Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both natural wonders that offer visitors a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of the American West. The first, Canyonlands, boasts an otherworldly landscape of deep canyons, towering mesas, and vibrant red rock formations that will leave you in awe. The second, Crater Lake, is a caldera lake formed by the collapse of a volcano and is known for its deep blue water and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to sightseeing and wildlife watching. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just looking to relax and take in the stunning scenery, Canyonlands and Crater Lake have something to offer for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through these two incredible national parks.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both known for their stunning natural beauty and hiking trails. However, the types of trails and difficulty levels vary between the two parks.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the desert region of southern Utah and offers a wide range of hiking trails that take visitors through canyons, mesas, and arches. Some of the easiest hikes at Canyonlands include the Island in the Sky Visitor Center Trail, which is a short, paved trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the park, and the Upheaval Dome Trail, which is a 2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to a unique geological formation. For more experienced hikers, the park offers longer and more strenuous trails such as the Chesler Park Loop, a 12-mile hike through a remote section of the park, or the Angels Landing, a strenuous and steep 5.4-mile round-trip hike with narrow ledges and steep drop-offs.
Crater Lake National Park, located in Oregon, is known for its stunning blue water and the caldera of an ancient volcano. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that vary in difficulty. Some of the easiest hikes at Crater Lake include the Rim Trail, a paved trail that circles the lake and offers stunning views, or the Discovery Point Trail, a short, steep hike that takes visitors to a viewpoint overlooking the lake. For more experienced hikers, the park offers longer and more strenuous hikes such as the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which descends steeply to the lake’s shore, or the Garfield Peak Trail, a challenging 8-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the top of the volcano.
Overall, Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels and interests, but Canyonlands is more remote and offers more strenuous hikes, while Crater Lake is more accessible and offers more easy hikes.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Arch Trail | 965.604 | 18.8976 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand View Point Trail | 2896.812 | 52.7304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chesler Park Loop Trail | 18668.344 | 589.788 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| False Kiva Trail | 3057.746 | 136.8552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail | 2414.01 | 91.7448 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Aztec Butte Trail | 2092.142 | 66.7512 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Druid Arch Trail | 15288.73 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Shafer Trail | 30899.328 | 949.7568 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| White Rim Overlook Trail | 2896.812 | 48.768 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Syncline Loop | 13840.324 | 496.824 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife, but they offer different types of wildlife experiences.
Canyonlands National Park, located in Utah, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the most commonly seen mammals in the park include mule deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. The park is also home to many species of birds, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons. Visitors may also see reptiles such as lizards and snakes, and amphibians such as toads and frogs. The park also has a wide variety of plant life, including Joshua trees, cacti, and sagebrush.
Crater Lake National Park, located in Oregon, is also known for its diverse wildlife. The park is home to many species of mammals, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. Visitors may also see many species of birds, such as ospreys, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to many species of fish and amphibians, including the introduced rainbow trout, and the native Cascades frogs. The park also has a wide variety of plant life, including Douglas fir, white bark pine and hemlock.
In summary, both Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife. Canyonlands is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse animal species, while Crater Lake is known for its beautiful lake and diverse plant and bird species. Both parks offer great wildlife watching opportunities, and the best option for you will depend on your personal interests and the time of year you plan to visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Crater Lake 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 | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Canyonlands National Park | Crater Lake 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 |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | American Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Bluegill | Silver Salmon |
| Fathead Minnow | Kokanee Salmon |
| Common Carp | Cutthroat Trout |
| Northern Pike | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Racer |
| Eastern Racer | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Western Skink |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer vastly different landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Canyonlands is known for its vast and rugged canyons, mesas, and buttes that have been shaped by the forces of erosion over millions of years. The park is divided into four districts, each offering unique and spectacular views. The Island in the Sky district offers panoramic views of the canyons and the Green and Colorado rivers, while the Needles district is known for its colorful sandstone spires. The Maze district is the most remote and rugged part of the park, and offers a true wilderness experience. On the other hand, Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the United States and one of the most pristine on Earth. The lake is surrounded by steep cliffs, and its deep blue water is a stunning contrast to the surrounding forested landscape. The park also offers several hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints of the lake and surrounding area. Both parks are must-sees for nature enthusiasts and offer a chance to experience the natural beauty of the American West in all its splendor.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer visitors a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
At Canyonlands National Park, popular activities include hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. Visitors can explore the park’s canyons, mesas, and buttes through a number of well-maintained trails, including the famous Chesler Park Loop and the Island in the Sky Trail. The park also offers opportunities for mountain biking and river rafting on the Colorado and Green Rivers.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is known for its spectacular views of the lake and its surrounding caldera. The park’s main attraction is the lake itself, which is the deepest in the United States. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, hike around the rim, or take a scenic drive. Other popular activities include fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter months. The park also has several campgrounds, picnic areas, and a visitors center.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, but the activities and landscapes are quite different. Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged and remote wilderness, while Crater Lake National Park is known for its iconic lake and recreational activities.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both known for their beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, but the weather and seasons at each park are quite different.
Canyonlands National Park, located in Utah, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park experiences a monsoon season from July to September, bringing thunderstorms and flash floods to the area. The best time to visit Canyonlands is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate, and the monsoon season has ended. This is also the best time for hiking, as the trails can be too hot during the summer months.
Crater Lake National Park, located in Oregon, has a subalpine climate with cool summers and cold winters. The park receives heavy snowfall during the winter months, making it inaccessible to visitors. The best time to visit Crater Lake is during the summer months, when the snow has melted and the weather is mild. This is also the best time for hiking, as the trails are open and accessible.
In terms of hiking, Canyonlands National Park offers a variety of trails that range from easy to strenuous, with options for both day and overnight hikes. The park is known for its backcountry trails that lead to remote canyons and mesas. Crater Lake National Park offers several hiking trails around the rim of the lake, as well as a steep trail that descends to the lake shore. The park is known for its steep terrain and stunning views of the lake.
Overall, Canyonlands National Park is best for visitors who enjoy hot weather and strenuous hikes, while Crater Lake National Park is best for visitors who enjoy milder weather and moderate hikes. Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, making them great destinations for different types of visitors.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both great options for families looking for a nature experience, but each park offers a different type of family-friendly experience. Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged and dramatic landscape, which provides opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and four-wheeling. The park has several family-friendly hikes including the short and easy Canyon Overlook Trail and the more strenuous Mesa Arch Trail. The park also has a Junior Ranger program to keep kids engaged and involved in their park experience. However, Canyonlands National Park is a large park and can be hard to navigate with young children.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning lake and surrounding caldera. The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as swimming, fishing, and boat tours on the lake. There are several easy hikes that offer great views of the lake, including the Rim Trail and the Discovery Point Trail. The park also has a Junior Ranger program and a variety of ranger-led activities to keep kids engaged and learning. In general, Crater Lake National Park is considered a more family-friendly park than Canyonlands National Park, as it has more amenities and facilities for children and families.