Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most unique and diverse parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of experiences for visitors, but each park is completely different from the other. From the scorching hot temperatures of Death Valley to the freshwater lakes of Voyageurs, these two parks offer a dramatically different landscape.
In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting these two parks, highlighting their differences and similarities. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a relaxing vacation, Death Valley and Voyageurs have something to offer for everyone.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore two of the most captivating parks in the US! We’ll take you on a journey through the scorching deserts of Death Valley and the tranquil waters of Voyageurs, comparing each park’s unique features, activities, and attractions. You’ll be amazed at the diversity of these two parks and will leave with a better understanding of what makes each park so special.
Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US. Each park has its own unique set of wildlife that visitors can observe and admire.
Death Valley National Park is a desert environment and home to many species of animals and plants that have adapted to survive in harsh, arid conditions. Some of the most common wildlife found in Death Valley include bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, rattlesnakes, and various species of birds such as roadrunners, ravens and golden eagles. Additionally, the park is also famous for its diverse array of cacti and wildflowers.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park is located in the boreal forest of northern Minnesota and is known for its abundant and diverse wildlife population. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of animals, including moose, black bears, wolves, otters, and beavers. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 200 species of birds found in the park, including loons, bald eagles, and ospreys. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plants, including the rare and threatened wildflowers that grow among the park’s wetlands and forests.
In conclusion, while both Death Valley and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, they are very different in terms of the types of animals, birds, and plants you can expect to see. Whether you are interested in observing desert-dwelling species or exploring the forests of the north, these parks are sure to offer a memorable experience for all visitors.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail | 2896.812 | 2.7432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail | 4506.152 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zabriskie Point | 643.736 | 15.8496 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dante’s View Trail | 2574.944 | 109.728 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Telescope Peak Trail | 19312.08 | 1012.8504 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral | 4667.086 | 174.9552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point | 9334.172 | 332.8416 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Mosaic Canyon Trail | 5632.69 | 324.9168 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Death Valley Natural Bridge Road | 6920.162 | 304.8 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road | 3057.746 | 68.8848 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two unique and contrasting US National Parks, each offering a unique wildlife experience. In Death Valley, visitors can see a variety of desert animals, including bighorn sheep, kit foxes, and several species of reptiles like rattlesnakes and Gila monsters. The park is also known for its diverse bird population, including the California Condor, the American Kestrel, and several species of hawks and eagles. The park is also home to several species of cacti and other desert plants.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park located in northern Minnesota. Wildlife in this park is centered around its many lakes and rivers, and visitors can expect to see a variety of fish, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The park is also home to several species of birds, including the common loon, the bald eagle, and the osprey. Visitors might also see beavers, otters, and other mammals like moose and black bears. The park is also home to a variety of wetland plants, including cattails, bulrushes, and wildflowers.
Overall, both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, and visitors to either park are sure to see a variety of animals and plants that they won’t see anywhere else. Whether you’re interested in desert animals or water-based wildlife, Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both must-see destinations for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Death Valley National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Death Valley National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Muskrat | American Beaver |
| Big Brown Bat | Muskrat |
| Bobcat | Big Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Bobcat |
| Deer Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Raccoon | Little Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Deer Mouse |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Raccoon |
| Hoary Bat | Black Bear |
| House Mouse | Porcupine |
| Mountain Lion | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Mule Deer | Hoary Bat |
| Gray Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | House Mouse |
| Badger | Mountain Lion |
| Californian Myotis | Mink |
| Fringed Myotis | Common Gray Fox |
| Common Shrew | Plains Wolf |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | American Badger |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Ermine |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Western Harvest Mouse | River Otter |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Death Valley National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith������S Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Death Valley National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Death Valley National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Mosquitofish | Longnose Sucker |
| Goldfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Death Valley National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Canyon Treefrog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders.
Death Valley is famous for its vast desert landscape, including the Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Visitors can also explore the towering peaks of the Panamint Range and the striking beauty of the salt flats.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a watery paradise with a stunning array of lakes and waterways, including the Kabetogama Peninsula and the Ash River. The park is also home to numerous islands, including the largest island in the park, Rainy Lake. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the beauty of the park from the water and enjoy the abundant wildlife, including beavers, loons, and bald eagles.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and to experience the raw beauty of nature. Whether you prefer the vast, open desert landscapes of Death Valley or the serene, watery paradise of Voyageurs National Park, both parks are sure to leave you in awe of the natural wonders of the United States.
Things To-Do and Activities in Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Death Valley is known for its extreme temperatures and striking landscapes, including sand dunes, salt flats, and canyons. Visitors often enjoy exploring the park by car, taking scenic drives to see various landmarks such as Badwater Basin, Devil’s Golf Course, and Zabriskie Point. Hiking is also popular, with trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park located in northern Minnesota. The park is famous for its interconnected network of lakes and waterways, which visitors can explore by boat or canoe. Fishing is a popular activity, with opportunities to reel in walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Camping is also a popular choice, with many lakeside campsites available for visitors to set up their tents or park their RVs. Winter activities, such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing, are also popular in the park.
Ultimately, the choice between Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park will depend on individual preferences and the time of year. Both parks offer stunning natural beauty, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re looking for a hot and dry desert adventure, or a cooler and wetter experience on the water, these two parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Death Valley National Park, located in the Mojave Desert, is known for its scorching temperatures that can reach above 120°F in the summer months. On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is surrounded by over 40% of fresh water and experiences much colder temperatures, with winter lows dropping below 0°F.
The extreme temperatures in Death Valley make it best to visit during the cooler months of December through February. Visitors can enjoy comfortable weather for hiking and camping, as well as see the desert wildflowers in bloom. In contrast, Voyageurs National Park is at its prime during the summer months of June through August, when visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and canoeing.
Despite their differences, both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes. Death Valley features sand dunes, salt flats, and canyons, while Voyageurs boasts picturesque lakes and forests. Whether escaping the heat or braving the cold, both parks offer breathtaking experiences for visitors during their respective seasons.
Family Friendliness of Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Death Valley National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular destinations for families, but they offer different experiences. Death Valley is known for its otherworldly landscapes and extreme temperatures, while Voyageurs is known for its network of lakes and waterways.
When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their pros and cons. Death Valley is a great place for families who love to hike and explore, as there are many trails that are suitable for all ages. However, the park can be quite hot and inhospitable, so it’s important to come prepared. On the other hand, Voyageurs is a great place for families who love water activities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The park has many campgrounds, picnic areas, and other amenities that make it easy for families to enjoy their time there.
If you’re traveling with children, Voyageurs National Park is probably the better option. The park’s many lakes and waterways make it an ideal place for families to swim, fish, and enjoy water-based activities. Additionally, the park’s campgrounds and picnic areas provide plenty of opportunities for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors. On the other hand, Death Valley may be too harsh and inhospitable for families with young children. The extreme temperatures and remote location may make it difficult for families with young children to fully enjoy their visit.