Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park are two of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the chance to witness natural wonders that have been shaped by eons of geologic activity. While Bryce Canyon is known for its hoodoos, a unique rock formation that will leave you wondering how nature created such a masterpiece. On the other hand, Crater Lake is home to the deepest lake in the United States, formed by the collapse of a volcano and surrounded by cliffs that offer a breathtaking view. Each park has its own distinct charm and offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. If you’re looking for a vacation that combines natural beauty and adventure, then you can’t go wrong with either Bryce Canyon or Crater Lake National Park.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park both offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Bryce Canyon is known for its distinctive hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that are shaped by the forces of erosion. The park’s most popular hiking trail is the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape. Other popular trails include the Queens Garden Trail, which takes visitors through a valley of hoodoos, and the Peekaboo Loop Trail, which offers a strenuous hike with views of several hoodoos and other rock formations.
Crater Lake National Park is known for its deep, blue lake that is surrounded by towering cliffs. The park’s most popular hiking trail is the Rim Trail, which offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. Other popular trails include the Garfield Peak Trail, which offers a strenuous hike to the top of a peak with views of the lake and the surrounding landscape, and the Wizard Island Summit Trail, which takes visitors to the top of an island in the middle of the lake. The park also offers a few strenuous hikes like Cleetwood Cove Trail, which is the only trail that leads to the water’s edge.
Both parks offer a variety of trails for visitors of all skill levels, from easy, paved trails to strenuous, backcountry hikes. Bryce Canyon has a more diverse range of trails, with a variety of trails that offer different views of the hoodoos and rock formations, whereas Crater Lake mostly offers trails that offer views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail | 4184.284 | 189.8904 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Fairyland Loop Trail | 11909.116 | 469.6968 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Peekaboo Loop Trail | 8368.568 | 442.8744 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Navajo Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 139.9032 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 175.8696 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Sunset Point to Sunrise Point | 1770.274 | 24.9936 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail | 1609.34 | 35.9664 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Queen Victoria via Queen’s Garden Loop | 3379.614 | 123.7488 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Tower Bridge Trail | 5471.756 | 251.7648 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail) | 10138.842 | 456.8952 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but each park has its own unique collection of animals, birds, and plants. Understanding the wildlife that can be found at each park can help visitors plan their trip and make the most of their visit.
Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a variety of mammals, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears. Visitors may also spot smaller mammals such as chipmunks, ground squirrels, and marmots. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including the Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle, and the American Kestrel. The park also has a variety of plant species, with the most famous being the Bristlecone Pine, which is the longest-lived tree species on earth.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of mammals such as black bears, mountain lions, and Douglas squirrels. Visitors may also spot smaller mammals such as the American Marten and the American Pika. The park also has a variety of bird species, including the Bald Eagle, Osprey, and the Vaux’s Swift. The park also has a variety of plant species, with the most famous being the Whitebark Pine which is the park’s signature tree.
In conclusion, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park are home to a diverse array of wildlife, but each park has its own unique collection of animals, birds, and plants. Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a variety of mammals, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears, as well as a variety of bird species, and Bristlecone Pine. Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of mammals such as black bears, mountain lions, and Douglas squirrels, as well as a variety of bird species, and Whitebark Pine. Visitors should keep in mind the wildlife that can be found at each park when planning their trip to make the most of their visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Bryce Canyon National Park | Crater Lake 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 | Bald Eagle |
Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
Song Sparrow | European Starling |
European Starling | Northern Pintail |
Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
American Wigeon | American Pipit |
Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
Bryce Canyon National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
Bobcat | Bobcat |
Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
Raccoon | Raccoon |
Black Bear | Black Bear |
Porcupine | Porcupine |
Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
Red Fox | Red Fox |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
House Mouse | House Mouse |
Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
Mule Deer | Mink |
Common Gray Fox | Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer |
Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
Long-Eared Myotis | Wolf |
American Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
Ermine | Long-Eared Myotis |
California Myotis | American Badger |
Snowshoe Hare | Ermine |
Reptiles
Bryce Canyon National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
---|---|
Gophersnake | Western Terestrial Garter Snake |
Terrestrial Gartersnake | Racer |
Prairie Rattlesnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Rubber Boa |
Side-Blotched Lizard | Western Skink |
Nightsnake | Western Fence Lizard |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Tree Lizard | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink |
Fish
Bryce Canyon National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
---|---|
Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout | |
Brown Trout | |
Lake Trout | |
Silver Salmon | |
Kokanee Salmon | |
Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
Bryce Canyon National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
Tiger Salamander |
Insects
Bryce Canyon National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Honey Bee | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its hoodoos, a unique rock formation that is created by the erosion of soft limestone and sandstone. The hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that are arranged in horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters. The most famous of these is the Bryce Amphitheater, which is home to the largest collection of hoodoos in the park. Other notable landscapes in Bryce Canyon include the Wall of Windows, the Thor’s Hammer, and the Queen’s Garden.
Crater Lake National Park is known for its eponymous lake, which is the deepest lake in the United States. The lake is surrounded by steep cliffs and is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The park is also home to the collapsed volcano Mount Mazama, which formed the lake over 7,700 years ago. Other famous landscapes in Crater Lake include Wizard Island, a cinder cone island in the lake, and the Pinnacles, a group of spire-like rock formations created by volcanic ash.
Both parks also have several lookout points from where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Rim Village and Watchman Overlook.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both popular national parks that offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, each park has its own unique set of activities that are popular among visitors.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the most popular activities is hiking. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, paved trails to strenuous backcountry trails. Some of the most popular hikes include the Rim Trail, the Navajo Loop, and the Peekaboo Loop. Additionally, visitors can also take a scenic drive along the park’s 18-mile road, stopping at various overlooks to take in the stunning views of the park’s famous hoodoos.
At Crater Lake National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, but the most popular activity is sightseeing. The park’s main attraction is the Crater Lake, which is the deepest lake in the United States. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake or drive around the rim of the lake, stopping at various overlooks to take in the stunning views. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy hiking, with a variety of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, such as the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which is the only trail that leads to the lake.
In conclusion, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park are popular national parks that offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Bryce Canyon National Park is popular for its hiking trails, and scenic drive along the park’s 18-mile road. Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is popular for sightseeing, with the main attraction being the Crater Lake, and visitors can also enjoy hiking and boat tours. Visitors should keep in mind the popular activities at each park when planning their trip to make the most of their visit.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah, and the weather is typical of the high desert, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. During the summer, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the park can be quite crowded. Winter brings snow and sub-freezing temperatures, and the park’s facilities are often closed.
Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon and has a more moderate climate. The park’s elevation is over 6,000 feet, and temperatures are usually cool, even in the summer. The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is mild and the park’s facilities are open. Winter brings heavy snowfall and the park’s facilities are closed. Visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and possible snowfall even during the summer months.
In terms of hiking, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a diverse range of trails from easy rim walks to strenuous backcountry routes. The park’s main attraction is the spectacular hoodoos that can be seen from various overlooks along the rim. Crater Lake National Park offers a mix of easy and moderate hikes around the rim of the caldera, including the popular Cleetwood Cove trail, which is the only trail that takes visitors down to the lake shore. Overall, Crater Lake National Park is best for visitors who are seeking a more relaxed and scenic experience, while Bryce Canyon National Park is best for visitors who are looking for more strenuous and adventurous hikes.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park are family-friendly options for a vacation, but each park offers a different type of experience.
Bryce Canyon National Park offers a variety of well-maintained hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs. The park also has a Junior Ranger program for children to learn about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife. Additionally, Bryce Canyon has a visitors center where children can get their hands on educational materials and interactive exhibits.
Crater Lake National Park also offers hiking trails, but they are more rugged and the park is less developed compared to Bryce Canyon. The park is home to the deepest lake in the United States and surrounded by cliffs that offer a breathtaking view, also it has a Junior Ranger program and ranger-led programs. However, the park may not have as many accessibility options or activities specifically designed for children as Bryce Canyon.
Overall, Bryce Canyon National Park may be a better option for families with young children due to its well-maintained trails, accessibility, and educational activities. Crater Lake National Park may be more suitable for families with older children who are interested in rugged wilderness and backcountry hiking.