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 Voyageurs National Park are two vastly different parks, each offering its own unique and breathtaking experiences. Imagine towering red rock formations that seem to reach for the sky in Canyonlands, versus the serene beauty of Voyageurs with its countless lakes and waterways. These parks are like two sides of a coin, offering a completely different adventure for nature enthusiasts. Whether you are seeking an adrenaline-fueled hike or a peaceful canoe trip, these parks have something for everyone. So buckle up, and get ready to explore the wonders of Canyonlands and Voyageurs, as we embark on a journey to compare these two magnificent parks.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two national parks that offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Both parks offer a range of trails, from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backcountry adventures.
Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, is known for its rugged desert landscape and offers a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Mesa Arch Trail and the Upheaval Dome Trail, both of which offer short, easy walks with stunning views of the park’s unique landscape. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Chesler Park Loop Trail and the Druid Arch Trail offer longer, more strenuous hikes through the park’s rugged canyons and mesas.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its scenic waterways and offers a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Kettle Falls Trail and the Little American Island Trail, both of which offer short, easy walks along the park’s scenic waterways. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Rainy Lake Trail and the Ellsworth Rock Garden Trail offer longer, more strenuous hikes through the park’s rugged forests and along its scenic lakes and rivers.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous backcountry adventures. Whether you prefer short, easy walks with stunning views or longer, more strenuous hikes through rugged landscapes, 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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two unique national parks that offer a different wildlife experience.
Canyonlands National Park is located in Utah and is known for its diverse landscape, including canyons, mesas, and buttes. Common wildlife in the park include:
– Desert bighorn sheep
– Coyotes
– Jackrabbits
– Kangaroo rats
– Lizards
– Snakes
Voyageurs National Park is located in Minnesota and is known for its waterways and forests. Common wildlife in the park include:
– Black bears
– Loons
– Moose
– Otters
– Wolves
– White-tailed deer
Both parks are also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys in Voyageurs National Park, and peregrine falcons and ravens in Canyonlands National Park.
In terms of plants, Canyonlands National Park is characterized by its arid desert landscape, with vegetation such as sagebrush, yucca, and prickly pear cactus. Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a mix of coniferous and deciduous forests, with vegetation such as balsam fir, aspen, and birch trees.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Mountain Lion |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Common Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Plains Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Ermine |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| Ermine | River Otter |
| California Myotis | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brown Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Largemouth Bass | Green Sunfish |
| Green Sunfish | Bluegill |
| Bluegill | Fathead Minnow |
| Fathead Minnow | Golden Shiner |
| Common Carp | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Speckled Dace | Ellpout |
| Yellow Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Channel Catfish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Kokanee Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Black Crappie | Black Crappie |
| Black Bullhead | Black Bullhead |
| Mosquitofish | Creek Chub |
| Smallmouth Bass | Brown Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| 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 | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Canyonlands National Park is renowned for its stunning landscape of towering mesas, deep canyons, and intricate rock formations. The park is divided into four districts, each offering its own unique beauty. The Island in the Sky district offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from its numerous overlooks, including the famous Mesa Arch. The Needles district features towering red rock spires and scenic hiking trails. The Maze district is a remote and rugged wilderness, offering a true backcountry experience. Finally, the rivers that run through the park, including the Green and Colorado, have carved out deep canyons and created stunning vistas.
Voyageurs National Park is known for its pristine lakes and waterways, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. The park is a paddler’s paradise, with over 400 islands and numerous bays and inlets to explore. The Kabetogama Peninsula, one of the largest lakes in the park, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and hills. The park also features several scenic overlooks, including the Ash River Overlook, which offers stunning views of the Ash River and the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Kettle Falls and Little American Falls, which offer a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Canyonlands National Park is known for its stunning landscapes, including canyons, mesas, and buttes, which make it a popular destination for:
– Hiking: With trails ranging from easy to strenuous, visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes on foot.
– Rock Climbing: Experienced climbers can challenge themselves on the park’s towering rock formations.
– Camping: The park offers several campgrounds for visitors to set up base and explore the surrounding wilderness.
– Photography: With its unique landscapes and stunning views, Canyonlands National Park is a popular destination for photographers.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is known for its waterways and forests, making it a popular destination for:
– Boating: With over 40,000 acres of water, visitors can explore the park by boat and enjoy activities such as fishing and water skiing.
– Canoeing and Kayaking: Visitors can paddle through the park’s waterways and enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness.
– Hiking: With trails ranging from easy to strenuous, visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes on foot.
– Camping: The park offers several campgrounds for visitors to set up base and explore the surrounding wilderness.
Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors, whether they prefer to explore on foot, by boat, or by any other means.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two national parks located in very different parts of the country, and as a result, they experience very different weather patterns. The seasonal weather at each park affects when is the best time of year to visit, and it is important to consider the weather when planning a trip to either park.
Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, experiences a desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100°F, making outdoor activities during the day challenging. Winter temperatures are much milder, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s, but nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, experiences a more temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 80s and 90s, making outdoor activities comfortable and enjoyable. Winter temperatures can be very cold, with daytime temperatures often below freezing, and snow and ice can make outdoor activities challenging. The best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is during the summer, when temperatures are warm and outdoor activities are more accessible.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park affects when is the best time of year to visit each park. Canyonlands National Park is best visited during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Voyageurs National Park is best visited during the summer, when temperatures are warm and outdoor activities are more accessible. Before planning a trip to either park, it is important to consider the seasonal weather and how it will affect your visit.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Both Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a variety of activities suitable for families traveling with children. However, each park has its own unique offerings that make it better suited for certain types of families.
Canyonlands National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring nature. The park offers several easy hikes, such as the Mesa Arch Trail, that are suitable for families with children. The park also has several picnic areas and campgrounds where families can relax and enjoy a meal together. However, the park’s remote location and rugged terrain may make it less suitable for families with very young children or those who prefer a more developed, amenities-rich environment.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a great choice for families who enjoy water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park has several boat launches and rental facilities, making it easy for families to get out on the water and explore the park’s many lakes and waterways. The park also has several campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails, making it a well-rounded destination for families who enjoy a mix of outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and memorable experiences for families traveling with children. The best park for your family will depend on your specific interests and preferences.