, which is a 0.3-mile hike that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the park’s iconic Window formation. On the other hand, some of the park’s most challenging hikes include the Emory Peak Trail, which is a 7.4-mile hike that leads to the highest point in the park, and the Outer Mountain Loop Trail, which is a strenuous, 30-mile hike that takes several days to complete.
Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and is known for its spectacular sandstone cliffs and deep canyons. The park’s hiking trails range from easy, paved walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile hike along the Virgin River, and the Lower Emerald Pools Trail, which is a 1.2-mile hike to a waterfall. On the other hand, some of the park’s most challenging hikes include Angels Landing, which is a 5.4-mile hike that includes steep and narrow sections, and The Narrows, which is a hike through a narrow canyon that requires wading through the Virgin River.
In conclusion, both Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails that are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The parks are known for their rugged terrain and spectacular natural features, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park
Big Bend National Park is located in southwestern Texas and is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, and javelina. The park is also home to a variety of bird species such as roadrunners, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. The park’s plant life is also diverse, with species such as creosote bush, ocotillo, and yucca commonly found in the park.
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its dramatic landscapes and unique geology. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. Zion is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with species such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkeys commonly found in the park. The park’s plant life is also diverse, with species such as Joshua trees, yucca, and prickly pear cactus commonly found in the park.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and plants. Big Bend is known for its desert animals, while Zion is known for its unique geology. Both parks offer a diverse range of bird species and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
| American Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
| California Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Fringed Myotis | American Badger |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Ermine |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | California Myotis |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Fringed Myotis |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Desert Kingsnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Texas Nightsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Mexican Milksnake | Nightsnake |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Glossy Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Western Skink |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Speckled Dace |
| Common Carp | Channel Catfish |
| Longnose Dace | Goldfish |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park
Big Bend National Park is known for its diverse landscapes and rugged wilderness. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Chihuahuan Desert, which covers much of the park. This desert is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including cacti, yucca, and agave. The desert is also home to several mountain ranges, including the Chisos Mountains, which offer some of the best views in the park. The Chisos Mountains are also home to the park’s highest point, Emory Peak, which rises to an elevation of 7,825 feet.
Another famous landscape in Big Bend National Park is the Rio Grande, which forms the southern boundary of the park. The Rio Grande offers visitors the opportunity to go rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. Along the Rio Grande, visitors can also see the Boquillas Canyon, one of the park’s most spectacular canyons.
Zion National Park is known for its towering cliffs and rock formations, one of the most famous of which is Zion Canyon, which is surrounded by massive sandstone cliffs. The park’s most iconic landscape is likely the Narrows, a narrow and winding section of the Virgin River. It’s a popular spot for hiking and wading, the river flows between the towering walls of the canyon, which can reach up to 2,000 feet high.
Another famous feature in the park is Angels Landing, a steep hike that provides panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding area. The park also boasts an impressive collection of waterfalls such as the Lower Emerald Pools, Upper Emerald Pools and Bridal Veil Falls, which can be accessed via well-maintained trails.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park offer a variety of beautiful landscapes and natural features that are sure to impress visitors of all ages.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park
Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park both offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, with over 150 miles of trails that offer views of the park’s rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. The park also offers camping, fishing, and river trips on the Rio Grande. Visitors can also take scenic drives to see the park’s beautiful landscapes.
Zion National Park is also known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, with over 150 miles of trails that offer views of the park’s unique geology, including the famous Zion Narrows and Angels Landing. Visitors can also take the park’s shuttle bus to explore the scenic Zion Canyon. The park also offers camping, rock climbing, and canyoneering. In addition, the park offers guided horseback riding tours, and visitors can also take a leisurely walk on the Riverside Walk which is an easy trail along the Virgin River.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park offer visitors the opportunity to explore the great outdoors through hiking, backpacking, and camping. Big Bend also offers river trips and scenic drives, while Zion also offers rock climbing, canyoneering, horseback riding, and scenic shuttle rides. Both parks are popular for their natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park
Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and offer unique and spectacular landscapes to visitors, but their seasonal weather patterns can differ greatly. The best time to visit each park largely depends on the weather conditions and the activities you plan to do.
Big Bend National Park is located in southwestern Texas and has a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The park experiences the most extreme heat during the summer months of June, July, and August, with average high temperatures reaching into the mid-90s Fahrenheit (35C). The park also receives very little rainfall, with the majority of the rain falling during the summer months. The winter months of December, January, and February are the mildest and most comfortable time to visit the park, with average high temperatures in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (18C).
Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The park experiences the most extreme heat during the summer months of June, July, and August, with average high temperatures reaching into the mid-90s Fahrenheit (35C). The park also receives most of its rainfall during the summer months, although it is not as dry as Big Bend National Park. The best time to visit Zion National Park for comfortable weather conditions is during the spring and fall months of April, May, September, and October, when the temperature is mild and there is less chance of rain.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Big Bend National Park is during the winter months when the weather is mild and comfortable, while the best time to visit Zion National Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and there is less chance of rain. However, it’s also worth noting that both parks can be enjoyed year-round, but visitors should be prepared for extreme heat during the summer months and bring enough water and sunscreen. Additionally, some activities like backpacking or river rafting may be limited during certain seasons due to weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park
Both Big Bend National Park and Zion National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they offer different experiences. Big Bend is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse landscapes, while Zion is famous for its towering cliffs and beautiful canyons.
Big Bend is a great place to explore with children if they are interested in nature and outdoor activities. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that are suitable for families, as well as opportunities for camping, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that children can participate in to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history. Additionally, Big Bend offers guided ranger-led activities such as birding and geology tours, which are great way to learn more about the park and keep the kids engaged.
Zion is also a great park for families, especially if they are interested in hiking and rock climbing. The park has many family-friendly hiking trails, including the Riverside Walk, an easy trail that follows the Virgin River and the Emerald Pools trail which is also a easy hike to the Lower and Upper pools. It also has many programs for children, including ranger-led activities and the Junior Ranger program. Additionally, the park offers guided horseback riding tours, which are a great way to explore the park and enjoy the scenery.
Both parks are great options for families, it depends on what activities you prefer. If you want to explore rugged wilderness and diverse landscapes, Big Bend might be a better choice, while Zion is perfect if you’re looking for iconic hikes and beautiful canyons.