Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer visitors two completely different experiences, but both are equally breathtaking and awe-inspiring. Imagine standing at the rim of a giant natural amphitheater, gazing down at a sea of orange and red hoodoos carved by time and the elements. Now imagine standing on the edge of an active volcano, surrounded by steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pots. These are the sights that await you at Bryce Canyon and Lassen Volcanic National Parks. Both parks boast unique geologic wonders, a wide variety of wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. So whether you’re a fan of fiery volcanic landscapes or colorful hoodoos, these two parks are sure to leave you speechless. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Bryce Canyon and Lassen Volcanic National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, making them ideal for visitors of all skill levels.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Trail, a paved path that offers stunning views of the park’s famous hoodoos, and the Queens Garden Trail, a 1.8-mile trail that leads to the base of the park’s largest hoodoo. For those looking for a slightly more challenging hike, the Navajo Loop Trail offers a 1.3-mile loop that takes visitors through a narrow slot canyon and past several hoodoos.
Lassen Volcanic National Park also offers a variety of hiking trails, with easy and moderate options for visitors. The Lassen Peak Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, and it’s a moderate hike that is 5.4 miles round trip. The park also offers several easy hikes, such as the Bumpass Hell Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip trail that takes visitors to a hydrothermal area. The park also offers a variety of backcountry hikes, including the Summit Lake North Trail and the Brokeoff Mountain Trail, which are considered to be the most challenging hikes in the park.
In conclusion, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. Bryce Canyon National Park has a few easy hikes that take visitors to the park’s famous hoodoos and other geological features, while Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a variety of easy and moderate hikes that take visitors to hydrothermal areas and the park’s volcano. So, hikers can choose from either park based on their own preferences and skill level.
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 Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are home to a diverse array of wildlife, each park offering unique opportunities for viewing and observing different species.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and pronghorn. Visitors may also see black bears, foxes, coyotes, and mountain lions. Birds such as the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and great horned owl can also be seen. The park also has a variety of small mammals like the American marten, red squirrels, and beavers. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including lizards and snakes.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and marmots. Visitors may also see beavers, otters, and muskrats along the park’s many creeks and lakes. Lassen is also home to a number of bird species including the Steller’s Jay, Pygmy Owl, and White-headed Woodpecker. The park’s alpine meadows are also home to a variety of wildflowers, including lupine, Indian paintbrush, and mountain heather. The park also has a variety of small mammals like the American marten, red squirrels, and beavers.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and pronghorn, black bears, foxes, coyotes, and mountain lions, birds such as the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and great horned owl, and a variety of small mammals like the American marten, red squirrels, and beavers. Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to a variety of wildlife including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and marmots, beavers, otters, and muskrats, birds such as Steller’s Jay, Pygmy Owl, and White-headed Woodpecker, wildflowers, and a variety of small mammals like the American marten, red squirrels, and beavers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Lassen Volcanic 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
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Raccoon |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Hoary Bat |
| Raccoon | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Mountain Lion |
| Porcupine | Mink |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mule Deer |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Fox |
| Red Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| House Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mountain Lion | Fringed Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Common Gray Fox | Yuma Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Bighorn Sheep |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Montane Shrew |
| American Badger | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Ermine | Ringtail |
| California Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Snowshoe Hare | Wolverine |
Reptiles
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Racer |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Tree Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Western Whiptail | Striped Whipsnake |
| Western Skink | Western Whiptail |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Amphibians
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion. These hoodoos are most notable in the park’s main attraction, the Bryce Amphitheater, where visitors can hike along the rim and take in the stunning views of the colorful hoodoos below. Other notable landscapes in the park include the Mossy Cave Trail, which features a waterfall and lush greenery, and the Rainbow Point, which offers panoramic views of the park and surrounding area.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, including the active volcano Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915. Visitors can hike to the summit of the peak and see the evidence of past volcanic activity, such as fumaroles and hot springs. The park also features other volcanic features such as Bumpass Hell, a large hydrothermal area with bubbling mud pots, and the Devastated Area, a stark landscape created by the eruption of Lassen Peak. Additionally, there are also several beautiful lakes, and forests in the park, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities.
Both parks offer unique and diverse natural landscapes that would leave an unforgettable experience for visitors. While Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its hoodoos, Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, making them both perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both known for their natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. At Bryce Canyon, one of the most popular activities is hiking. The park features a variety of trails that wind through the colorful rock formations and offer stunning views of the canyon. The Navajo Loop Trail and the Queen’s Garden Trail are two of the most popular hikes, offering visitors a chance to see the iconic hoodoos up close. Other popular activities at Bryce Canyon include ranger-led tours, stargazing, and horseback riding.
At Lassen Volcanic National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and backpacking. The park is home to an active volcano, Mount Lassen, and visitors can hike to the summit for a unique experience. The park also offers a variety of other hiking trails, including the Bumpass Hell Trail, which takes visitors through a volcanic area with colorful hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. Other popular activities at Lassen Volcanic National Park include exploring the park’s lakes and streams, ranger-led programs, and scenic drives.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are located in different regions of the United States and have different weather patterns. The best time to visit each park depends on the individual’s preferences and the activities they plan to do while visiting.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. The park’s elevation ranges from 6,620 to 9,115 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect season for hiking and exploring the park’s many trails. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a great time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring and fall are also great seasons to visit with mild temperatures and colorful foliage.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, has a subalpine climate with cold winters and mild summers. The park’s elevation ranges from 4,000 to 10,457 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures can reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect season for hiking and exploring the park’s many trails. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and the park receives a lot of snowfall, making it a great time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring and fall are also great seasons to visit with mild temperatures and colorful foliage.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. The park’s elevation ranges from 6,620 to 9,115 feet above sea level. Summer is the perfect season for hiking and exploring the park’s many trails. Winter is a great time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring and fall are also great seasons to visit with mild temperatures and colorful foliage. Lassen Volcanic National Park has a subalpine climate with cold winters and mild summers. The park’s elevation ranges from 4,000 to 10,457 feet above sea level. Summer is the perfect season for hiking and exploring the park’s many trails. Winter is a great time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring and fall are also great seasons to visit with mild temperatures and colorful foliage.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both family-friendly, but they offer different types of experiences. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its scenic views and hiking trails, while Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its geothermal activity and volcanic landscapes.
If you’re traveling with children, Bryce Canyon National Park may be a better option as it offers a variety of easy hikes and scenic drives that are suitable for families. The park also has a Junior Ranger program for children to participate in. Lassen Volcanic National Park also offers easy hikes, but it also has more strenuous hikes and the park’s geothermal activity may not be suitable for young children.