Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two of America’s most diverse and unique national parks. From the arid deserts of New Mexico to the tropical paradise of the U.S. Virgin Islands, these parks offer a contrast of landscapes and experiences that will leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re looking for an adventure underground or on the water, these parks have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a journey through two of America’s most breathtaking national parks.
Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Easy hikes: The Natural Entrance trail is a gentle, 1.25-mile descent into the caverns, offering stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The Big Room trail is a self-guided, 0.75-mile loop that takes visitors through the largest chamber in the caverns.
– Hard hikes: The Hall of the White Giant trail is a strenuous, 2.2-mile hike that takes visitors to a remote area of the caverns and involves steep climbs and rough terrain. The Guadalupe Ridge trail is a challenging, 8.2-mile hike that offers scenic views of the park and surrounding desert.
Virgin Islands National Park:
– Easy hikes: The Annaberg Plantation trail is a 1.5-mile hike that takes visitors through the ruins of a sugar plantation and offers views of the Caribbean Sea. The Cinnamon Bay Nature trail is a 0.5-mile loop that takes visitors through a lush tropical forest.
– Hard hikes: The Reef Bay trail is a strenuous, 2.5-mile hike that takes visitors down to the reef-lined coast and involves steep descents and rocky terrain. The Bordeaux Mountain trail is a challenging, 2.5-mile hike that takes visitors to the highest point on St. John and offers panoramic views of the island.
Both parks offer a range of hiking options, from easy nature walks to strenuous hikes with challenging terrain. However, Virgin Islands National Park is known for its tropical landscapes and coastal views, while Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its unique cave formations and desert scenery.
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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are both home to a variety of wildlife, but the types of wildlife you’ll see at each park are quite different.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
1. Bats: The park is known for its large colonies of bats, including the Brazilian free-tailed bat and the Mexican free-tailed bat.
2. Desert wildlife: The park’s desert environment is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including rattlesnakes, lizards, and roadrunners.
3. Cave life: The park’s caves are home to a variety of unique cave-dwelling species, including crickets, beetles, and spiders.
Virgin Islands National Park:
1. Marine life: The park’s coral reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and starfish.
2. Birds: The park is a popular destination for birdwatching, with over 50 species of birds commonly seen in the park, including pelicans, frigatebirds, and terns.
3. Tropical plants: The park’s tropical environment is home to a variety of lush vegetation, including palm trees, mangroves, and orchids.
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but the type of wildlife you’ll see will depend on the specific park you visit. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great destination for those interested in desert wildlife, bats, and cave life, while Virgin Islands National Park is a great destination for those interested in marine life, birds, and tropical plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Common Gray Fox | Mink |
| Gray Wolf | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | Badger |
| Fringed Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | North American River Otter |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Bullsnake |
| Eastern Racer | Racer |
| Green Prairie Rattlesnake | Rattlesnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | 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 | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Mosquitofish | Bluegill |
| Flathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Carp/European Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are both known for their unique and breathtaking landscapes.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors can explore a series of underground caves, including the famous Big Room, which is over 4,000 feet long and 255 feet high. The caves are filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations that have been created over thousands of years. Above ground, the park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and features a rugged landscape of canyons and arid mesas.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is located in the tropical paradise of the U.S. Virgin Islands and features miles of pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. Visitors can explore the park by hiking through the lush rainforest, snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or kayaking through the mangroves. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the ruins of the sugar plantation Estate Annaberg.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique and stunning landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re exploring underground caves or tropical beaches, these parks are a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Things To-Do and Activities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer visitors a variety of activities to enjoy, but the types of activities available at each park are quite different.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
1. Cave tours: Visitors can take ranger-led tours of the park’s caves, including the Big Room and the Left Hand Tunnel.
2. Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Natural Entrance Trail, the Big Room Loop Trail, and the Bat Flight Amphitheater Trail.
3. Wildlife viewing: Visitors can observe the park’s desert wildlife and bats.
Virgin Islands National Park:
1. Beaches: The park offers several beautiful beaches, including Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, and Maho Bay, which are popular for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
2. Water activities: Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
3. Hiking: The park offers several hiking trails, including the Reef Bay Trail, the Cinnamon Bay Trail, and the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Trail.
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer visitors a variety of activities to enjoy, but the types of activities available will depend on the specific park you visit. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great destination for those interested in cave tours, hiking, and wildlife viewing, while Virgin Islands National Park is a great destination for those interested in beaches, water activities, and hiking.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are located in different regions of the United States and experience very different seasonal weather patterns, affecting the best time of year to visit each park.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– The park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico and experiences hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, while winter temperatures can drop into the 40s°F.
– The best time to visit the park is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities, such as hiking and cave tours.
Virgin Islands National Park:
– The park is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, with an average temperature of 80°F.
– The best time to visit the park is from December to May, when the weather is dry and less humid, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking and snorkeling. June to November is the rainy season and can also bring the threat of hurricanes.
Both parks offer unique experiences, but the weather greatly affects the best time of year to visit each park. Visitors should consider the seasonal weather patterns when planning a trip to either park to ensure the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are family-friendly, but each park offers a different experience that caters to different types of families.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great option for families with children who enjoy exploring and learning about nature. The park offers a variety of guided tours, including the popular Big Room tour, that are both educational and entertaining for children. Above ground, the park also has several hiking trails that are suitable for families, including the self-guided nature trail that takes visitors through the Chihuahuan Desert.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities and water sports. The park’s pristine beaches and crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The park also has several hiking trails that are suitable for families, including the Reef Bay Trail, which takes visitors through the lush rainforest and past several historic sites.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are family-friendly, but the park that is better to visit will depend on the specific interests and needs of your family. If your family enjoys exploring and learning about nature, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great option. If your family enjoys outdoor activities and water sports, Virgin Islands National Park is a great option.