“Discover the natural beauty of two of America’s most awe-inspiring parks, Crater Lake National Park and Great Basin National Park. Imagine standing on the rim of Crater Lake, mesmerized by its deep blue waters surrounded by towering volcanic cliffs, or exploring the rugged landscapes of Great Basin, dotted with ancient Bristlecone Pine trees and mysterious caves. Both parks offer unique outdoor experiences, but which one will you choose for your next adventure? Join us as we compare the breathtaking scenery, recreational activities, and cultural significance of Crater Lake and Great Basin, and find out which park is the ultimate destination for nature-lovers.”
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Great Basin National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon has a variety of trails ranging from easy to challenging. Easy hikes include the Rim Trail, a scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of Crater Lake and the Watchman Peak Trail, a 1.3-mile hike to a fire lookout. For a more strenuous hike, try the Garfield Peak Trail, a 8-mile ascent to the summit of the peak or the Cleetwood Cove Trail, a steep and rocky 2.2-mile hike down to the lake shore.
Great Basin National Park in Nevada also offers a range of hiking options, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Easy trails include the Baker Lake Trail, a 2.5-mile hike to a serene alpine lake and the Lehman Creek Trail, a 1-mile walk along a creek. For a more challenging hike, consider the Wheeler Peak Trail, a 13.5-mile hike to the tallest peak in Nevada or the Glacier Trail, a strenuous hike through an alpine environment.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Great Basin National Park
Crater Lake NP & Great Basin NP both offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Crater Lake features bird species like American Dipper & Bald Eagle, and mammals such as Black Bear, Mountain Lion, & Mule Deer. The park also boasts a diverse array of plants like whitebark pine, lupine, and wildflowers. On the other hand, Great Basin NP is known for its Desert Bighorn Sheep, Pronghorn Antelope, & Coyote, and bird species like White-tailed Ptarmigan & Sage Thrasher. The park is famous for its old Bristlecone Pine trees & Mormon Tea plant.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Great Basin 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 |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| American Pipit | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Crater Lake National Park | Great Basin 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 | 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 | Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Gray Fox |
| Gray Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| American Badger | Ermine |
| Ermine | Californis Myotis |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Mottled Sculpin |
| Silver Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Kokanee Salmon | Cutthroat Trout |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Racer |
| Racer | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Western Skink | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Western Fence Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Monarch Butterfly |
| Honey Bee | American Painted Lady |
| Purplish Copper | Red Admiral |
| Anise Swallowtail | Mourningcloak |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Great Basin National Park
Crater Lake National Park is renowned for its stunning lake, the deepest in the US, surrounded by towering cliffs. The park offers scenic drives, hikes to overlooks, and boat tours on the lake. Great Basin National Park showcases striking mountain ranges, including Wheeler Peak, Nevada’s second highest peak. Activities include hiking to the peak and exploring the park’s Lehman Caves, a series of underground marble chambers. Other highlights include ancient Bristlecone Pine forests, alpine lakes, and the scenic drive along Snake Creek Canyon.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Great Basin National Park
Crater Lake NP is known for its blue crater lake & offers hiking, camping, & boat tours. Great Basin NP features Bristlecone Pine trees, stargazing, & outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, & rock climbing in high desert environment. Visitors come to Crater Lake NP to admire the lake, while Great Basin NP attracts visitors for its unique flora/fauna & outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Great Basin National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is a high-altitude park with cold, snowy winters and mild, dry summers. Great Basin National Park in Nevada is at a lower altitude and has hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit Crater Lake is summer, when the weather is mild and its famous blue waters are accessible. Winter is also a beautiful time with snow and ice covering the landscape. Great Basin is best visited in spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and its unique landscape and wildlife are easily visible. Weather should be considered when planning a trip to either park.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Great Basin National Park
Crater Lake National Park is more developed with facilities and activities like ranger-led programs, boat tours, and scenic drives. Great Basin is more remote and ideal for camping, hiking, and stargazing. Which park is better for families depends on their preferences and interests.