Canyonlands National Park vs North Cascades National Park

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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 North Cascades National Park

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.

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