Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. While Carlsbad Caverns is known for its stunning underground caves and towering rock formations, North Cascades is famous for its rugged and dramatic mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests. Both parks offer a wealth of opportunities for adventure, exploration, and relaxation, and choosing between them can be a tough decision. Whether you prefer the underground world of Carlsbad or the rugged wilderness of North Cascades, one thing is certain: both parks are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the United States.
Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Carlsbad Caverns has several trails that lead to the caverns and offer unique views of the formations inside. Some of the easiest hikes include the Natural Entrance Trail, which is a paved trail that descends 750 feet into the caverns, and the Big Room Trail, a level path that winds through the largest chamber in the park. On the other hand, North Cascades National Park has a more rugged and challenging terrain, with trails that lead to alpine lakes, mountain summits, and scenic vistas. Some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Cascade Pass Trail, which is a strenuous hike that gains over 3,000 feet in elevation, and the Boston Basin Trail, which is a challenging backcountry hike that requires a wilderness permit. Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors, but North Cascades is ideal for more experienced hikers looking for a challenge, while Carlsbad Caverns is suitable for a wider range of visitors, including families with children.
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 North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Carlsbad Caverns, visitors can see bats, rattlesnakes, and a variety of birds, including the Mexican free-tailed bat and the canyon wren. In the surrounding desert, there are also mule deer, roadrunners, and other animals that are common to the region.
North Cascades National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, cougars, and gray wolves. The park is also home to a large population of bird species, including the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the American dipper. Additionally, the park is home to many species of fish, including salmon, steelhead, and rainbow trout, as well as a variety of mammals, including the mountain goat, the marmot, and the hoary bat.
Both parks are great places to see a variety of wildlife, but North Cascades National Park is likely to offer a greater variety of species, especially for those interested in large mammals and birds. However, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is unique in that it offers the chance to see bats in their natural habitat, making it a great destination for those interested in these fascinating creatures.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | North Cascades 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | House Mouse |
| Common Gray Fox | Puma |
| Gray Wolf | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Wolf |
| American Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
| California Myotis | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Fringed Myotis | Ermine |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | California Myotis |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Green Prairie Rattlesnake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Gartersnake | Rubber Boa |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Western Fence 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 | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Mosquitofish | Largemouth Bass |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park are both renowned for their stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Carlsbad Caverns is famous for its underground caves and stunning formations, including the Big Room, one of the largest underground chambers in North America. The park is also home to rugged deserts and scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. The park is home to over 300 glaciers, making it one of the largest concentrations of glaciers in the lower 48 states. Visitors can hike through the park’s rugged terrain and take in the stunning views from high mountain peaks and scenic overlooks. Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park are both popular tourist destinations known for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities. However, the most popular activities in these parks vary greatly.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors can explore the underground caves and go on guided tours to see the unique and stunning formations. Hiking is also popular, with trails leading to the natural entrance of the caves and other scenic areas.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse landscape, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and rock climbing. The park also has scenic drives and overlooks, providing opportunities to see the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
In conclusion, while both parks offer unique experiences, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is better for those interested in exploring underground caves and hiking, while North Cascades National Park is better for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a more rugged wilderness experience.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park both experience seasonal changes in weather, but the type of weather and the best time to visit each park are different. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southeastern New Mexico and has hot, dry summers and mild winters with occasional snow. The best time to visit is from April to June and September to November when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is located in the Pacific Northwest and experiences heavy rainfall in the winter and spring, with clear skies and mild temperatures in the summer and fall. The best time to visit North Cascades is from July to September when the weather is dry and the views of the mountain peaks are clear. In conclusion, the weather at each park affects the best time to visit and should be considered when planning a trip.
Family Friendliness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and North Cascades National Park are both great options for families, but the best park for a family depends on what type of activities you’re interested in. Carlsbad Caverns is a great option for families who are interested in exploring underground caves, as the park is famous for its large network of caves and underground chambers. There are also several ranger-led tours and educational programs that are suitable for children. On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park is known for its stunning mountain scenery and diverse wildlife, including bears, deer, and eagles. Whether you’re interested in exploring caves or mountains, both parks offer a unique and memorable experience for families.