Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most stunning national parks in the United States, each with its own unique set of natural wonders. Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its hoodoos – tall, thin spires of rock that are formed by erosion. Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its lush forests and cascading waterfalls. Imagine hiking through a sea of hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park, and then taking a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, admiring the stunning views of Shenandoah National Park. Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience nature at its finest, but in vastly different ways. Whether you’re looking for a rugged hiking adventure or a peaceful drive, these two parks have something for everyone. So pack your bags and let’s explore the natural beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park together!
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for hikers, but they offer very different experiences. Bryce Canyon is known for its colorful hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations that tower over the landscape. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy, paved walks to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the most popular hikes at Bryce Canyon include the Queen’s Garden Trail, which takes you through a maze of hoodoos, and the Navajo Loop Trail, which descends into the heart of the hoodoo formations.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and is known for its scenic drives and beautiful views. The park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy, wheelchair-accessible trails to strenuous, mountain-top hikes. Some of the most popular hikes at Shenandoah include the Old Rag Mountain hike, which is a challenging, 8.5-mile hike that takes you to the summit of Old Rag Mountain, and the Whiteoak Canyon hike, which is a beautiful, 6-mile hike that takes you through cascading waterfalls.
Both parks have their own unique set of trails, easy and strenuous, Bryce Canyon has a more strenuous set of hikes with the hoodoos being the main attraction and Shenandoah has a more diverse set of hikes with scenic drives and beautiful views being the main attraction.
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 Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Bryce Canyon, visitors may see animals such as mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional mountain lion or bear. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the American dipper, the peregrine falcon, and the common raven. Additionally, Bryce Canyon is home to a wide range of plant life, including pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
Shenandoah National Park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors may see animals such as black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and even the occasional coyote. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds, including the pileated woodpecker, the red-tailed hawk, and the scarlet tanager. Additionally, Shenandoah is home to a wide range of plant life, including oak, hickory, and tulip poplar trees.
In terms of wildlife, both parks offer a diverse array of animals and birds to see, and both parks have a wide range of plant life. However, Bryce Canyon is known for its hoodoos and colorful rock formations, while Shenandoah National Park is known for its beautiful fall foliage and scenic drives.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Shenandoah 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 | Shenandoah 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 | 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 | Gray Fox |
| Mule Deer | River Otter |
| Common Gray Fox | Masked Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Water Shrew |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| American Badger | White-Tailed Deer |
| Ermine | Virginia Opossum |
| California Myotis | Marten |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Reptiles
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Black Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Milksnake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Nightsnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink |
Fish
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Common Carp | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that are formed by erosion. The park’s main attraction is the Bryce Amphitheater, a natural amphitheater filled with thousands of hoodoos. The park also offers several scenic drives and hikes, including the popular Queen’s Garden Trail and Navajo Loop Trail, which offer spectacular views of the hoodoos. Other natural features of the park include the Natural Bridge, a natural arch carved out of the rock by water erosion, and the Thor’s Hammer, a unique hoodoo formation.
Shenandoah National Park is known for its beautiful landscapes and scenic drives. The park’s main attraction is the Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that runs the length of the park and offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the popular Old Rag Mountain Trail, which offers a challenging hike with breathtaking views. Other natural features of the park include the Dark Hollow Falls, a 70-foot waterfall, and the Rapidan Camp, a historic presidential retreat. The park is also known for its diverse wildlife, including deer, black bear, and wild turkey.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different types of experiences.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, the main attraction is the hoodoos, which are unique rock formations that are the result of millions of years of erosion. Visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon to see these hoodoos up close or take a scenic drive along the 18-mile road that runs through the park. Other popular activities at Bryce Canyon National Park include stargazing, horseback riding, and ranger-led programs.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. The park is home to over 200 species of birds and more than 50 species of mammals. Visitors can hike on more than 500 miles of trails, including the famous 101-mile long Skyline Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Other popular activities at Shenandoah National Park include camping, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks have easy hikes and ranger-led programs that are suitable for children, but Shenandoah National Park may be more popular for families because of its diversity of activities, such as picnicking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park have different seasonal weather patterns that affect when the best time of year to visit each park is.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in the high desert of southern Utah, and the weather is generally mild in the spring and fall, with warm temperatures in the summer and cold temperatures in the winter. The park is best visited in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. During the summer months, the park can get quite hot, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it less ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. Winter is also a less popular time to visit, as the park can get quite cold and snow can make it difficult to access certain areas of the park.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, and the weather can be quite different. Spring is a popular time to visit as the park is known for its wildflowers and foliage, but the park can also be quite wet. Summer is also a popular time to visit, with warm temperatures and a chance to cool off in the park’s many streams and waterfalls. Fall is also a popular time to visit, with the park’s foliage changing color and providing spectacular views. Winter can be a less popular time to visit, as the park can get quite cold and snow can make it difficult to access certain areas of the park.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is best visited in the spring or fall, while Shenandoah National Park is good to visit in spring, summer and fall.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both great options for families, each offering unique experiences for visitors of all ages.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, families can explore the park’s famous hoodoos, colorful rock formations that tower over the landscape. There are also several easy hikes, such as the Rim Trail, that offer stunning views of the hoodoos. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs and educational activities that are designed to be fun and engaging for kids.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The park has over 500 miles of hiking trails, many of which are suitable for families. The park also has a scenic drive, Skyline Drive, that winds through the park and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Additionally, the park has campgrounds and picnic areas that are perfect for families.
Both parks are family-friendly and offer great opportunities for outdoor activities and nature exploration. The best park for your family will depend on your specific interests and preferences. If your family is interested in unique rock formations, Bryce Canyon National Park is the best option. If you prefer a more laid-back outdoor experience, Shenandoah National Park might be a better fit.