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 Saguaro National Park are two of the most unique and stunning national parks in the United States. Both offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the American Southwest in different ways. Canyonlands is known for its vast canyons and towering mesas, while Saguaro is famous for its towering cacti and breathtaking sunsets. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a scenic getaway, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe. So grab your sunscreen, pack your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure as we compare Canyonlands and Saguaro National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes.
At Canyonlands, popular easy hikes include the Mesa Arch Trail and the Upheaval Dome Trail. The Mesa Arch Trail is a 1-mile round trip hike that provides stunning views of the park’s mesas and canyons. The Upheaval Dome Trail is a 2-mile round trip hike that leads visitors to a unique geological formation created by the impact of a meteor. On the other hand, strenuous hikes at Canyonlands include the Chesler Park Loop and the Confluence Overlook Trail. The Chesler Park Loop is an 11-mile loop that takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including sandstone towers and canyons. The Confluence Overlook Trail is a 5-mile round trip hike that provides breathtaking views of the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers.
At Saguaro National Park, popular easy hikes include the Freeman Homestead Trail and the Valley View Overlook Trail. The Freeman Homestead Trail is a 1-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a desert landscape and provides views of the park’s iconic saguaro cacti. The Valley View Overlook Trail is a 1-mile round trip hike that provides stunning views of the park’s valleys and surrounding mountains. Strenuous hikes at Saguaro National Park include the King Canyon Trail and the Mica View Trail. The King Canyon Trail is a 7-mile round trip hike that takes hikers through a remote canyon and provides views of the park’s diverse landscapes. The Mica View Trail is a 4-mile round trip hike that provides views of the park’s unique rock formations and saguaro cacti.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a variety of hiking trails, with easy hikes for those who prefer a leisurely walk and strenuous hikes for those who are looking for a challenge.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park offer visitors a chance to see a diverse range of wildlife in their natural habitats.
At Canyonlands, visitors can expect to see animals such as desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and various species of reptiles, such as rattlesnakes and lizards. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, ravens, and roadrunners. In addition to wildlife, Canyonlands is also known for its diverse plant life, with species such as sagebrush, yucca, and prickly pear cactus.
At Saguaro National Park, the namesake saguaro cactus is the star of the show. This park is home to one of the largest saguaro cactus forests in the world, and visitors can see these towering cacti up close. In addition to saguaros, the park is also home to a variety of other cactus species, as well as wildlife such as javelinas, desert tortoises, and rattlesnakes. Bird-watching is also popular at Saguaro, with species such as Gila woodpeckers, cactus wrens, and roadrunners commonly seen.
Both Canyonlands and Saguaro National Parks offer unique opportunities to see a diverse range of wildlife and plant life in their natural habitats. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a scenic escape, these parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Canyonlands National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Red Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Gray Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Mink | Badger |
| Mule Deer | Californis Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| American Badger | Yuma Myotis |
| Ermine | Bighorn Sheep |
| California Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Eastern Racer | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Night Snake |
| Common Kingsnake | Leopard Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Western Whiptail |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Glossy Snake |
| Western Whiptail | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Desert Spiny Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Canyon Treefrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park are both known for their stunning landscapes and unique natural features.
At Canyonlands, famous landscapes include the mesas, canyons, and buttes that make up the park’s rugged terrain. The park is also home to the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, which provides a stunning view of the meeting of two powerful rivers. Other popular landscapes at Canyonlands include the Island in the Sky mesa, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding canyons, and the Needles district, which is known for its unique rock formations.
At Saguaro National Park, the most famous landscape is the park’s iconic saguaro cactus forest. Saguaro cacti can only be found in the Sonoran Desert and are a symbol of the American Southwest. The park is also home to unique rock formations, including the Rincon Mountain range, which provides stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. In addition, the park is also home to a variety of other desert plants and wildlife, including coyotes, rattlesnakes, and Gila monsters.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park are known for their unique and beautiful landscapes, with Canyonlands being famous for its rugged canyons, mesas, and buttes and Saguaro being famous for its iconic saguaro cactus forest and stunning desert landscapes.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Canyonlands, popular activities include hiking, backpacking, and scenic drives. The park is known for its rugged terrain, and visitors can explore a variety of trails that offer stunning views of the canyons and mesas. The park also offers opportunities for kayaking and rafting on the Colorado and Green Rivers.
At Saguaro National Park, popular activities include hiking, bird-watching, and scenic drives. The park’s trails offer visitors the opportunity to see the towering saguaro cacti up close, and the park’s bird-watching opportunities are second to none. The park also offers scenic drives, including the scenic Bajada Loop Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s cactus forests.
Whether you’re looking for a rugged outdoor adventure or a scenic escape, both Canyonlands and Saguaro National Parks offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a hiker, bird-watcher, or just looking for a scenic drive, these parks are sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park are both located in the southwestern United States, but they have different climates and weather patterns.
Canyonlands, located in Utah, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The summer months (June to September) are the best time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 80-90°F. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it less desirable for outdoor activities.
Saguaro, located in Arizona, has a hot desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are more moderate and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it less suitable for outdoor activities.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful experiences, but the time of year you visit will depend on the type of weather and activities you prefer. If you’re looking for milder temperatures and outdoor activities, spring and fall are the best times to visit both parks.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park are both family-friendly national parks, but each offers a different experience for families.
Canyonlands National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views. The park offers a variety of easy hikes and scenic drives, making it a great place to explore with kids. Families can also take part in ranger-led programs and educational activities, which provide an interactive way to learn about the park’s unique features. However, the rugged terrain and remote location of Canyonlands may not be ideal for families with young children or those who prefer more developed amenities.
Saguaro National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy desert landscapes and unique wildlife. The park offers a variety of easy hikes, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs, making it a great place for families to explore. The park’s iconic saguaro cactus forest is a popular attraction for families, and the park’s location near the city of Tucson provides easy access to additional attractions and amenities.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Saguaro National Park are family-friendly, but Canyonlands may be better for families who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views, while Saguaro may be better for families who enjoy desert landscapes and unique wildlife.