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 Zion National Park are two of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and a plethora of outdoor recreational activities. However, while they share similarities, they also have distinct differences that make each park a unique experience. Canyonlands is a vast and rugged wilderness, with towering mesas, deep canyons, and sprawling deserts. Zion, on the other hand, is a lush oasis, with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and verdant valleys. Whether you prefer the rugged beauty of Canyonlands or the lush grandeur of Zion, both parks are sure to leave you in awe and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So, buckle up, grab your hiking boots, and let’s explore the wonders of Canyonlands and Zion National Parks!
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, known for their stunning landscapes and challenging hiking trails. While both parks offer a range of trails for hikers of all skill levels, there are some differences in terms of the type of terrain and difficulty of the hikes.
In Canyonlands, some of the easiest trails include the Grand View Point Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park’s mesas and canyons, and the Upheaval Dome Trail, which is a short, easy hike to the rim of a unique geological formation. On the other hand, some of the hardest trails in Canyonlands include the Chesler Park Loop, which is a strenuous 11-mile hike through rugged terrain, and the Dagger Flats Trail, which is a challenging hike through a remote area of the park.
Zion, on the other hand, is known for its steep, narrow trails and towering cliffs. Some of the easiest trails in Zion include the Riverside Walk, which is a flat, 2.2-mile trail along the Virgin River, and the Weeping Rock Trail, which is a short, easy hike to a beautiful alcove. On the other hand, some of the hardest hikes in Zion include the Angel’s Landing Trail, which is a strenuous 5.4-mile hike with steep drop-offs and narrow paths, and the West Rim Trail, which is a challenging 14-mile hike along the rim of the park’s main canyon.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands and Zion offer a range of hiking trails for visitors, from easy, scenic walks to challenging, strenuous hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s something for everyone in these two amazing 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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and are known for their unique and diverse wildlife.
Canyonlands NP is known for its diverse desert landscape and is home to a variety of animals such as:
– Desert Bighorn Sheep
– Coyote
– Desert Cottontail
– Kangaroo Rat
– Common Raven
Zion NP, on the other hand, is known for its lush vegetation and is home to a variety of animals such as:
– Mule Deer
– Rock Squirrel
– Black-tailed Jackrabbit
– Mountain Lion
– Peregrine Falcon
Both parks have a variety of bird species that are commonly seen, including:
– American Kestrel
– Common Raven
– Golden Eagle
– Turkey Vulture
– Western Bluebird
In terms of vegetation, Canyonlands NP is dominated by desert shrubs, cacti, and Joshua Trees, while Zion NP is known for its lush forests and river ecosystems, with vegetation such as Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, and Cottonwoods.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, with Canyonlands NP showcasing its desert landscape and Zion NP highlighting its lush vegetation.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | American Badger |
| American Badger | Ermine |
| Ermine | California Myotis |
| California Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Speckled Dace |
| Bluegill | Channel Catfish |
| Fathead Minnow | Goldfish |
| Common Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Eastern Racer | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Common Kingsnake | Nightsnake |
| Nightsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Striped Whipsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Tree Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Western Whiptail |
| Western Whiptail | Western Skink |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Desert Spiny Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Canyon Treefrog |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park are both known for their stunning natural landscapes and unique geological formations.
At Canyonlands, some of the most famous landscapes include the mesas and canyons of the Island in the Sky district, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. Visitors can also explore the Needles district, which is characterized by its towering sandstone spires and narrow canyons. Other popular features in Canyonlands include the Upheaval Dome, a unique geological formation created by the impact of a meteor, and the Colorado River, which has carved deep canyons throughout the park.
Zion National Park is famous for its towering cliffs and narrow canyons, including the main canyon, which is up to 2,000 feet deep in some places. One of the most popular features in Zion is Angel’s Landing, a narrow rock spire that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the Narrows, a narrow canyon that is partially filled with water, and the Virgin River, which has carved a deep canyon throughout the park. Other popular features in Zion include the Kolob Canyons, a series of narrow canyons in the northwest corner of the park, and the Weeping Rock, a beautiful alcove filled with hanging gardens.
In conclusion, Canyonlands and Zion are both renowned for their stunning natural landscapes, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, unique geological formations, and breathtaking overlooks. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a breathtaking view, these two national parks are a must-visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park are both popular tourist destinations in the southwestern United States, offering unique landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. Here is a comparison of the most popular activities in each park:
Canyonlands National Park:
– Hiking: There are several popular trails in the park, including the famous Mesa Arch trail and the challenging Chesler Park Loop.
– Backpacking: With its remote backcountry, Canyonlands is a popular destination for multi-day backpacking trips.
– Rock Climbing: The park’s sandstone cliffs and towers are popular among rock climbers.
– Photography: With its stunning vistas and unique rock formations, Canyonlands is a popular spot for photographers.
Zion National Park:
– Hiking: The park is known for its scenic hiking trails, including the famous Angel’s Landing and The Narrows.
– Rock Climbing: Zion’s towering cliffs and towers are popular among rock climbers.
– Scenic Drives: The park’s scenic drive, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, offers stunning views of the park’s cliffs and canyons.
– River Rafting: The park’s Virgin River is a popular destination for rafting and kayaking.
In conclusion, both parks offer a range of outdoor recreation activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. However, Canyonlands is known for its remote backcountry and rock climbing opportunities, while Zion is known for its scenic hiking trails and river rafting.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and have distinct seasonal weather patterns.
Canyonlands NP, located in the high desert of Utah, experiences hot summers with temperatures that can reach over 100°F and cold winters with temperatures that can drop below freezing. The park also receives very little rainfall, with most of it falling in the spring and early summer.
Zion NP, located in southwestern Utah, experiences a more moderate climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park receives more rainfall than Canyonlands NP, with most of it falling in the late summer and early fall.
The best time to visit Canyonlands NP is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer can be very hot and is not recommended for extended outdoor activities. Winter can be cold, but it is a great time to visit if you enjoy snow sports or scenic winter landscapes.
The best time to visit Zion NP is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer can be hot, but it is a great time to visit if you enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. Winter can be mild, but it is also a great time to visit if you enjoy snow sports or scenic winter landscapes.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique weather patterns and the best time to visit depends on the type of outdoor activities you enjoy. Spring and fall are generally the best times to visit both parks, but winter and summer can also offer unique experiences if you are prepared for the weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park are both great destinations for families, but each park offers a slightly different experience for visitors traveling with children.
Canyonlands is a bit more remote and rugged than Zion, and may not be as accessible for families with young children or those with mobility issues. However, there are still plenty of family-friendly hikes and activities in the park, including the Grand View Point Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the Upheaval Dome Trail, which is a short, easy hike to a unique geological formation. Additionally, the park’s remote location means that it is often less crowded than other national parks, making it a great option for families looking for a more peaceful outdoor experience.
Zion, on the other hand, is more accessible and offers a wider range of activities for families. There are many easy hikes in the park, including the Riverside Walk, which is a flat, 2.2-mile trail along the Virgin River, and the Weeping Rock Trail, which is a short, easy hike to a beautiful alcove. Additionally, the park offers a shuttle system that makes it easy to get around and explore different areas of the park without having to drive. The park also has a visitors center and several campgrounds, making it a great option for families looking for a more comprehensive outdoor experience.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands and Zion are great destinations for families, but each park offers a slightly different experience. If you’re traveling with young children or those with mobility issues, Zion may be the better option, as it is more accessible and offers a wider range of family-friendly activities. However, if you’re looking for a more remote and peaceful outdoor experience, Canyonlands may be the better choice.