Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of America’s most beloved national parks, each offering unique and breathtaking natural wonders that draw visitors from all over the world. Imagine crystal clear turquoise waters teeming with colorful marine life, and on the other hand, geysers shooting hot water and steam into the air, surrounded by vast forests, canyons and rugged peaks. Both of these parks are truly one of a kind, but they have very different landscapes, activities, and wildlife to offer. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park have something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your cameras and get ready to explore the beauty and diversity of these two incredible national parks.
Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both national parks known for their natural beauty and diverse hiking trails. However, the types of hiking trails and the difficulty levels of the trails vary between the two parks.
Biscayne National Park, located in Florida, offers visitors a variety of hiking trails, most of which are easy to moderate in difficulty. The park has a number of short, accessible trails, such as the Biscayne Nature Center Trail, which is a half-mile, wheelchair-accessible trail that leads through a mangrove forest. The park also has a few longer trails, such as the Elliott Key Trail, which is a 7-mile round trip hike through a tropical hardwood hammock. This trail is considered to be more challenging because of the rocky terrain and uneven surfaces.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, offers visitors a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, family-friendly trails to strenuous, backcountry trails. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the boardwalks of the geyser basins, such as the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk or the Norris Geyser Basin boardwalk. These trails are relatively flat and easy to navigate. The park also has a number of more challenging hikes, such as the Mist Trail, which is a steep hike to the top of the 308-foot high Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. The park also has a number of backcountry trails that can be accessed by permit only and are considered strenuous because of the challenging terrain, elevation gain and rocky path.
In conclusion, both Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer visitors a variety of hiking trails, with different difficulty levels. Biscayne National Park is known for its easy to moderate trails, while Yellowstone National Park offers a range of hikes from easy, family-friendly trails to strenuous, backcountry trails. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature and explore the park on foot.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biscayne National Park Walk | 15932.466 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Black Creek Canal Trail | 2735.878 | 0.9144 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Jetty Trail | 1448.406 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Boca Chita Trail | 1287.472 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 3 |
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 Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two vastly different national parks when it comes to the wildlife that can be seen. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and is primarily made up of the Biscayne Bay, which is home to a diverse array of marine life such as manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors can also spot a variety of fish species, including bonefish, tarpon, and permit. In addition, the park’s mangrove forests are home to a variety of birds, such as ospreys, roseate spoonbills, and great egrets.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located primarily in Wyoming and is known for its abundance of large mammals such as bison, elk, bears, wolves and bighorn sheep. Visitors can also spot coyotes, foxes, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. The park’s geysers and hot springs are also home to unique forms of life, such as the colorful microbial mats and the unique thermophilic bacteria, which can only survive in extreme temperatures.
Overall, both Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, but the type of wildlife will depend on where you go and what time of year you visit. If you are interested in marine life and bird watching, Biscayne National Park is a great choice, while Yellowstone National Park is ideal for those interested in large mammals and unique thermal features.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Biscayne 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 |
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Mallard |
American Robin | Canada Goose |
Red-Tailed Hawk | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
Northern Flicker | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
Merlin | American Robin |
Barn Swallow | Great Horned Owl |
Savannah Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
Great Blue Heron | Northern Flicker |
American Kestrel | Merlin |
Bald Eagle | Barn Swallow |
Song Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
European Starling | Great Blue Heron |
Northern Pintail | Hermit Thrush |
American Wigeon | American Kestrel |
American Pipit | Bald Eagle |
Swainson’s Thrush | Song Sparrow |
Killdeer | European Starling |
Brown-Headed Cowbird | Northern Pintail |
Red-Winged Blackbird | American Wigeon |
Blue-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Biscayne National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Bobcat | Coyote |
Striped Skunk | American Beaver |
Raccoon | Muskrat |
House Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
Common Gray Fox | Bobcat |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Striped Skunk |
White-Tailed Deer | Little Brown Bat |
Virginia Opossum | Deer Mouse |
Black Rat | Raccoon |
Eastern Gray Squirrel | Black Bear |
Least Shrew | Porcupine |
Silver-Haired Bat | |
Hoary Bat | |
Red Fox | |
Long-Tailed Weasel | |
House Mouse | |
Mountain Lion | |
Mink | |
Mule Deer | |
Wolf | |
Long-Legged Myotis | |
Long-Eared Myotis | |
Badger | |
Short Tailed Weasel | |
California Myotis |
Fish
Biscayne National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
Bluegill | Brook Trout |
Golden Shiner | Brown Trout |
Common Carp | Longnose Sucker |
Yellow Bullhead | Lake Trout |
Black Crappie | Mottled Sculpin |
Brown Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
Speckled Dace | |
Arctic Grayling |
Insects
Biscayne National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Honey Bee | 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 |
Amphibians
Biscayne National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | |
Bullfrog | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
Biscayne National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Racer | |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer a wide variety of landscapes and natural features that are sure to take your breath away.
Biscayne National Park is located on the southern tip of Florida, and is known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs. Visitors can explore the park by boat or kayak and see a wide variety of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. The park also offers several hiking trails that take visitors through mangrove forests and along the coast, providing stunning views of the park’s unique ecosystem. Some of the must-see landscapes in the park include the mangrove forests, the coral reefs and the island of Elliott Key.
Yellowstone National Park is located in the western United States and is known for its geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Old Faithful geyser, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the Mammoth Hot Springs. Visitors can also hike through the park’s backcountry and explore its diverse ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and high-elevation plateaus. The park also offers a number of scenic drives and overlooks that provide stunning views of the park’s natural wonders, such as the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Norris Geyser Basin, and the Lamar Valley.
In summary, Biscayne National Park offers crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and unique marine life, while Yellowstone National Park offers geysers, hot springs and other geothermal features, as well as a wide variety of wildlife and diverse ecosystems. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives that showcase the beauty and diversity of their natural wonders.
Things To-Do and Activities in Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy. Both parks are popular for outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, and scenic beauty.
At Biscayne National Park, visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating. The park is known for its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can also take a boat tour to explore the park’s mangrove forests and see the colorful coral reefs. Fishing is also a popular activity in the park, with species such as tarpon, snook, and bonefish commonly caught.
At Yellowstone National Park, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and geyser watching. The park is known for its beautiful hiking trails, which lead visitors through the park’s diverse ecosystems, including geyser basins, forests, and meadows. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity at the park, with visitors often getting the chance to see bison, elk, bears, and wolves. The park is also home to the famous Old Faithful geyser, which erupts every 90 minutes, making it a must-see attraction.
In summary, Biscayne National Park is best for water activities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing, while Yellowstone National Park is best for land activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Both of them are great options to explore nature and see beautiful landscapes.
Best Time to Visit Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two very different national parks when it comes to their seasonal weather. Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the winter months from December to April when the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. The park is also less crowded during this time.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in the northern Rocky Mountains and experiences a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year. The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and the park’s attractions and facilities are open. However, it is also the busiest time of the year. The park can be visited in the winter months for a unique experience of snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing but with extreme cold temperatures.
Hiking trails at Biscayne National Park are relatively easy and mostly flat. The park offers a variety of short trails and boardwalks that are suitable for visitors of all ages. The longest trail is the nine-mile long Cape Florida Trail which runs through a variety of habitats and offers great views of the park’s mangrove forests and crystal-clear waters.
Yellowstone National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The park is home to several easy trails that are suitable for families with children, such as the Geyser Hill and the Firehole Lake Drive. The park also has some of the most challenging hikes, such as the Mount Washburn Trail, which offers spectacular views of the park’s geysers, hot springs, and wildlife.
Family Friendliness of Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Both Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park are great options for families looking for outdoor adventures. However, the type of activities and experiences that each park offers may be more suitable for different age groups.
Biscayne National Park offers a variety of activities that are perfect for families with young children. The park’s shallow waters and coral reefs make it a great place for snorkeling and swimming. Visitors can also take a guided tour on a glass-bottom boat, where they can see the park’s marine life without getting wet. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the easy and accessible Anhinga Trail which is great for families with young children.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park offers a wide range of activities that can be enjoyed by families with older children. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears, which can be seen on a guided tour or on a scenic drive. The park also offers more challenging hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s backcountry, such as the Fairy Falls Trail, which is a moderate hike with a beautiful waterfall at the end. Additionally, the park has geysers and hot springs that can be explored and seen up close.
In summary, both Biscayne National Park and Yellowstone National Park are family-friendly, but the activities and experiences that each park offers are more suitable for different age groups. Biscayne National Park is great for families with young children, while Yellowstone National Park is more suitable for families with older children and teenagers who are looking for more adventure.