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 North Cascades National Park are two of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. They both offer unique and diverse landscapes, breathtaking views, and endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks have something to offer for everyone. So, buckle up and get ready for a comparison of two of the most beautiful and diverse parks in the country. Get ready to be amazed as we explore the rugged canyons of Canyonlands National Park and the towering peaks of North Cascades National Park.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park
Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes.
In Canyonlands, the Island in the Sky district offers several family-friendly hikes, such as the Mesa Arch Trail and the Upheaval Dome Trail, which are both relatively easy and offer stunning views of the surrounding canyons. More experienced hikers can tackle the more challenging trails in the Needles and Maze districts, including the Chesler Park Loop and the Confluence Overlook Trail.
North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, and offers several challenging hikes for experienced hikers. Some of the park’s most popular hikes include the Cascade Pass Trail, which leads to stunning views of the surrounding peaks, and the challenging Pacific Crest Trail, which runs through the park. The park also offers several easier hikes, such as the Ladder Creek Falls Trail and the Heather-Maple Pass Loop, which are great for families with children.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, there’s something for everyone in these two parks.
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 North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park
Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park are both rich in wildlife, each with its own unique and diverse ecosystems.
At Canyonlands National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals such as desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and pronghorns. Birds such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and ravens can also be seen in the park. Additionally, Canyonlands is home to a diverse range of plant life, including cacti, wildflowers, and sagebrush.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is home to a different set of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. Bird lovers will also have a field day at North Cascades, with species such as bald eagles, ospreys, and a variety of songbirds commonly seen in the park. The park also boasts a lush and diverse vegetation, including towering Douglas firs, western hemlocks, and a variety of wildflowers.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences for visitors. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a mammal enthusiast, or just love exploring nature, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe of the incredible wildlife that call these parks home.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | North Cascades 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Canyonlands National Park | North Cascades 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 | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Puma |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| American Badger | Ermine |
| Ermine | California Myotis |
| California Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Lake Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Burbot |
| Common Carp | Silver Salmon |
| Northern Pike | King Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Slimy Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Channel Catfish | Threespine Stickleback |
| Kokanee Salmon | Kokanee |
| Black Crappie | Pink Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Chum Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | Dolly Varden |
| Smallmouth Bass | Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Eastern Racer | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Western Fence 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 | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park
Canyonlands National Park is known for its stunning canyons, mesas, and buttes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. Some of the most famous landscapes at Canyonlands include the Island in the Sky district, which offers panoramic views of the canyons and mesas, and the Needles district, which is characterized by its towering red rock spires.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged and wild beauty, with steep peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys. The park is home to some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country, including the North Cascades mountain range, which boasts over 300 glaciers and numerous peaks that rise above 7,000 feet. Other famous landscapes at North Cascades include the rugged peaks of the Picket Range, the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, and the lush forests of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking vistas or a chance to explore the backcountry, both Canyonlands and North Cascades have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park
Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Canyonlands National Park, popular activities include hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. Visitors can explore the park’s stunning canyons, mesas, and buttes, and take in breathtaking views from overlooks like Grand View Point and Green River Overlook.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged, alpine terrain and opportunities for backcountry adventure. Popular activities here include hiking, backpacking, climbing, and kayaking. Visitors can explore glaciers, high mountain lakes, and cascading waterfalls, or take on challenging hikes like the Cascade Pass Trail or the Rainbow Loop Trail.
Both parks offer unique landscapes and experiences, so the best park for you will depend on your interests and desired level of adventure. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, challenging hikes, or opportunities to explore the backcountry, both Canyonlands and North Cascades have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park
Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park are both known for their unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, but the seasonal weather at each park can vary greatly.
Canyonlands National Park, located in southern Utah, experiences hot and dry summers with temperatures often reaching over 100°F, and cool to cold winters with occasional snow and freezing temperatures. The best time to visit is spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of rain.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, experiences a more temperate climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Summer temperatures typically reach into the 70s and 80s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing with heavy snowfall. The best time to visit is late summer and early fall when the weather is mild and the park’s many waterfalls are at their peak flow.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at each park can greatly impact the best time to visit, with Canyonlands being best visited in the spring or fall and North Cascades being best visited in late summer or early fall.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park
Canyonlands National Park and North Cascades National Park are both great options for families looking to enjoy the outdoors, but each park offers different experiences. Canyonlands National Park is located in the desert region of southeastern Utah and offers a unique and diverse landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes. The park has several easy trails and scenic drives that are suitable for families, making it a great option for those with young children. On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is located in the Pacific Northwest and is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and lush forests. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, but some of the trails can be strenuous and not suitable for young children. Overall, both parks offer great opportunities for families to enjoy the beauty of nature, but Canyonlands National Park may be a better option for families with young children due to its easier trails and scenic drives.