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.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the chance to explore a diverse range of landscapes, from the underground wonders of Carlsbad Caverns to the scorching deserts of Death Valley. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and wondering which one is the more amazing of the two. Get ready to be transported to two completely different worlds as we compare the stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and popular activities at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park. Buckle up, it’s going to be one wild ride!
Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors can take guided tours of the underground caves or hike to the park’s scenic overlooks. The park’s Big Room Trail is a popular and easy hike, offering visitors a chance to explore the park’s largest underground cave. In contrast, the park’s Natural Entrance Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors down into the caverns, offering a more challenging experience.
At Death Valley National Park, visitors can hike to scenic overlooks, explore remote canyons, or climb to the top of towering peaks. The park’s Badwater Basin Trail is a popular and easy hike, offering visitors a chance to explore the lowest point in North America. In contrast, the park’s Telescope Peak Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the top of the park’s tallest peak, offering a more challenging experience.
Whether you’re interested in exploring underground caves or scenic outdoor landscapes, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Both parks are sure to provide a fun and memorable experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 1287.472 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 5 |
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 17863.674 | 469.6968 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 23657.298 | 309.9816 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 3057.746 | 140.8176 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 443.7888 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 1609.34 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 8690.436 | 207.8736 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 482.802 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 2.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail | 2896.812 | 2.7432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail | 4506.152 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zabriskie Point | 643.736 | 15.8496 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dante’s View Trail | 2574.944 | 109.728 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Telescope Peak Trail | 19312.08 | 1012.8504 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral | 4667.086 | 174.9552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point | 9334.172 | 332.8416 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Mosaic Canyon Trail | 5632.69 | 324.9168 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Death Valley Natural Bridge Road | 6920.162 | 304.8 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road | 3057.746 | 68.8848 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park are both unique and diverse ecosystems, each offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors can observe a variety of bats, including the Mexican Free-tailed Bat, which is the most commonly seen species in the park. The park is also home to several bird species, including the Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, and Raven. Additionally, the park is home to several species of reptiles, including the Desert Iguana and the Collared Lizard.
Death Valley National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including several species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Common mammals in the park include the Bighorn Sheep, Coyote, and Desert Kangaroo Rat. The park is also home to several bird species, including the Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and American Kestrel. Additionally, the park is home to several species of reptiles, including the Desert Tortoise, Gopher Snake, and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors. While Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to a variety of bats, birds, and reptiles, Death Valley National Park is home to a diverse array of mammals, birds, and reptiles, making it a great destination for wildlife viewing enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Death Valley 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
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Big Brown Bat |
| Big Brown Bat | Bobcat |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Raccoon |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | House Mouse |
| Hoary Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Badger |
| Gray Wolf | Californian Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Common Shrew |
| American Badger | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| California Myotis | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Fringed Myotis | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
Reptiles
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Green Prairie Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Gartersnake | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Desert Kingsnake | Smith������S Black-Headed Snake |
| Texas Nightsnake | Tree Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| New Mexico Milksnake | Glossy Snake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Western Fence Lizard |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| American Bullfrog | Canyon Treefrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Mosquitofish |
| Mosquitofish | Goldfish |
Insects
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Death Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is famous for its underground landscapes and stunning natural wonders. The park is home to over 119 caves, each with its own unique features and formations. The most famous of these caves is the Carlsbad Cavern, which features massive chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other incredible rock formations. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves or explore them on their own, experiencing the beauty of the underground world up close.
Death Valley National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its vast deserts, towering mountain ranges, and otherworldly landscapes. The park is home to some of the hottest temperatures on earth and is known for its unique geological features, including sand dunes, salt flats, and canyons. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, which is covered in a layer of salt and surrounded by towering mountains. Visitors can hike through the park, taking in the incredible natural beauty and experiencing the unique landscapes of Death Valley.
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park offer visitors the chance to experience stunning natural wonders and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the underground world of Carlsbad Caverns or marveling at the deserts of Death Valley, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the main attraction is the cave system, which includes over 119 known caves. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, including the popular “Big Room” tour, which takes visitors on a 1.25-mile walk through the largest chamber in the park. In addition to cave tours, visitors can also enjoy hiking on the park’s trails, which offer views of the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding landscapes.
Death Valley National Park offers a range of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The park is home to several popular hiking trails, including the Mosaic Canyon Trail, which takes visitors through a narrow canyon with polished marble walls, and the Badwater Basin Trail, which takes visitors to the lowest point in North America. The park is also home to several scenic drives, including the Artists Drive, which offers views of the park’s colorful rock formations, and the Badwater Road, which takes visitors through the heart of the park.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. While Carlsbad Caverns National Park is focused primarily on cave exploration, Death Valley National Park offers a range of activities, including hiking, camping, and scenic drives, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park both experience unique weather patterns that can greatly affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the best time to visit is from April to October, when temperatures are mild and the park’s caves are open for exploration. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s, making it a good idea to visit the park early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
At Death Valley National Park, the best time to visit is from October to April, when temperatures are mild and the park’s scenic landscapes are at their most beautiful. During the summer months, temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees, making it extremely hot and difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the time of year you choose to visit can greatly affect your experience. Be sure to plan your trip with the weather in mind to get the most out of your visit to these amazing national parks.
Family Friendliness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park
When it comes to family-friendliness, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park have their own unique strengths.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great option for families with children who enjoy exploring underground caves and learning about geology. The park offers guided tours of its caves, which are suitable for all ages and provide a unique and educational experience for visitors. Additionally, the park has several easy trails that are perfect for families with younger children.
Death Valley National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring deserts. The park has several easy trails and scenic drives that are perfect for families, as well as more challenging hikes for older children and adults. However, it is important to note that the extreme heat in the park during the summer months can be dangerous for young children, so it’s best to visit in the cooler months.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Death Valley National Park are great options for families, but which one is better to visit will depend on your family’s interests and the time of year you plan to visit.