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 Hot Springs National Park are two vastly different parks, each with their own unique beauty and experiences to offer. Imagine standing on the edge of a towering mesa, overlooking a vast expanse of canyons, buttes and spires at Canyonlands National Park, while on the other hand, imagine soaking in natural hot springs, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls at Hot Springs National Park. Both parks offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re looking for a rugged, backcountry adventure or a relaxing, rejuvenating retreat, these two parks have something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey as we explore the best of Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park both offer visitors a wide variety of hiking trails, but the types of hikes at each park are quite different.
Canyonlands National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, short hikes to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Grand View Point Trail and the Mesa Arch Trail, which offer spectacular views of the park’s landscape without much exertion. On the other hand, some of the more challenging hikes in the park include the Chesler Park Loop and the Elephant Canyon Trail, which are both multi-day backpacking trips that require a high level of fitness and experience.
Hot Springs National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, short hikes to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which offers a short, paved hike to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of the park. The Gulpha Gorge Trail, an easy hike that follows a creek and has a few waterfalls and historic bathhouses. On the other hand, some of the more challenging hikes in the park include the Sunset Trail, which is a steep, rocky trail that leads to the top of Hot Springs Mountain and the Goat Rock Trail, which is a steep, rocky trail that offers a challenging hike with great views.
In summary, both Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer visitors a wide variety of hiking trails, but the types of hikes at each park are quite different. Canyonlands National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, short hikes to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips, while Hot Springs National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, short hikes to steep, rocky trails that lead to the top of the mountain.
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 Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two very different parks with different types of wildlife. Canyonlands National Park is known for its desert landscape and the wildlife that can be found in this environment. Commonly seen animals include desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, golden eagles, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including lizards, snakes, and tortoises. Visitors may also see a variety of birds such as roadrunners, ravens, and cactus wrens. The park is also home to a variety of cacti, shrubs, and other desert plants.
On the other hand, Hot Springs National Park is known for its lush forest and the wildlife that can be found in this environment. Commonly seen animals include white-tailed deer, raccoons, and squirrels. The park is also home to a variety of birds such as woodpeckers, warblers, and vireos. Visitors may also see a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as water snakes and frogs. The park is also home to a variety of wildflowers, ferns, and other plants.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park is a great place to see desert wildlife and plants, while Hot Springs National Park is a great place to see forest wildlife and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Hot Springs 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
| Canyonlands National Park | Hot Springs 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 | Mink |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Fox |
| American Mink | North American River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | White-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Eastern Red Bat |
| American Badger | White-Footed Mouse |
| Ermine | Norway Rat |
| California Myotis | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Largemouth Bass | Bluegill |
| Green Sunfish | Fathead Minnow |
| Bluegill | Golden Shiner |
| Fathead Minnow | European Carp |
| Common Carp | Yellow Bullhead |
| Northern Pike | Graceful Catfish |
| Speckled Dace | Black Crappie |
| Yellow Bullhead | Black Bullhead |
| Channel Catfish | Mosquitofish |
| Kokanee Salmon | Creek Chub |
| Black Crappie | Brown Bullhead |
| Black Bullhead | Goldfish |
| Mosquitofish | Smallmouth Bass |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched 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 | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer a wide variety of landscapes and natural features to explore.
Canyonlands National Park is known for its stunning canyons, mesas, and spires. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers. The Island in the Sky district is the most popular, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons and mesas from several overlooks, including Grand View Point and Mesa Arch. The Needles district is known for its colorful sandstone spires and rock formations, as well as its extensive network of hiking trails. The Maze district is the least visited and most remote part of the park, known for its challenging backcountry hiking and rugged terrain. The rivers district, which includes the Green and Colorado rivers, offers opportunities for rafting and kayaking.
Hot Springs National Park is known for its natural hot springs and beautiful greenery. The park is home to 47 hot springs, which can be found along the Hot Springs Creek, which runs through the park. The most popular hot spring, Bathhouse Row, is a historic area with eight bathhouses, including the Fordyce Bathhouse, which now serves as the park’s visitor center. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, which offers a challenging hike to the summit of Hot Springs Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park also has several waterfalls, including the beautiful Gulpha Gorge Trail, which is a great way to see the park’s greenery and waterfalls.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park is famous for its stunning canyons, mesas and spires, while Hot Springs National Park is famous for its natural hot springs, beautiful greenery and waterfalls. Both parks offer a diverse range of landscapes and natural features to explore, making them perfect for visitors looking for an adventure in nature.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Canyonlands National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, backpacking, and off-roading. The park offers a variety of trails that range in difficulty, with options for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. The park’s rugged terrain and stunning views make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
At Hot Springs National Park, the most popular activities include visiting the hot springs, hiking, and exploring the historic bathhouses. The park’s hot springs have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries, and visitors can still experience the healing properties of the waters today. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the historic bathhouses, which were once used for public bathing.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park have very different climates and weather patterns, which affects the best time of year to visit each park.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the high desert of southern Utah and the park experiences hot summers and cold winters. The summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall are the best times to visit with milder temperatures and comfortable weather. Winter can be very cold with snow and ice on the trails, making it difficult to hike.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and has a more temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers. The park experiences the most moderate temperatures between March and May, and September and November. Summer months can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching into the 90s, and the park can be busy with tourists. Winter can be chilly, with occasional snow and ice on the trails, but it is also the time when the park is the least crowded.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park is best visited in the spring and fall, while Hot Springs National Park is best visited in the shoulder season of March to May and September to November. If you are planning to visit Canyonlands National Park, be prepared for hot summers, while Hot Springs National Park’s summer can be quite hot. Winter is not the best time to visit either park due to the cold temperatures and snow.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Hot Springs National Park are both great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors. However, each park offers a different type of experience and has its own set of family-friendly activities.
Canyonlands National Park is a great option for families looking for an adventure. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails, including several that are easy and suitable for children, such as the short hike to Mesa Arch or the hike to Upheaval Dome. The park also has several educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed for families. The Island in the Sky district offers many great overlooks where families can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding canyons and mesas.
Hot Springs National Park is a great option for families looking for a more relaxed and rejuvenating experience. The park’s hot springs are a great way for families to relax and unwind. The park also offers several easy hiking trails that are perfect for families, including the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, which offers a challenging hike to the summit of Hot Springs Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park also has a playground for children and several picnic areas where families can enjoy a meal together.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park is a great option for families looking for an adventure and outdoor activities, while Hot Springs National Park is a great option for families looking for a more relaxed and rejuvenating experience. Both parks offer a diverse range of activities that are suitable for families, making them perfect for visitors looking for an adventure in nature with the children.