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 Lassen Volcanic National Park are two unique and contrasting national parks located in the United States. Canyonlands is a breathtaking landscape of towering mesas and deep canyons, while Lassen Volcanic is a land of explosive geothermal activity and towering volcanic peaks. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the raw power and beauty of nature, but in very different ways. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or simply a lover of the great outdoors, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and inspire a sense of wonder. So grab your hiking boots, pack your camping gear, and get ready for an adventure like no other, as we explore the contrasts and similarities of Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both popular destinations for hiking, but they offer different types of trails and experiences.
At Canyonlands, hikers can choose from a variety of trails, ranging from easy scenic walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Mesa Arch Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the Upheaval Dome Trail, which takes visitors to an interesting geological formation. On the other hand, some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Chesler Park Loop, which is a strenuous 11-mile backcountry trek, and the Confluence Overlook Trail, which is a steep and challenging hike to the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers.
At Lassen Volcanic National Park, hikers can also choose from a variety of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Bumpass Hell Trail, which takes visitors to a large boiling mudpot, and the Devastated Area Trail, which offers views of the aftermath of the 1915 eruption. On the other hand, some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Lassen Peak Trail, which is a strenuous hike to the summit of the park’s largest volcano, and the Chaos Crags Loop, which is a challenging hike through a rugged and rocky landscape.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors, but Canyonlands may have more challenging backcountry hikes, while Lassen Volcanic may have more easily accessible trails with unique volcanic features.
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 Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife, but each park offers a unique set of species and habitats.
At Canyonlands, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including mule deer, coyotes, and desert bighorn sheep. The park is also home to several species of birds, including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and roadrunner. In addition, the park’s diverse landscape supports a variety of plant species, including cacti, yucca, and sagebrush.
In contrast, Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes and diverse range of habitats, including forests, meadows, and hot springs. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of mammals, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. The park is also home to several species of birds, including the Steller’s jay, the mountain bluebird, and the American dipper. In addition, the park’s unique volcanic environment supports a variety of plant species, including the mountain hemlock, the whitebark pine, and the red fir.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, from the desert landscapes of Canyonlands to the volcanic habitats of Lassen. Whether you’re interested in observing mammals, birds, or plants, both parks offer a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of America’s natural world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Lassen Volcanic 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 | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Raccoon |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Hoary Bat |
| Raccoon | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Mountain Lion |
| Porcupine | Mink |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mule Deer |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Fox |
| Red Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| House Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mountain Lion | Fringed Myotis |
| American Mink | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Yuma Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Bighorn Sheep |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Tailed Vole |
| American Badger | Ringtail |
| Ermine | Virginia Opossum |
| California Myotis | Wolverine |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Fathead Minnow |
| Bluegill | Golden Shiner |
| Fathead Minnow | Silver Salmon |
| Common Carp | King Salmon |
| Northern Pike | Mottled Sculpin |
| Speckled Dace | Speckled Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | Brown Bullhead |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Kingsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Nightsnake | Rubber Boa |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Striped Whipsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Western Whiptail |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Western Skink |
| Tree Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both home to a variety of breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that draw visitors from around the world.
Canyonlands National Park:
– The Needles: This area of the park is known for its towering spires of red rock that rise from the desert floor.
– The Maze: This remote and rugged area of the park is known for its labyrinth of canyons and rock formations.
– Grand View Point: This scenic overlook offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and mesas.
– Upheaval Dome: This unique geological feature is a large circular depression thought to have been created by a meteor impact.
Lassen Volcanic National Park:
– Lassen Peak: This towering volcanic peak is the centerpiece of the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
– Bumpass Hell: This geothermal area is known for its bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, a testament to the park’s volcanic activity.
– Manzanita Lake: This serene alpine lake is surrounded by towering peaks and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
– Kings Creek Falls: This scenic waterfall is a popular spot for picnicking and hiking.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a variety of landscapes and natural wonders for visitors to explore. From the towering spires of red rock in Canyonlands to the explosive geothermal activity in Lassen, these parks are sure to leave you in awe of the raw power and beauty of nature.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but each park offers a unique set of activities and experiences.
At Canyonlands, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. The park is known for its scenic drives, including the Shafer Trail and the White Rim Road, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In addition, visitors can explore the park’s canyons and mesas by boat or kayak on the Colorado River.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique volcanic landscapes and geothermal features. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The park is home to several popular trails, including the Lassen Peak Trail and the Bumpass Hell Trail, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and geothermal features. In addition, visitors can enjoy the park’s hot springs, including Boiling Springs Lake and Bumpass Hell, which are popular spots for soaking and relaxation.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, from scenic drives and hikes to boating and geothermal exploration. Whether you’re interested in exploring unique landscapes or enjoying outdoor recreation, both parks offer a chance to experience the beauty and excitement of America’s natural world.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park have different seasonal weather patterns, which can affect the best time of year to visit each park.
At Canyonlands, the weather is generally warm and dry in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Winter can be cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from the high 20s to low 30s. The park is most accessible in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the weather is generally dry. However, flash floods can occur during the summer monsoon season, making some trails and roads impassable.
At Lassen Volcanic, the weather is generally mild in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 70s. Winter can be cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from the high 20s to low 30s. The park is most accessible in the summer, when the snow has melted and the roads are open. However, the park’s higher elevation means that snow can persist into the summer in some areas, making some trails and roads impassable.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather. Canyonlands is best visited in the spring and fall, while Lassen Volcanic is best visited in the summer. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, regardless of the time of year they visit.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both beautiful national parks that offer a variety of activities for families to enjoy. However, each park has its own unique features that make it better suited for families in different ways.
Canyonlands National Park: This park is well-suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The park offers a variety of short and easy hikes, as well as scenic drives that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park also has several campgrounds, offering families the opportunity to experience the great outdoors and spend time together.
Lassen Volcanic National Park: This park is well-suited for families who enjoy exploring unique geological features and learning about the natural world. The park is home to a variety of geothermal features, including bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, which are sure to fascinate children and adults alike. The park also has several easy hikes and scenic drives, as well as picnic areas and campgrounds, making it a great option for families who enjoy spending time together in the great outdoors.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are family-friendly parks that offer a variety of activities for families to enjoy. However, Canyonlands is better suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, while Lassen Volcanic is better suited for families who enjoy exploring unique geological features and learning about the natural world.