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 Yellowstone National Park are two of the most iconic and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a wealth of recreational opportunities for visitors. But what sets these two parks apart?
Canyonlands National Park, located in Utah, is a vast and rugged landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes that have been carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries over millions of years. This park is a hiker’s paradise, offering challenging trails that lead to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is a geothermal wonderland that is home to the world’s largest collection of geysers and hot springs. This park is also a wildlife haven, where visitors can see grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison in their natural habitats.
So, which park is right for you? If you’re looking for a rugged and challenging hiking experience, Canyonlands National Park might be the perfect destination. But if you’re interested in geothermal wonders and wildlife viewing, Yellowstone National Park is the place to be. Either way, both parks are sure to leave you in awe of the natural beauty of the United States.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for hikers, offering a wide range of scenic trails for visitors to explore.
At Canyonlands National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Mesa Arch Trail, the Upheaval Dome Trail, and the Aztec Butte Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the park’s unique landscapes, including towering mesas, deep canyons, and towering rock formations. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park offers a number of backcountry trails, including the Chesler Park Loop and the Druid Arch Trail, that offer a more strenuous hike and breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain.
At Yellowstone National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Geyser Basin Trail, the Firehole Canyon Drive, and the Fairy Falls Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the park’s unique geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and colorful pools. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park offers a number of backcountry trails, including the Mount Washburn Trail and the Thorofare Trail, that offer a more strenuous hike and breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer a wide range of scenic trails for visitors to explore. So pack your hiking gear and get ready to experience the stunning landscapes and breathtaking views that await you at these two incredible national 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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both rich in wildlife, but each park offers unique opportunities to see different species of animals, birds, and plants. Here’s a detailed comparison of the wildlife you’ll see at each park:
Canyonlands National Park: Canyonlands is home to a variety of wildlife, including desert animals like rattlesnakes, lizards, and bighorn sheep. Visitors to the park may also see birds like hawks, eagles, and vultures, as well as a variety of plant species, including cacti and wildflowers. However, due to the park’s remote location and challenging terrain, wildlife sightings may be more limited than in other parks.
Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone is one of the best places in the United States to see wildlife, with a wide variety of animals, birds, and plants found throughout the park. Visitors to Yellowstone may see animals like bears, wolves, elk, bison, and moose, as well as birds like eagles, owls, and waterfowl. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, trees, and shrubs.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are rich in wildlife, but each park offers unique opportunities to see different species of animals, birds, and plants. If you’re looking for a park with a wide variety of wildlife, Yellowstone may be a better choice, while Canyonlands may be a better choice if you’re looking for a more remote and challenging wilderness experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Badger | Badger |
| Ermine | Short Tailed Weasel |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Lake Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Mottled Sculpin |
| Common Carp | Longnose Dace |
| Northern Pike | Speckled Dace |
| Speckled Dace | Arctic Grayling |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Eastern Racer | Rubber Boa |
| 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 | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Canyonlands National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park each offer their own unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Canyonlands National Park is known for its vast and rugged landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes that have been carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries over millions of years. Some of the most famous landscapes in Canyonlands include the Island in the Sky mesa, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyons, and the Needles District, which is known for its towering rock formations and challenging hiking trails.
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geothermal wonders, including the world’s largest collection of geysers and hot springs. Some of the most famous geothermal landscapes in Yellowstone include the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts every hour or so, and the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the largest hot spring in the United States and is known for its vibrant colors. Additionally, Yellowstone is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison, which can often be seen in their natural habitats.
Overall, both Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a wealth of natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re interested in rugged canyons, geothermal wonders, or wildlife viewing, these two parks have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but each park offers unique opportunities for recreation and adventure. Here’s a detailed comparison of the most popular activities at each park:
Canyonlands National Park: Canyonlands is a great destination for outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. The park’s remote location and challenging terrain make it an ideal place for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. Other popular activities in Canyonlands include scenic drives, wildlife watching, and camping.
Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone is a popular destination for a wide variety of activities, including hiking, wildlife watching, camping, and scenic drives. The park is also known for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, which are popular attractions for visitors. In addition, visitors to Yellowstone can enjoy fishing, boating, and winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a wide variety of activities for visitors, but each park offers unique opportunities for recreation and adventure. If you’re looking for a park with challenging terrain and opportunities for outdoor adventure, Canyonlands may be a better choice, while Yellowstone may be a better choice if you’re looking for a park with a wider range of activities and attractions.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park both have unique weather patterns that can greatly affect the best time of year to visit.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the high desert of southeastern Utah and experiences hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s and low 100s, making it a popular time to visit for those who enjoy warm weather. However, summer monsoon season can bring flash floods to the park, making it important to check weather conditions before heading out on a hike. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a popular time for winter sports enthusiasts, but also making it important to be prepared for cold and snowy conditions.
Yellowstone National Park, located in the northern Rocky Mountains, experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s and 90s, making it a popular time to visit for those who enjoy warm weather. However, the park can also experience thunderstorms and occasional snow during the summer months. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, making it a popular time for winter sports enthusiasts, but also making it important to be prepared for cold and snowy conditions.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park will depend on your personal preferences and the type of activities you plan to enjoy while visiting. Be sure to check the weather conditions and pack accordingly to make the most of your trip to these stunning national parks.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but each park offers a different experience for families.
Canyonlands National Park offers a variety of easy hikes and scenic drives that are suitable for families with children. The Island in the Sky mesa, for example, offers several short hikes that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and campgrounds that are perfect for families who want to enjoy a day in the great outdoors.
Yellowstone National Park is also a great destination for families, especially those who are interested in wildlife viewing. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison, which can often be seen in their natural habitats. Additionally, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and wildlife watching tours, that are perfect for families with children.
In terms of which park is better to visit with children, it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you’re interested in scenic drives and easy hikes, Canyonlands National Park may be the better choice. If you’re interested in wildlife viewing and ranger-led programs, Yellowstone National Park may be the better choice. Ultimately, both parks offer a wealth of family-friendly experiences, so it’s worth considering both options before making a decision.