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 Isle Royale National Park offer vastly different experiences for visitors, yet both are equally stunning in their own ways. One is a desert landscape filled with towering sandstone spires and deep canyons, while the other is a remote island with dense forests, rugged cliffs, and crystal clear lakes. Whether you’re looking for a rugged adventure or a peaceful getaway, both of these national parks are sure to leave a lasting impression. So come along with us as we explore the unique natural wonders and recreational opportunities offered by Canyonlands and Isle Royale. Which park will you choose for your next adventure?
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both great destinations for hikers, but the hiking trails at these parks offer very different experiences.
Canyonlands National Park has a wide range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest trails in the park include the Mesa Arch Trail, which is a short and easy hike that offers great views of the surrounding landscape, and the Upheaval Dome Trail, which is a 2-mile round trip hike that leads to an interesting geologic feature. Some of the more challenging hikes in the park include the Chesler Park Loop, which is a strenuous 11-mile hike that takes hikers through a remote wilderness area, and the Lathrop Canyon Trail, which is a strenuous hike that leads to a remote and beautiful slot canyon.
Isle Royale National Park is an island wilderness area located in the middle of Lake Superior, and it is accessible only by boat or seaplane. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails, but the majority of them are rugged and remote, and they are not recommended for novice hikers. Some of the easiest trails in the park include the Minong Ridge Trail, which is a 2-mile round trip hike that offers great views of the surrounding landscape, and the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which is a 30-mile trail that travels the length of the island. Some of the more challenging hikes in the park include the Mount Desor Trail, which is a steep and strenuous hike that leads to the summit of the park’s highest peak, and the Feldtmann Lake Trail, which is a challenging hike that leads to a remote and beautiful lake.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty, with easy trails for novice hikers and challenging trails for experienced hikers, while Isle Royale National Park offers rugged and remote trails that are not recommended for novice hikers and are more challenging. Both parks offer great hiking experiences, but visitors should be aware of their own abilities and should choose trails that are appropriate for their level of hiking experience.
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 Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be commonly seen in each park are quite different.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the desert region of the southwestern United States and is home to a wide variety of desert animals such as desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, jackrabbits, and lizards. Birds such as golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures can be commonly seen soaring above the park’s canyons and mesas. The park also has a diverse array of plants, including cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is an island located in the middle of Lake Superior and is home to a wide variety of aquatic animals such as lake trout, lake sturgeon, and lake whitefish. The park is also home to a large population of moose, as well as wolves, foxes, and beavers. Birds such as common loons, great blue herons, and bald eagles can be commonly seen on the island. The park also has a diverse array of plants, including balsam fir, white spruce, and Canada yew.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park is home to a wide variety of desert animals, birds, and plants, while Isle Royale National Park is home to a wide variety of aquatic animals, birds, and plants. Both parks offer different types of wildlife experiences, but both are great choices for visitors interested in observing and learning about the unique wildlife of the region.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Black Bear | Red Fox |
| Porcupine | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mink |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Red Fox | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| House Mouse | North American River Otter |
| Mountain Lion | Canada Lynx |
| American Mink | Marten |
| Mule Deer | Moose |
| Common Gray Fox | Red Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Norway Rat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Southern Red-Backed Vole |
| American Badger | Northern Long-Eared Bat |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brown Trout | Coaster Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow |
| Fathead Minnow | Golden Shiner |
| Common Carp | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Speckled Dace | Ellpout |
| Yellow Bullhead | Coho Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Chinook Salmon |
| Kokanee Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Black Crappie | Slimy Sculpin |
| Black Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Mosquitofish | Black Crappie |
| Smallmouth Bass | Pink Salmon |
| Creek Chub |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two vastly different national parks that offer unique landscapes and natural wonders. Canyonlands National Park is located in Utah and is known for its vast canyons, mesas, and towering spires. The park is divided into four districts, each offering a different landscape experience. The most famous landscape of Canyonlands National Park is the Island in the Sky district, which offers breathtaking views of the canyons and mesas. Visitors can also explore the Needles district, which is known for its sandstone spires, and the Maze district, which is a rugged and remote landscape.
On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park is located in Michigan and is known for its rugged wilderness, remote islands, and beautiful lakes. The park is situated on an island in Lake Superior and is known for its dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged cliffs. The most famous landscape of Isle Royale National Park is the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, which offers beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding islands. Visitors can also explore the dense forests of the island and see a variety of wildlife, including wolves, moose, and beaver. Overall, both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the experience is different. Canyonlands is known for its vast and colorful canyons and mesas, while Isle Royale is known for its rugged wilderness and remote islands.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer a wide variety of activities for visitors, but they are quite different in nature.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the desert region of the southwestern United States and is known for its spectacular canyons, mesas, and red rock formations. The most popular activities at Canyonlands National Park include hiking, backpacking, camping, and sightseeing. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, including the famous White Rim Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s canyons and mesas. Other popular activities include rock climbing, mountain biking, and river rafting.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is an island located in the middle of Lake Superior and is known for its rugged wilderness, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. The most popular activities at Isle Royale National Park include hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, including the famous Minong Ridge Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the island’s rugged wilderness. Other popular activities include fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park offers activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, sightseeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and river rafting, while Isle Royale National Park offers activities such as hiking, camping, sightseeing, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Both parks offer different types of outdoor activities and experiences, but both are great choices for visitors looking to enjoy nature and explore the unique landscapes of the region.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park have very different weather patterns, which affects the best time of year to visit each park.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the desert region of Utah and has a warm and arid climate. Summer temperatures can be very hot, reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can be quite cold, dropping to below freezing at night. The best time of year to visit the park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s wildflowers and other plants are in bloom.
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and has a more moderate climate, with cool summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures typically range from the high 50s to the low 70s, while winter temperatures can drop to well below freezing. The best time of year to visit the park is during the summer, when the weather is mild and the island’s wildlife is most active. The park is closed during the winter and the access is limited during spring and fall.
In summary, the best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s wildflowers and other plants are in bloom. The best time to visit Isle Royale National Park is during the summer, when the weather is mild and the island’s wildlife is most active. Visitors should be aware of the different weather patterns at these two parks and plan their trip accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both great choices for families who want to experience the beauty of nature. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, there are some key differences to consider when choosing which park to visit with children.
Canyonlands National Park is a desert park that offers a wide variety of hiking trails, including some that are easy enough for children. The park also has a visitors center where children can learn about the geology, wildlife, and human history of the area. Families can also take a scenic drive to see some of the most famous landscapes in the park, like the Canyonlands Needles and the Island in the Sky.
Isle Royale National Park is a wilderness park that is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The park is known for its rugged terrain and remote wilderness, which can make it a challenging place to visit with children. The park has several easy hiking trails, but most are relatively short and not as strenuous as Canyonlands. The park also offers camping, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
Overall, Canyonlands National Park is more developed and easier to navigate than Isle Royale National Park, making it a better choice for families with younger children or those who are looking for a more traditional park experience. Isle Royale National Park is more secluded and rugged, and better suited for families with older children who are looking for a true wilderness experience.