Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Imagine standing at the rim of a massive red rock amphitheater, surrounded by towering spires and hoodoos, that’s what you’ll experience when you visit Bryce Canyon National Park. On the other hand, Mesa Verde National Park offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the area over 700 years ago. The park is home to some of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in the world, and visitors can explore them through guided tours. Both parks are a must-see destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking natural beauty, or to discover ancient civilization, these two parks have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
Bryce Canyon National Park has trails that range from easy to strenuous, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Some of the easiest hikes include the Navajo Loop Trail, which is a 1.3-mile hike that offers great views of the park’s hoodoos, and the Peekaboo Loop Trail, which is a 2.9-mile hike that takes visitors through a narrow slot canyon. On the other hand, some of the most strenuous hikes include the Riggs Spring Loop Trail, which is a 7.4-mile hike that takes visitors to the bottom of the canyon, and the Fairyland Loop Trail, which is an 8-mile hike that takes visitors through a diverse landscape of rock formations, forests, and meadows.
Mesa Verde National Park has a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate. Some of the easiest hikes include the Spruce Tree House Trail, which is a 0.3-mile hike that takes visitors to one of the park’s well-preserved cliff dwellings, and the Point Lookout Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike that offers great views of the park’s mesa top. On the other hand, some of the most strenuous hikes include the Petroglyph Point Trail, which is a 2.6-mile hike that takes visitors to a rock art site, and the Prater Ridge Trail, which is a 3-mile hike that takes visitors to the top of a mesa for panoramic views of the park.
Overall, both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to choose from, but for those looking for a physically demanding hike, Bryce Canyon National Park may have more challenging options.
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 Mesa Verde National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroglyph Point Trail | 4184.284 | 131.9784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cliff Palace Loop Trail | 643.736 | 25.908 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balcony House Loop Trail | 643.736 | 27.7368 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail | 3379.614 | 161.8488 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Soda Canyon Overlook Trail | 1931.208 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | 24140.1 | 797.9664 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Long House Trail | 3379.614 | 86.868 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Step House Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Knife Edge Trail | 3218.68 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Prater Ridge Trail | 11748.182 | 311.8104 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park both offer a diverse array of wildlife for visitors to observe.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, visitors may see mammals such as mule deer, mountain lions, and elk. Birds such as the American dipper, the mountain bluebird, and the common raven are also commonly seen in the park. Additionally, visitors can also see a variety of reptiles, including the garter snake and the western fence lizard.
Mesa Verde National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife as well. Visitors can see mammals such as the black bear, elk, and mule deer. Birds such as the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the turkey vulture are also commonly seen in the park. The park also has a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the western fence lizard, the garter snake, and the canyon treefrog.
Both parks are also home to a diverse array of plant life. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forests, while Mesa Verde National Park is known for its Pinyon Pine and Juniper Woodlands. Both parks also have a variety of wildflowers, cacti and succulents, and shrubs that can be seen depending on the season.
Overall, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer a diverse array of wildlife and plant life for visitors to observe. Each park has its own unique set of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Mesa Verde 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 | Mesa Verde 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 |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Wolf |
| American Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Ermine | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | Badger |
| Snowshoe Hare | Ermine |
Reptiles
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Mesa Verde 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 | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Western Whiptail | Milksnake |
| Western Skink | Striped Whipsnake |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Fish
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout |
Amphibians
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both known for their unique and spectacular landscapes.
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that have been formed by the erosion of the Claron Formation. Visitors can see these hoodoos from several viewpoints along the park’s rim, including Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. The park also has a variety of natural arches, including the Natural Bridge and the Wall of Windows. Additionally, the park has a diverse landscape that includes forests, meadows, and creeks.
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its cliff dwellings, which are ancient houses that were built by the Ancestral Puebloans more than 700 years ago. Visitors can see these cliff dwellings up close on guided tours of Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, and Balcony House. The park also has a variety of natural arches and overlooks, including the Sun Point Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the park’s mesa top. Additionally, the park has a diverse landscape that includes canyons, mesa tops, and forests.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to see unique and spectacular landscapes and natural features like mountain ranges, overlooks, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Depending on what you’re looking to see, either Bryce Canyon National Park or Mesa Verde National Park can offer a great experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both popular national parks in the United States, known for their unique landscapes and rich cultural history. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but some activities are more popular than others.
One of the most popular activities at Bryce Canyon National Park is hiking. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some popular hikes include the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the hoodoos, and the Fairyland Loop Trail, which takes visitors through a colorful landscape of hoodoos, fins, and natural bridges.
Another popular activity at Bryce Canyon National Park is ranger-led programs. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, campfire talks, and stargazing programs. These programs are a great way to learn more about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife.
In contrast, one of the most popular activities at Mesa Verde National Park is touring the cliff dwellings. Visitors can see the ancient houses that were built by the Ancestral Puebloans more than 700 years ago, by taking guided tours of Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, and Balcony House. These tours give visitors a chance to learn about the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans and see the impressive architecture of the cliff dwellings up close.
Another popular activity at Mesa Verde National Park is hiking. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some popular hikes include the Petroglyph Point Trail, which offers great views of the park’s mesa top, and the Prater Ridge Trail, which takes visitors through a colorful landscape of wildflowers and cacti.
Overall, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its hiking trails and ranger-led programs, while Mesa Verde National Park is known for its cliff dwellings tours and hiking trails. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore unique landscapes and learn about the history and culture of the area.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park have different weather patterns due to their distinct geographical locations.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The summer months of June, July and August tend to be the hottest with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The park also receives very little rainfall during this time. Winter months, December, January and February, are cold with temperatures dropping to below freezing and occasional snowfall. Spring and fall are the best times to visit with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and mild weather.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, has a more moderate climate with cool summers and mild winters. The summer months of June, July and August tend to be the warmest with temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The park also receives moderate rainfall during this time. Winter months, December, January and February, are mild with temperatures dropping to below freezing and occasional snowfall. Spring and fall are the best times to visit with temperatures in the 60s and 70s and mild weather.
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park would be Spring and Fall, while the best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park would be during the Summer months, as the park’s ancient cliff dwellings are open to visitors during that time.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are family-friendly, but they offer different types of experiences and activities that cater to different age groups and interests.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations that children might find interesting to explore. The park also offers a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails, as well as a shuttle service that allows families to see the park without having to walk much. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities that can be enjoyable for kids.
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its ancient cliff dwellings and its cultural significance. Children might find the park’s history and archaeology interesting and educational. The park offers a variety of guided tours that take visitors to the cliff dwellings, which are very informative and safe for children. There are also several hiking trails, picnic areas and educational program for kids that can make the experience enjoyable for them.
Overall, if you’re traveling with children, Bryce Canyon National Park might be a better option if your children are interested in outdoor activities and nature, while Mesa Verde National Park might be a better option if they are interested in history and archaeology.