Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most majestic and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique landscapes, recreational opportunities, and natural wonders that will leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a hiking enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, these two parks have something for everyone. Imagine towering red rock hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park, or a majestic mountain range in North Cascades National Park, and you’ll start to get an idea of the beauty that awaits you. Both parks offer visitors an opportunity to explore the wonders of nature and experience the great outdoors in all its glory. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to decide which park to visit first. But one thing is for sure, whichever park you choose, you will not be disappointed.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Bryce Canyon National Park has several hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Rim Trail, which offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rim of the canyon and take in the stunning views, and the Mossy Cave Trail, which is a short hike to a small waterfall and cave. The park also offers more challenging hikes, such as the Peekaboo Loop, which is a strenuous hike that takes visitors through a narrow slot canyon and offers views of the hoodoos, and the Fairyland Loop, which is an 8-mile hike that takes visitors through a variety of unique geological features.
North Cascades National Park has several hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Thunder Creek Trail, which is an easy hike that takes visitors along Thunder Creek, and the Cascade Pass Trail, which is a moderate hike that takes visitors to the top of Cascade Pass and offers views of the surrounding mountains. The park also offers more challenging hikes, such as the Sahale Arm Trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the top of Sahale Arm and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the Boston Basin Trail, which is a challenging hike that takes visitors through a remote wilderness area and offers views of several peaks in the park.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique rock formations and hoodoos, while North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and stunning mountain views. Both parks offer easy and strenuous hikes, visitors can choose the trails that suit their interests and abilities.
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 North Cascades National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors to these parks have the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals, birds, and plants that are unique to the region.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. Visitors may also spot smaller mammals such as the American marten, American pika, and the North American porcupine. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including the American dipper, the mountain bluebird, the western tanager, and the peregrine falcon. Additionally, visitors can also see a variety of reptiles, such as the Great Basin rattlesnake and the western whiptail lizard. The park also has a variety of plant life, including the Bryce Canyon phlox, the Bryce Canyon paintbrush, and the Bryce Canyon fir.
Similarly, visitors to North Cascades National Park can see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and lynx. Visitors may also spot smaller mammals such as the American marten, American pika, and the North American porcupine. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including the American dipper, the mountain bluebird, the western tanager, and the peregrine falcon. Additionally, visitors can also see a variety of reptiles, such as the Great Basin rattlesnake and the western whiptail lizard. The park also has a variety of plant life, including the North Cascades phlox, the North Cascades paintbrush, and the North Cascades fir.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park are both home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and plant life. Some of the animals that visitors can see in these parks include mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, black bears, mountain goats, and lynx. Both parks are also home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and plant life. Visitors should be aware that some of the animals in these parks can be dangerous if approached, and should always follow the park’s guidelines for viewing wildlife safely.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Bryce Canyon National Park | North Cascades 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
Bryce Canyon National Park | North Cascades 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 | Puma |
Mule Deer | Mink |
Common Gray Fox | Black-Tailed Deer |
Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
American Badger | Western Long-Eared Bat |
Ermine | Ermine |
California Myotis | California Myotis |
Snowshoe Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
Bryce Canyon National Park | North Cascades National Park |
---|---|
Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
Prairie Rattlesnake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Rubber Boa |
Side-Blotched Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
Nightsnake | |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Tree Lizard | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink |
Fish
Bryce Canyon National Park | North Cascades National Park |
---|---|
Brook Trout | Redband Trout |
Brook Trout | |
Largemouth Bass | |
Longnose Sucker | |
Lake Trout | |
Burbot | |
Silver Salmon | |
King Salmon | |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Longnose Dace | |
Threespine Stickleback | |
Kokanee | |
Pink Salmon | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
Bryce Canyon National Park | North Cascades National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | |
Tiger Salamander |
Insects
Bryce Canyon National Park | North Cascades National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Mourning Cloak | |
Silvery Blue | |
Clouded Sulphur | |
Honey Bee | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park are both known for their beautiful landscapes and natural features.
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique rock formations, called hoodoos. The hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that have been shaped by erosion. They come in a variety of colors and are best seen from the rim of the canyon. The park also offers several overlooks, such as Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunset Point, which provide visitors with stunning views of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape. The park also offers several hiking trails, such as the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden, which take visitors through the heart of the hoodoos and offer up-close views of these unique geological features.
North Cascades National Park is famous for its rugged wilderness and stunning mountain views. The park offers several mountain ranges, such as the North Cascades, the Picket Range, and the Skagit Range, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore remote wilderness areas and see a variety of peaks and glaciers. The park also offers several overlooks, such as Washington Pass Overlook, which provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the Diablo Lake Overlook, which offers views of the picturesque Diablo Lake. The park also offers several hiking trails, such as the Thunder Creek Trail and the Cascade Pass Trail, which take visitors through the heart of the wilderness and offer views of the surrounding mountains.
Both parks offer unique landscapes and natural features. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique hoodoos, while North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and stunning mountain views. Visitors can expect to see a variety of landscapes and natural features during a visit to either park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, sightseeing, and stargazing. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular trails include the Navajo Loop, the Peek-a-Boo Loop, and the Fairyland Loop. Visitors can also take in the breathtaking views from the park’s many overlooks, such as Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunset Point. The park is also a great spot for stargazing, as it has some of the darkest skies in the country.
Similarly, at North Cascades National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, camping, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. The park offers over 300 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular trails include the Cascade Pass Trail, the Maple Pass Loop, and the Thunder Creek Trail. Visitors can also enjoy camping in the park’s backcountry, as well as rock climbing on some of the park’s many peaks. Wildlife watching is also a popular activity, as the park is home to a wide variety of animals, including black bears, mountain goats, and lynx.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, camping, rock climbing, wildlife watching, sightseeing, and stargazing. Visitors should be aware that some activities may be seasonal and weather dependent, and should always check with the park service before planning their trip.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park have very different seasonal weather patterns.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park’s peak visitation season is during the summer months of June through September, with temperatures ranging from 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, with occasional thunderstorms, while winter brings occasional snow and temperatures ranging from 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, has a mountainous climate with cold winters and mild summers. The park’s peak visitation season is during the summer months of June through September, with temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter brings heavy snowfall and temperatures ranging from 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit, making the park difficult to access. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, but with the potential for snowfall and icy conditions.
In summary, the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park is during the summer months for comfortable temperatures and optimal hiking conditions. North Cascades National Park is best visited during the summer months for mild temperatures and accessible hiking trails, but also keep in mind the park’s heavy snowfall during the winter months which can make it difficult to access.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and North Cascades National Park are both family-friendly national parks, but they offer different types of experiences for families.
Bryce Canyon National Park is considered to be more family-friendly than North Cascades National Park. The park offers several easy hiking trails, such as the Rim Trail and the Mossy Cave Trail, which are suitable for families with young children. The park also offers several educational programs, such as ranger-led hikes and talks, that are designed to educate children about the park’s unique geology and history. The park also has several picnic areas and campground for families to enjoy. The park is also easily accessible by car, which can be a convenient option for families traveling with small children or elderly people.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged wilderness and may not be as family-friendly as Bryce Canyon National Park. The park offers several hiking trails, but many of them are considered strenuous and may not be suitable for families with young children. The park also has fewer facilities, such as campground and picnic areas. The park’s remote location can make it harder for families to access, which may not be ideal for families traveling with small children or elderly people.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is considered to be more family-friendly than North Cascades National Park because of its easy hiking trails, educational programs, and picnic areas. Families with young children may find it more enjoyable to visit Bryce Canyon National Park, while families with older children or adults who are looking for a more rugged wilderness experience may prefer North Cascades National Park.