If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Bryce Canyon National Park and Canyonlands National Park, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Table Of Contents
Bryce Canyon National Park Overview
Hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) exist on every continent, but here is the largest concentration found anywhere on Earth. Situated along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, the park’s high elevations include numerous life communities, fantastic dark skies, and geological wonders that defy description.
Canyonlands National Park Overview
Canyonlands invites you to explore a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. These areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, but each offers different opportunities for sightseeing and adventure.
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Bryce Canyon National Park Hiking Trails
Bryce Canyon National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails of varying difficulty that wind through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. For those looking for an easy hike, the Rim Trail provides panoramic views of Bryce Canyon without any significant elevation gain. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Fairyland Loop descends nearly 800 feet into the canyon, passing by towering hoodoos and colorful rock formations. And for those looking for an even greater challenge, the Peekaboo Loop climbs to the top of Bryce Point, providing hikers with an breathtaking birds-eye view of Bryce Canyon. No matter what your hiking level, Bryce Canyon National Park has a trail that’s perfect for you.
Best Hikes At Bryce Canyon National Park
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peekaboo Loop, Wall Street, and Rim Trails | 572.7192 | 5 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Yovimpa Point | 1.8288 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Paria View | 23.7744 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Rainbow Point, Yovimpa Point, and Bristlecone Loop | 36.8808 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Creek and Swamp Canyon Loop | 243.84 | 3 | loop | 4 |
| Hat Shop via Under the Rim Trail | 294.7416 | 3 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Piracy Point | 17.9832 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail | 189.8904 | 3 | loop | 5 |
| Under the Rim Trail: Bryce Point to Whiteman Bench | 945.7944 | 7 | point to point | 4 |
| Whiteman Bench to Mud Canyon Spring | 128.9304 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
Hiking Overview at Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with plenty of trails to suit all levels of ability. For those who are looking for an easy hike, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a great option. It’s only 0.5 miles long and takes around 30 minutes to complete. The trailhead is located near the Canyonlands Visitor Center, making it easy to find. For those who are looking for a more challenging hike, the Mesa Arch Trail is a great option. It’s 1.2 miles long and takes around 90 minutes to complete. The trailhead is located near the Grand View Point Overlook, making it easy to find. However, be aware that the last part of the hike involves scrambling over rocks, so it’s not suitable for everyone.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Canyonlands National Park
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confluence Overlook Trail | 409.956 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Maze Overlook Trail | 293.8272 | 3 | out and back | 5 |
| Lost Canyon | 238.9632 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Shafer Canyon Overlook | 13.716 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cave Spring Trail | 11.8872 | 3 | loop | 4 |
| Squawflat Trail to Lost Canyon Peekaboo Trail | 453.8472 | 5 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Murphy Trail Loop | 491.9472 | 5 | loop | 4.5 |
| Salt Creek and Horse Canyon OHV Trail | 279.8064 | 3 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devils Pocket Loop | 511.7592 | 3 | loop | 5 |
| Elephant Hill Trail | 221.8944 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from the small and elusive Pika to the majestic elk. With over 150 species of animals, Bryce Canyon is a veritable paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The park also boasts an impressive variety of plants, with over 1,000 different species. Whether you’re looking for a rare bird sighting or just want to enjoy the beauty of the natural world, Bryce Canyon National Park is sure to offer something for everyone.
Wildlife at Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Canyonlands is divided into three major ecosystems: desert, riparian, and canyon. The desert ecosystem is the most widespread, covering 60% of the park. In this arid environment, you can find plants such as cacti and Joshua trees. Animals that call the desert home include lizards, snakes, rabbits, and mice. The riparian ecosystem can be found near rivers and streams. Here you will find cottonwoods and willows as well as animals such as beavers, otters, and fish. The canyon ecosystem is the most diverse, with a variety of plant life including ferns, mosses, and wildflowers. Canyon animals include birds of prey, bats, and small rodents. No matter where you explore in Canyonlands National Park, you are sure to see a wide variety of plants and animals.
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Bryce Canyon National Park Weather Considerations
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwestern Utah, and it is known for its hoodoos. Hoodoos are formed when an area of rock is more resistant to erosion than the surrounding rock, and over time, the softer rock is worn away, leaving behind the more resistant rock. Bryce Canyon National Park has an average elevation of 8,000 feet, and as a result, the weather can vary considerably throughout the year. The park experiences cold winters with snowfall, and summers are typically hot and dry. Spring and fall are generally the best times to visit Bryce Canyon National Park because the weather is milder. Late summer and early fall can also be a good time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park because the hoodoos take on a reddish hue as the sun sets.
Canyonlands National Park Weather Considerations
Canyonlands National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The park is known for its stunning views of canyons, red rock formations, and desert landscapes. Canyonlands National Park is located in Utah, and its weather varies greatly depending on the time of year. The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring or fall. During these months, the weather is mild and the landscapes are beautiful. However, Canyonlands National Park can be extremely hot during the summer, and winter can bring cold temperatures and snow. As a result, Canyonlands National Park can be a great destination for all types of travelers.