Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of America’s most diverse and captivating natural wonders. While both parks offer visitors a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, each has its own unique personality and set of attractions. Cuyahoga Valley is an urban oasis located between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, and is home to rolling hills, lush forests, and winding rivers. On the other hand, Saguaro National Park, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, is characterized by its towering cactus forests and otherworldly landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a scenic drive, both parks are sure to leave you in awe and wondering which one you should visit first.
Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park both offer a diverse range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length. Cuyahoga Valley is located in Ohio and is known for its scenic beauty and well-maintained trails. Some of the easiest hikes include the Ledges Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s rock formations, and the Towpath Trail, which is a flat, easy trail that runs along the Cuyahoga River. On the other hand, the hardest hikes at Cuyahoga Valley include the Brandywine Falls Trail, which is a steep hike to the park’s tallest waterfall, and the Buckeye Trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes you through the park’s rugged terrain.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its towering saguaro cacti and scenic desert landscapes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Freeman Homestead Trail, which is a flat, easy trail that takes you past historic homesteads, and the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, which is a scenic drive that takes you through a forest of towering saguaro cacti. On the other hand, the toughest hikes in Saguaro National Park include the King Canyon Trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes you through a rugged canyon, and the Douglas Spring Trail, which is a challenging hike that takes you to the park’s highest peak.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledges Trail | 4184.284 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Brandywine Gorge Trail | 2735.878 | 65.8368 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Stanford House to Brandywine Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 162.7632 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Blue Hen Falls Trail | 804.67 | 23.7744 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Salt Run Trail | 6759.228 | 123.7488 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Plateau Trail | 7081.096 | 96.9264 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop from Kendall Lake | 6115.492 | 98.7552 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Buckeye Trail to Valley Bridle Trail Loop | 5471.756 | 119.7864 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wetmore Bridle Trail | 7563.898 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Brecksville Station | 7081.096 | 20.7264 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio boasts diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, beavers, coyotes, and numerous bird species such as woodpeckers, warblers, and herons. The park is home to several rare plant species, including the threatened running buffalo clover and the endangered Eastern prairie fringed orchid.
Saguaro National Park in Arizona is famous for its towering Saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American Southwest. The park is also home to a variety of animals including rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, black-tailed deer, and desert bighorn sheep. Bird species commonly seen in the park include Gilded Flicker, Cactus Wren, and Gambel’s Quail.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mountain Lion |
| House Mouse | Mule Deer |
| Mink | Common Gray Fox |
| Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Badger |
| Red Squirrel | Californis Myotis |
| White-Tailed Deer | Fringed Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Meadow Vole | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Red Bat | Yuma Myotis |
| White-Footed Mouse | Bighorn Sheep |
| Norway Rat | White-Tailed Deer |
Amphibians
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Eastern Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Bullfrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Wood Frog | Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Gopher Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Garter Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Eastern Milk Snake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| European Cabbage White | |
| Buckeye |
Fish
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Northern Bluegill Sunfish | |
| Northern Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eastern Burbot | |
| Central Mottled Sculpin | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park features scenic landscapes along the Cuyahoga River, including waterfalls, rolling hills, and scenic overlooks. One of the most famous landscapes is the Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot waterfall that’s a popular spot for picnics and photo ops. Another notable feature is the Ledges Overlook, where visitors can take in sweeping views of the surrounding forested hills. The park also has several scenic drives, including the winding Country Road that passes through rolling farmlands and forests.
Saguaro National Park is located in the Sonoran Desert and is known for its towering saguaro cacti, which can grow up to 40 feet tall. The park is divided into two separate districts, the Rincon Mountain District to the east and the Tucson Mountain District to the west, both of which offer breathtaking landscapes and scenic drives. Visitors can hike through the desert and see the saguaro cacti in their natural habitat, as well as other desert plants and wildlife. The park’s scenic drives also offer stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountain ranges.
Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and Saguaro National Park (SNP) are two of America’s most popular national parks. CVNP is located in Ohio and is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. SNP is located in Arizona and is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, as well as scenic drives, camping, and ranger-led programs. Both parks draw visitors who love to explore the great outdoors, but they each offer unique experiences. CVNP is popular for its lush greenery and rolling hills, while SNP is famous for its stunning desert landscapes and towering cacti. Additionally, SNP is a great place for stargazing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing, while CVNP is known for its waterfalls and historic sites. Both parks provide opportunities for visitors to connect with nature and enjoy a wide range of recreational activities.
Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s foliage is at its peak. Saguaro National Park in Arizona has a hot, arid climate with extremely high temperatures in the summer. Winter temperatures are mild and pleasant, making it the best time to visit the park. The park’s famous saguaro cacti are in bloom from late May to early June, providing a spectacular display of flowers. Visitors should be prepared for hot, dry conditions, and take precautions to stay hydrated. Both parks offer unique and beautiful experiences, but the weather plays a significant role in determining the best time to visit.
Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park both offer unique family-friendly experiences. Cuyahoga Valley has several educational programs and junior ranger activities, a scenic railway and bike trail, and easy hikes like the Ledges Trail. Saguaro, on the other hand, offers a junior ranger program, guided ranger hikes, and scenic drives. Both parks offer ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and picnicking. However, Saguaro is more remote and has longer and tougher hikes, making it less ideal for families with young children. Therefore, Cuyahoga Valley National Park may be the better option for families traveling with kids.