If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Death Valley National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Death Valley National Park.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Death Valley National Park Overview
- 2 Carlsbad Caverns National Park Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Death Valley National Park Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- 6 Wildlife at Death Valley National Park
- 7 Wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Death Valley National Park Overview
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Overview
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Death Valley National Park Hiking Trails
Death Valley National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with a wide variety of trails to suit all levels of experience. For those looking for an easy hike, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes trail is a great option. This trail is only a mile long and is mostly level, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. For those looking for more of a challenge, the hikes to Telescope Peak or Panamint Springs are well worth the effort. Both trails are over 10 miles long and involve significant elevation gain, but the views from the summit are simply breathtaking. No matter what your level of experience, Death Valley National Park has a hiking trail that’s perfect for you.
Best Hikes At Death Valley National Park
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop | 1710.8424 | 7 | loop | 4.5 |
| Panamint Dunes Trail | 165.8112 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Ubehebe and Little Hebe Crater Trail | 220.98 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Salt Creek Interpretive Trail | 7.9248 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Grotto Canyon | 204.8256 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Darwin Falls Trail | 251.7648 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Fall Canyon Trail | 656.844 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Echo Pass and Inyo Mine OHV Loop | 396.8496 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch Path Loop | 125.8824 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Harmony Borax Works | 6.7056 | 1 | loop | 3.5 |
Hiking Overview at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The easiest trail is the Natural Entrance Trail, which is just over a mile long and relatively flat. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Big Room Guided Tour takes hikers through some of the largest rooms in the cavern, including the Carlsbad Room and the Temple of the Sun. This trail is over two miles long and includes some steep sections. The most difficult trail at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail. This trail is only accessible with a ranger-guided tour and includes several strenuous sections. However, it also rewards hikers with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Regardless of which trail you choose, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is sure to offer an unforgettable hiking experience.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 469.6968 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 309.9816 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 140.8176 | 1 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 443.7888 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 140.8176 | 3 | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 207.8736 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 7.9248 | 1 | out and back | 2.5 |
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 13.716 | 1 | loop | 5 |
Wildlife at Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. Despite its arid climate, the park is home to more than 800 species of plants, including Joshua trees, creosote bushes, and wildflowers. The park is also home to more than 300 species of animals, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and desert tortoises. In addition, the park is home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Death Valley National Park is an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.
Wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see everything from bats and birds to small mammals and lizards. The park also boasts a variety of plant life, including cacti, yucca, and ocotillo. In addition, Carlsbad Caverns is home to several endangered species, such as the Mexican long-nosed bat and the Carlsbad talus snail. With over 1,300 species of plants and animals, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is truly a nature lover’s paradise.
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Death Valley National Park Weather Considerations
Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest places on Earth. Temperatures in the summer can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is very little shade or relief from the heat. Death Valley is also extremely dry, with almost no rainfall for months at a time. As a result, the best time to visit Death Valley is in the winter, when temperatures are cooler and there is more chance of rain. However, even in winter, Death Valley can be dangerously hot, so always be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Weather Considerations
Carlsbad Caverns National Park regulates its temperature at a cool 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. This makes it a great destination for those who want to escape the heat of summer or the cold of winter. However, the park does experience a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, and some times of year are better suited for visiting than others. The spring and fall months are typically the best times to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The weather is milder during these months, and there are often fewer crowds. However, the park is also beautiful during the winter, when it sometimes snows at the higher elevations. And although summer can be hot, it is also a great time to explore the caverns, which stay cool even on the hottest days. So whether you’re looking for mild weather or cooler temperatures, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has something to offer visitors all year round.