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 Everglades National Park are two of America’s most unique and captivating national parks. While one takes you on a journey underground to explore a mesmerizing world of towering stalactites and otherworldly rock formations, the other transports you to a lush and vibrant swamp filled with exotic wildlife and ancient cypress trees. These two parks offer vastly different experiences, but both are must-visits for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through two of America’s most stunning natural wonders. Whether you’re looking to explore underground caves or swampy wetlands, you’re sure to find something that will leave you awestruck at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park.
Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park offer vastly different hiking experiences. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is famous for its underground cave systems, with several trails leading visitors to the famous Big Room, the largest underground chamber in North America. The trails are relatively easy, with well-maintained paved walkways and gentle inclines. The park also offers several above-ground trails that lead visitors through the Chihuahuan Desert landscape, including the Natural Entrance Trail and the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail.
Everglades National Park, on the other hand, is a vast wetland wilderness, with a focus on water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park has several short, easy trails that take visitors through the mangroves and pine rocklands, including the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail. However, the park also offers several challenging backcountry trails, including the Florida Trail, which takes visitors deep into the heart of the Everglades. The park’s harsh environment and unpredictable weather conditions make these trails challenging, but they offer a unique and rewarding experience for experienced hikers.
In conclusion, both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, with Carlsbad Caverns National Park offering easier, well-maintained trails and Everglades National Park offering a mix of easy and challenging backcountry trails. The best park for hiking depends on the individual’s interests and abilities.
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 Everglades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including bats, rattlesnakes, and lizards. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the American kestrel, the greater roadrunner, and the cactus wren. Visitors may also see a variety of plants, including yucca, agave, and prickly pear cactus.
Everglades National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Florida Everglades and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of wading birds, such as the great egret, the roseate spoonbill, and the white ibis. The park is also home to a number of endangered species, including the American crocodile and the Florida panther. Visitors may also see a variety of plants, including sawgrass, mangroves, and orchids.
In conclusion, while both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park are home to unique and fascinating wildlife, the type of wildlife you’ll see will depend on the park you visit. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great place to see desert wildlife, including bats and reptiles, while Everglades National Park is the place to go for an up-close look at alligators, manatees, and a variety of wading birds.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Everglades 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 | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Bobcat |
| Muskrat | Striped Skunk |
| Big Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Bobcat | Red Fox |
| Striped Skunk | House Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Gray Fox |
| Black Bear | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Porcupine | White-Tailed Deer |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Eastern Cottontail |
| Hoary Bat | House Rat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Spotted Skunk |
| House Mouse | Fox Squirrel |
| Mountain Lion | Eastern Gray Squirrel |
| Mule Deer | Feral Hog |
| Common Gray Fox | Northern Short-Tailed Shrew |
| Gray Wolf | Least Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
Reptiles
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Green Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Gartersnake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| New Mexico Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Bluegill |
| Mosquitofish | Golden Shiner |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Carlsbad Cavern: The main attraction of the park is the Carlsbad Cavern, a massive underground cave system with towering stalactites, stalagmites, and otherworldly rock formations.
– Chihuahuan Desert: The park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, a vast and arid landscape that covers much of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Visitors can explore the desert on several scenic trails, including the Outer Loop Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert.
Everglades National Park:
– River of Grass: The park is home to the River of Grass, a vast and unique wetland ecosystem that is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a wide variety of bird species.
– Mangrove Forests: The park is also home to several mangrove forests, which are unique ecosystems that are found in tropical and subtropical regions. Visitors can explore the mangroves on several boardwalk trails, including the Anhinga Trail, which offers close-up views of the park’s abundant wildlife.
Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unique natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re exploring underground caves or lush wetlands, you’re sure to find something that will take your breath away at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a popular destination for those interested in exploring underground landscapes. The park’s most popular activities include:
1. Cave Tours: Guided tours of the park’s caves, including the Big Room, King’s Palace, and Queen’s Chamber, offer visitors a unique look at the underground landscape and its many fascinating rock formations.
2. Hiking: The park has several scenic hiking trails, including the Natural Entrance Trail and the Big Room Loop Trail, that offer panoramic views of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert and its many unique plant and animal species.
3. Bat Watching: Each evening, hundreds of thousands of bats emerge from Carlsbad Cavern to hunt for insects. Visitors can watch this incredible spectacle from the park’s Bat Flight Amphitheater.
Everglades National Park is a popular destination for those interested in exploring wetlands and tropical landscapes. The park’s most popular activities include:
1. Boat Tours: Guided boat tours offer visitors an up-close look at the park’s diverse wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of wading birds.
2. Hiking: The park has several scenic hiking trails, including the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail, that offer panoramic views of the surrounding Everglades and its many unique plant and animal species.
3. Wildlife Watching: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of wading birds.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park offer a range of popular activities for visitors. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great destination for those interested in exploring underground landscapes and hiking, while Everglades National Park is a great destination for those interested in exploring wetlands and observing wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and Everglades National Park in Florida have different seasonal weather patterns due to their distinct geographical locations. Carlsbad Caverns has a semi-arid desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is from April to May and from September to November, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. During the summer, temperatures can reach 100°F and above, making it too hot for extended outdoor activities.
Everglades National Park has a sub-tropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is from December to April, when temperatures are cool and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing. During the summer, temperatures can reach 90°F and above, making it hot and humid, and the risk of thunderstorms is higher. Additionally, the park is prone to heavy rainfall from June to November, making it challenging to enjoy outdoor activities during this time.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Carlsbad Caverns is from April to May and from September to November, while the best time to visit Everglades is from December to April. Weather conditions at both parks can significantly affect the outdoor activities visitors can enjoy, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Everglades National Park can be great options for families, but each park offers a different experience that may be more or less suitable for families, depending on the interests and ages of the children.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Pros: The park offers several easy trails and educational programs that are suitable for families with children of all ages. The Big Room Trail, for example, is a level, wheelchair-accessible trail that takes visitors through the largest underground chamber in the Western Hemisphere. The park also offers ranger-led tours, Junior Ranger programs, and other educational activities that can help engage children and make the park experience more fun and interactive.
– Cons: The park can be dark and damp, which may not be suitable for very young children or those who are afraid of the dark. Additionally, the park’s remote location can make it more difficult for families to access other amenities and attractions in the surrounding area.
Everglades National Park:
– Pros: The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities that are suitable for families, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to several boardwalk trails and educational programs that can help engage children and make the park experience more fun and interactive.
– Cons: The park’s remote location and hot, humid weather can make it more difficult for families to access other amenities and attractions in the surrounding area. Additionally, the park’s abundant wildlife can pose some safety risks, particularly for very young children.
In general, both parks can be great options for families, but the best park for your family will depend on the interests and ages of your children, as well as the time of year and the length of your visit. If you’re traveling with children who are interested in exploring underground caves, then Carlsbad Caverns National Park may be the better option. If you’re traveling with children who are interested in exploring wetlands and wildlife, then Everglades National Park may be the better option.