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 Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most diverse and beautiful parks in the United States. From the vast canyons and towering mesas of Canyonlands to the towering peaks and glistening glaciers of Mount Rainier, these parks offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the country. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for a peaceful escape into nature, these parks have something to offer. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Canyonlands and Mount Rainier, comparing and contrasting the unique features and activities that make each park special. Get ready to be transported to two of the most breathtaking destinations in the United States!
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park both offer visitors a variety of hiking trails, but the types of trails and the hiking experiences they offer can be quite different.
At Canyonlands National Park, the trails range from easy walks to stunning overlooks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the short trails to viewpoints like Grand View Point and Green River Overlook, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. More challenging hikes in the park include the multi-day backpacking trips through the park’s remote canyons and mesas.
At Mount Rainier National Park, the trails range from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the trails to Paradise and Sunrise, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the mountain itself. More challenging hikes in the park include the multi-day backpacking trips and the climb to the summit of Mount Rainier, which requires technical mountaineering skills and proper equipment.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands and Mount Rainier National Parks offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for easy walks or challenging backcountry hikes, both parks are sure to provide a unique and memorable hiking experience. It’s important to note that visitors should always come prepared for their hikes, with proper equipment and supplies, and be aware of the conditions and challenges of the trails they plan to hike.
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 Mount Rainier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park both offer unique and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors.
Canyonlands National Park is home to a variety of animals, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. The park also offers birdwatching opportunities, with species such as golden eagles, turkey vultures, and red-tailed hawks commonly seen. The park’s arid climate supports a variety of plant life, including sagebrush, cacti, and various wildflowers.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, elk, and marmots. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with species such as the varied thrush, the American dipper, and the mountain bluebird commonly seen. The park’s temperate rainforest climate supports a variety of plant life, including Douglas fir, western hemlock, and Pacific yew.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors, but the type of wildlife and vegetation seen will depend on the park’s climate and geography. Whether you’re interested in desert wildlife, birdwatching, or temperate rainforest flora, these parks are both excellent destinations for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Barn Swallow | European Starling |
| Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
| Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Kestrel | American Pipit |
| Bald Eagle | Killdeer |
| Song Sparrow | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| European Starling | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Northern Pintail | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| American Wigeon | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Canyonlands National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Black-Tailed Deer |
| American Mink | Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Ermine |
| Long-Eared Myotis | California Myotis |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| Ermine | North American River Otter |
| California Myotis | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Coho Salmon |
| Bluegill | Chinook Salmon |
| Fathead Minnow | Mottled Sculpin |
| Common Carp | Slimy Sculpin |
| Northern Pike | Threespine Stickleback |
| Speckled Dace | Kokanee |
| Yellow Bullhead | Pink Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Dolly Varden |
| Kokanee Salmon | Cutthroat Trout |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Rubber Boa |
| 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 | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are both known for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
At Canyonlands, visitors can explore a landscape of towering mesas, deep canyons, and colorful rock formations. The most famous landscape in the park is the Island in the Sky mesa, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons and mesas. Other popular attractions include the Needles, a series of towering rock spires, and the Maze, a complex network of canyons and rock formations.
Mount Rainier National Park is famous for its towering peak, Mount Rainier, which stands at 14,410 feet and is one of the tallest mountains in the United States. The park is also home to numerous glaciers, including the largest glaciers in the contiguous United States. Visitors can take in the stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape from many different overlooks, including Sunrise, which is one of the most popular destinations in the park. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including the popular Paradise and Narada Falls.
Both Canyonlands and Mount Rainier offer visitors a chance to see some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park both offer a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy.
Canyonlands National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. Visitors can explore the park’s unique geology and scenic vistas on trails such as the Island in the Sky and the Needles, or take a scenic drive on the Shafer Trail. The park is also popular for its scenic overlooks, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Rainier National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscape on trails such as the Skyline Trail, the Wonderland Trail, or the Rampart Ridge Trail. The park is also a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, with several ski areas located near the park.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy, but the type of activities available will depend on the park’s climate and geography. Whether you’re interested in scenic drives, hiking, or skiing and snowboarding, these parks are both excellent destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park both experience seasonal weather changes that can greatly impact the best time of year to visit each park.
At Canyonlands National Park, the weather is relatively mild year-round, with warm temperatures in the summer and cool temperatures in the winter. The park is located in the desert, so visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s. The winter months can be cool, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to 50s. The park experiences very little precipitation throughout the year, so visitors can expect dry conditions during their visit.
At Mount Rainier National Park, the weather is much more variable, with heavy snowfall in the winter and mild temperatures in the summer. The park is located in the mountains, so visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and heavy snowfall during the winter months, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The summer months can be mild, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s. The park experiences significant precipitation throughout the year, with heavy rain and snowfall common, so visitors should be prepared for wet conditions during their visit.
In conclusion, the best time of year to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and precipitation is minimal. The best time of year to visit Mount Rainier National Park is during the summer, when temperatures are mild and snowfall is minimal. Visitors should always be prepared for the conditions they may encounter during their visit, regardless of the time of year, and should check the park’s weather forecast before their trip.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mount Rainier National Park both offer family-friendly activities, but each park has its own unique features that make it better suited for families in different ways.
Canyonlands National Park is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring unique landscapes. The park has several easy hikes and scenic drives that are suitable for families with children, including the Island in the Sky mesa, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons and mesas. Additionally, the park has several ranger-led programs and educational activities that are designed to engage and educate children about the natural world.
Mount Rainier National Park is also a great option for families, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic landscapes. The park has several easy hikes, including the popular Skyline Trail, which offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape. The park also has several ranger-led programs and educational activities, including the Junior Ranger program, which is a great way for kids to learn about the park and earn a badge.
In terms of which park is better for families, it ultimately depends on the interests and abilities of your family. Both Canyonlands and Mount Rainier offer a variety of family-friendly activities and stunning landscapes, so it’s a matter of personal preference. If your family enjoys outdoor activities and exploring unique landscapes, Canyonlands may be the better choice. If your family enjoys scenic hikes and learning about nature, Mount Rainier may be the better option.