Canyonlands National Park vs New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

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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 vs New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most breathtaking parks in the United States, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re an adventurous hiker, a nature lover, or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, these parks are sure to captivate and inspire you. From the breathtaking canyons of Canyonlands to the awe-inspiring cliffs of the New River Gorge, these parks are home to some of the most iconic and breathtaking landscapes in the country. Get ready to be transported to another world as we explore the many wonders of Canyonlands and New River Gorge.

Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a diverse range of hiking trails for visitors to explore.

Canyonlands National Park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Grand View Point Trail and the Upheaval Dome Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging backcountry hikes, such as the Chesler Park Loop and the Druid Arch Trail, which provide a true backcountry experience.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve also offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Endless Wall Trail and the Long Point Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the New River Gorge. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging backcountry hikes, such as the Arrowhead Trail and the Kaymoor Trail, which provide a true backcountry experience.

In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, these parks have something for everyone.

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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

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 4.6

Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer unique wildlife experiences.

Canyonlands National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and coyotes. The park is also a great place to see birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, and other bird species, including the canyon wren and the western tanager. The park’s unique landscape, including its canyons and mesas, provides habitat for a variety of plant species, including cacti, yucca, and other desert plants.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and river otters. The park is also a great place to see a variety of bird species, including the pileated woodpecker, the red-tailed hawk, and the Baltimore oriole. The park’s lush forests and streams provide habitat for a variety of plant species, including ferns, wildflowers, and deciduous trees.

In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique wildlife experiences and are great places to see a variety of animals, birds, and plants. Whether you’re interested in desert wildlife or forest wildlife, both parks have something to offer.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Canyonlands National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Northern Leopard Frog Tiger Salamander
Tiger Salamander
American Bullfrog
Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Canyon Treefrog

Insects

Canyonlands National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mourning Cloak
Cabbage White
Silvery Blue
Purplish Copper
Anise Swallowtail

Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Canyonlands National Park is known for its vast canyons, mesas, and buttes that offer breathtaking views and unique landscapes. The park is divided into four districts, each with its own unique features. The Island in the Sky district features towering cliffs and mesas that offer panoramic views of the surrounding canyons. The Needles district is famous for its towering sandstone spires and rock formations, while the Maze district is known for its challenging hiking trails and remote backcountry. The most famous landscape in Canyonlands is the Grand View Point Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and mesas.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is famous for its stunning cliffs and rugged beauty. The park is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the western hemisphere, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including the stunning Kaymoor Falls, which cascades down a series of cliffs and into the New River Gorge. The park is also known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, river otters, and white-tailed deer. The most famous landscape in New River Gorge is the Endless Wall Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the New River Gorge and the surrounding cliffs.

Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a range of popular activities for visitors.

At Canyonlands National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, and camping. The park’s unique landscape, including its canyons, mesas, and rock formations, provides opportunities for scenic drives, scenic overlooks, and stunning views. Visitors can also enjoy river-based activities, such as rafting and kayaking, on the Colorado and Green rivers that run through the park.

At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing, with over 1,400 established climbing routes and stunning views from the top of the cliffs. The park’s New River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking, and visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, scenic overlooks, and stunning views of the park’s beautiful forests and streams.

In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a range of popular activities for visitors, including outdoor activities, scenic drives and overlooks, and river-based activities. Whether you’re interested in hiking, camping, rock climbing, or rafting, both parks have something to offer.

Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both have unique weather patterns that affect when is the best time of year to visit.

Canyonlands National Park is located in the high desert of southeastern Utah, and experiences a typical desert climate. The park is hot and dry in the summer, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, and can be quite cool in the winter, with nighttime temperatures often dropping below freezing. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as temperatures are more moderate and there is less risk of extreme heat or cold.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, and experiences a typical temperate climate. The park is warm and humid in the summer, with temperatures often in the 80s and 90s, and can be quite cold in the winter, with temperatures often below freezing. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as temperatures are more moderate and there is less risk of extreme heat or cold.

In conclusion, the best time to visit both Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve depends on the weather and your personal preferences. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures and less risk of extreme heat or cold, while summer and winter offer more extreme weather conditions.

Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Both Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique experiences for families, but the best park for families with children will depend on their interests and abilities.

Canyonlands National Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs. The park’s Island in the Sky district is particularly accessible, with several easy hikes and scenic overlooks that offer stunning views of the surrounding canyons. Families can also explore the park’s campgrounds, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs, making Canyonlands a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The park is also home to several family-friendly trails, including the Grandview Overlook Trail, which offers stunning views of the New River Gorge. Additionally, the park’s campgrounds and picnic areas offer a great opportunity for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great options for families with children, but the best park for families will depend on their interests and abilities.

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