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.
Picture yourself surrounded by towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests, or standing on the edge of a massive canyon with breathtaking views stretching out as far as the eye can see. These are the experiences that await visitors at Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, two of America’s most stunning and awe-inspiring national parks. These parks offer a world of adventure and beauty, where visitors can hike through scenic landscapes, marvel at the majesty of nature, and discover the secrets of the wilderness. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape, Canyonlands and Rocky Mountain are must-visit destinations that are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, grab your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable journey through two of America’s most incredible parks.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park both offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, from easy scenic walks to challenging backcountry treks.
At Canyonlands National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the short, scenic trails in the Island in the Sky and Needles districts, which offer stunning views of the surrounding canyons and rock formations. These trails are well-maintained and accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. Some of the more challenging hikes at Canyonlands include backcountry treks through the Maze district, which is known for its remote and rugged terrain.
Rocky Mountain National Park is also known for its diverse hiking trails, from easy scenic walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include the short, scenic trails around Bear Lake and Sprague Lake, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. Some of the more challenging hikes at Rocky Mountain National Park include backcountry treks to the top of the park’s tallest peaks, such as Longs Peak and Mount Elbert. These hikes are strenuous and require a high level of fitness, but offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, from easy scenic walks to challenging backcountry treks. The best park for you will depend on your personal interests and the type of hiking experience you are looking for. Whether you are looking for easy, scenic walks or challenging backcountry treks, both parks have something to offer.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park both offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Canyonlands is located in the high desert of southeastern Utah and is home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorns, and coyotes. Birdwatchers may also see species such as the golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, and turkey vulture. Additionally, the park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and lizards, as well as a diverse array of cacti and wildflowers.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is home to a wider range of wildlife, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears. Birders can also see species such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the American dipper. In addition to these mammals and birds, the park is also home to a variety of wildflowers and alpine plants, as well as streams and lakes that support a diverse array of aquatic life.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, with Canyonlands being a great place to see desert species and Rocky Mountain National Park being a great place to see alpine and subalpine wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| American Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Badger | Badger |
| Ermine | Ermine |
| California Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Western Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Mottled Sculpin |
| Fathead Minnow | Speckled Dace |
| Common Carp | Cutthroat Trout |
| Northern Pike | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Eastern Racer | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| 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 | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park both offer a wealth of breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Canyonlands National Park:
– The Grand View Point Overlook: This overlook offers panoramic views of the park’s massive canyons and towering mesas.
– The Needles: This area of the park is known for its towering spires and unique rock formations.
– The White Rim Trail: This 100-mile trail offers a scenic journey through the heart of Canyonlands, with stunning views of the park’s canyons and mesas.
Rocky Mountain National Park:
– Longs Peak: This 14,259-foot mountain is one of the park’s most recognizable landmarks and a popular destination for hikers.
– Trail Ridge Road: This scenic road offers stunning views of the park’s alpine landscape, including its towering peaks and lush forests.
– Bear Lake: This serene lake is surrounded by towering peaks and is a popular destination for picnicking, fishing, and hiking.
Both parks offer a wealth of natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re drawn to the towering peaks and scenic vistas of Rocky Mountain National Park, or the massive canyons and unique rock formations of Canyonlands National Park, these parks offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park both offer a variety of popular activities for visitors, but each park has its own unique offerings.
At Canyonlands National Park, popular activities include hiking, scenic drives, and backpacking. Hikers can explore the park’s canyons, mesas, and buttes, while scenic drives provide stunning views of the park’s rugged landscapes. Backpacking is also a popular activity, allowing visitors to spend multiple days exploring the park’s remote areas. In addition, the park also offers ranger-led programs, river trips, and stargazing opportunities.
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park has a variety of trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes, offering something for all skill levels. The park’s scenic drives, such as Trail Ridge Road, provide breathtaking views of the park’s alpine landscapes and wildlife. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with elk, moose, and bighorn sheep being some of the most commonly seen species. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, and rock climbing.
In conclusion, both parks offer a variety of popular activities, with Canyonlands being a great destination for hiking, scenic drives, and backpacking and Rocky Mountain National Park being a great destination for scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park both experience distinct seasonal weather patterns, which can greatly affect the best time of year to visit each park.
At Canyonlands National Park, the weather is generally warm and dry in the spring and fall, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the high 80s. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s and even into the 100s in some areas. Winter temperatures are usually mild, with daytime temperatures in the 40s and 50s and nighttime temperatures dropping into the 20s and 30s.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, the weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Summer temperatures are usually mild to warm, with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s and nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s and 50s. Winter temperatures can be extremely cold, with daytime temperatures in the 20s and 30s and nighttime temperatures dropping into the single digits. Snow is common at higher elevations during the winter months, making some areas of the park inaccessible.
In conclusion, the best time of year to visit Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park will depend on the type of weather you prefer and the activities you plan to enjoy during your visit. If you prefer warm and dry weather, spring and fall may be the best time of year to visit Canyonlands. If you prefer mild to warm temperatures, summer may be the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. However, if you enjoy winter sports and are prepared for cold temperatures, winter may be the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both great options for families looking for an outdoor adventure, but each park offers a different set of experiences that may be better suited for families with children.
Canyonlands National Park:
– Pros: Canyonlands is a great option for families with older children who are interested in hiking and exploring the park’s unique landscapes. The park’s wide open spaces and scenic vistas make it a great place for kids to run and play, and the park’s many hiking trails offer opportunities for families to explore the park together.
– Cons: Canyonlands is a remote park with limited facilities, so it may not be the best option for families with young children who need easy access to restrooms, food, and other amenities. The park’s rugged terrain and challenging hiking trails may also be difficult for younger children.
Rocky Mountain National Park:
– Pros: Rocky Mountain National Park is a great option for families with children of all ages. The park’s well-maintained trails and scenic drives make it easy for families to explore the park, and the park’s many picnic areas, campgrounds, and visitor centers offer plenty of opportunities for families to relax and enjoy the park’s beauty.
– Cons: Rocky Mountain National Park can be crowded during peak season, which may make it difficult for families with younger children to find a quiet place to relax and play. The park’s high elevation and challenging hiking trails may also be difficult for some families.
Both Canyonlands and Rocky Mountain National Park offer unique and memorable experiences for families, but the best park for your family will depend on your specific needs and interests. If you’re traveling with older children who are interested in challenging hikes and unique landscapes, Canyonlands may be a great option. If you’re traveling with younger children who need easy access to facilities and well-maintained trails, Rocky Mountain National Park may be a better choice.