Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of America’s most treasured national parks, each offering its own unique natural beauty and experiences. Imagine standing at the edge of a massive, colorful amphitheater of hoodoos at Bryce Canyon, and then picture yourself taking in the awe-inspiring geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features at Yellowstone. These two parks offer completely different but equally breathtaking landscapes, making it hard to choose just one to visit. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or just someone looking for a little adventure, both Bryce Canyon and Yellowstone have something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey through two of America’s most iconic national parks.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both known for their incredible hiking trails, offering visitors a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s famous hoodoos and red rock formations, as well as the Navajo Loop Trail, which takes hikers through a series of narrow slot canyons. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Fairyland Loop Trail is a popular 8-mile hike that takes hikers through a variety of different landscapes, including forests, meadows, and of course, the famous hoodoos.
Yellowstone National Park is also known for its incredible hiking trails, with something for hikers of all skill levels. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the boardwalk trail at the Old Faithful geyser, which offers visitors a chance to see the famous geyser up close while also taking in the surrounding landscape. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Heart Lake Trail is a popular 8-mile hike that takes hikers through a variety of different landscapes, including forests, meadows, and of course, the famous geysers and hot springs.
Overall, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer incredible hiking opportunities, but Bryce Canyon is known for its unique Hoodoos and red rock formations, while Yellowstone is known for its geysers and hot springs. Both parks are perfect for nature lovers and hikers of all skill levels, offering a wide variety of hiking trails and beautiful landscapes to explore.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife populations. At Bryce Canyon, visitors may see mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn, as well as smaller mammals like chipmunks, ground squirrels, and marmots. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the American goldfinch, mountain bluebird, and western tanager. Additionally, Bryce Canyon is home to a number of plant species, including wildflowers like the sego lily and the hooded phlox, as well as pinyon pine, juniper, and ponderosa pine.
Yellowstone National Park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, moose, wolves, and bears. Visitors may also see smaller mammals like beavers, otters, and martens, as well as a variety of bird species, including the sandhill crane, trumpeter swan, and bald eagle. The park is also home to a number of plant species, including wildflowers like the Indian paintbrush and the lupine, as well as lodgepole pine, aspen, and Douglas fir. While both parks are great for wildlife viewing, Yellowstone is known for its large mammals like bison, elk, and bears, and it has a greater variety of large mammals than Bryce Canyon.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | Badger |
| California Myotis | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | California Myotis |
Reptiles
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink |
Fish
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most iconic and beautiful national parks in the United States. Both parks boast incredible landscapes and natural wonders that will leave visitors in awe.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, visitors can marvel at the park’s famous hoodoos. Hoodoos are tall, spire-shaped rock formations that are unique to the park and are formed by the erosion of soft limestone. The park also offers beautiful views of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the most famous landscapes in the country. The park is known for its geysers, including Old Faithful, which erupts every hour or so. Visitors can also see beautiful hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves. Additionally, visitors can enjoy beautiful mountain ranges, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Both parks are a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different experiences.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, the main attraction is the unique hoodoos, or spire-shaped rock formations. Visitors can take in the views from various overlooks, go on ranger-led tours, and hike the various trails that wind through the hoodoos. The park also offers horseback riding and stargazing programs.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors. The park is known for its geysers, hot springs, and other hydrothermal features. Visitors can also see bison, elk, and other wildlife, and go on ranger-led walks and talks. The park also has a variety of hiking trails, some of which lead to waterfalls and other natural wonders. There are also opportunities for fishing, camping and backpacking, and even winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
In terms of family-friendly activities, both parks have something to offer. Bryce Canyon National Park has shorter, easier trails and ranger-led programs that are suitable for children. Yellowstone National Park offers a wide range of activities, including visitor centers, geyser basins, and wildlife viewing, that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both known for their beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife. However, the seasonal weather at these two parks is quite different, and this can affect the best time of year to visit each park.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is mild and the park’s famous hoodoos are most visible. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s, so it’s best to plan your hikes for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. In the winter, snow and ice can make some trails and roads impassable, so it’s best to check with park rangers before planning your visit.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park has a subalpine climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is mild and the park’s geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features are most active. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 80s, making it a perfect time to explore the park’s many hiking trails. In the winter, the park receives heavy snowfall, making it a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is best visited in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the park’s hoodoos are most visible. Yellowstone National Park is best visited in the summer when the weather is mild and the park’s geysers and hot springs are most active. If you’re looking for a winter adventure, both parks offer great opportunities for snow sports, but be sure to check with park rangers for road and trail conditions before planning your trip.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both family-friendly destinations, offering a variety of activities and natural wonders that appeal to visitors of all ages. However, each park offers a unique experience and may be better suited to certain types of families.
Bryce Canyon National Park offers a more compact and easily accessible experience, with a variety of short, easy hikes that lead to spectacular views of the park’s famous hoodoos. The park’s visitor center also offers ranger-led programs for children and families. The park’s location in southern Utah also makes it a great option for families interested in outdoor recreation and exploring the surrounding area.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is larger and offers a wider range of activities and natural wonders. The park is home to geysers, hot springs, and an abundance of wildlife, including bison, elk, and bears. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy boardwalks to more strenuous backcountry treks. The park’s size and remote location may make it more suitable for families with older children or those looking for a more rugged, backcountry experience.
Both parks are great options for families and the best choice will depend on the interests and abilities of the individual family. So, both parks can be a great destination for families, but the choice depends on your preferences.