Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two national parks that offer vastly different landscapes and experiences. While Canyonlands is known for its red rock canyons and mesas, Guadalupe Mountains is famous for its towering peaks and rugged wilderness. If you’re looking for a desert adventure or a mountain escape, these two parks have something to offer. Whether you’re a hiker, a camper, or just a nature lover, these parks have something for everyone. Keep reading to find out more about the unique features of these two parks and what makes them special.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both known for their impressive hiking trails. In Canyonlands, visitors can explore the park’s canyons, mesas, and buttes on trails like the Island in the Sky, the Maze, and the Needles. Some of the easiest hikes in Canyonlands include the Grand View Point Trail and the Upheaval Dome Trail. The more challenging hikes include the Chesler Park Loop and the Druid Arch Trail.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged peaks and rugged terrain, making some of the hikes more challenging. The park’s most popular hike is the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which is an 8.4-mile round trip hike to the highest point in Texas. Other notable hikes include the McKittrick Canyon Trail and the Devil’s Hall Trail. Both of these hikes are considered moderate difficulty. The hardest hikes in the park include the Bowl Trail and the El Capitan Trail.
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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Canyonlands, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and many species of lizards and snakes. Birdwatchers may spot golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. The park is also home to a variety of plants such as yucca, cacti, and Joshua trees.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of animals such as black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, and many species of bats. Birdwatchers may spot golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. The park is also home to a variety of plants such as juniper, oak, and pinyon pine. The park is also home to the Guadalupe Mountains cacti which is a unique species of cacti found only in the park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains 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 | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Canyonlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Deer Mouse |
| Striped Skunk | Raccoon |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Deer Mouse | Porcupine |
| Raccoon | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Black Bear | Hoary Bat |
| Porcupine | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Red Fox | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Gray Wolf |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | American Badger |
| American Mink | California Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Fringed Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| American Badger | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
| Ermine | Bighorn Sheep |
| California Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Eastern Racer |
| Eastern Racer | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Prairie Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Desert Kingsnake |
| Common Kingsnake | Texas Night Snake |
| Nightsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Desert Striped Whipsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Big Bend Tree Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Glossy Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | American Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Ladies | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Canyonlands National Park, located in Utah, is known for its stunning canyons and mesas carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The park is divided into three districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. The Island in the Sky district offers breathtaking views from its mesa tops, including the famous Mesa Arch. The Needles district is named for its colorful spires and is popular for hiking and backpacking. The Maze district, the least accessible and most remote area of the park, is known for its challenging hiking and backpacking opportunities.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is known for its rugged mountains and diverse plant and animal life. The park’s main attraction is Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park also features the dramatic McKittrick Canyon, known for its fall foliage and the towering El Capitan, a massive limestone formation. The park also features a variety of hiking trails, including the challenging Guadalupe Peak Trail, which leads to the summit of Guadalupe Peak.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park both offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Canyonlands, popular activities include hiking, backpacking, and exploring the park’s many canyons and mesas. The park has several easy to strenuous trails, including the popular Island in the Sky and The Needles, which offer spectacular views of the park’s unique geology. Additionally, the park offers guided river trips, rock climbing and photography opportunities.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its hiking and backpacking trails, with the most popular trail being the Guadalupe Peak Trail which leads to the highest point in Texas. The park is also home to the McKittrick Canyon which offers visitors the chance to see the park’s fall foliage. Other activities include bird watching, stargazing, and ranger-led programs.
Both parks are popular with visitors who love outdoor activities and natural beauty, but Canyonlands offers a more diverse set of activities and landscapes, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park is more known for its hiking trails, particularly for Guadalupe Peak.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are located in different regions of the United States and have vastly different seasonal weather patterns.
Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah and has a desert climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can drop to freezing. The park receives very little rainfall, with the majority of it falling between July and September in the form of thunderstorms. The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring or fall when temperatures are milder and the park is less crowded.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in western Texas and has a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. The park receives more rainfall than Canyonlands, with the majority falling between April and October. The best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park is during the fall when temperatures are mild and the park’s foliage is changing colors.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park has hot summers and mild winters with minimal rainfall and best to visit in spring or fall. Guadalupe Mountains National Park has hot summers and cool winters with more rainfall, and the best time to visit is in the fall.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Both Canyonlands National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are great options for families, but they offer different types of experiences.
Canyonlands National Park is a large park with many different areas to explore, so it can be a bit more challenging to navigate with children. However, the Island in the Sky district is the most accessible and offers many short, easy hikes with great views. The park also offers ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities that can be a great way to engage children with the park’s natural and cultural resources. Overall, Canyonlands National Park is a great choice for families that enjoy hiking and outdoor activities and are looking for a bit more of an adventure.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more compact and easy to navigate, which can be more convenient for families with young children. The park offers many shorter trails, such as the Devil’s Hall Trail, that are great for kids and families. The park also offers ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities that can help kids learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources. Overall, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a great choice for families that want to experience the beauty of the mountains and enjoy some easy hikes with great views.
If you’re traveling with children, Guadalupe Mountains National Park might be a better option than Canyonlands National Park as it is more compact, easy to navigate, and more family-friendly. That being said, both parks are great for families and offer a lot of fun and educational opportunities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a park experience.