Death Valley National Park vs Zion National Park

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Death Valley National Park vs Zion National Park

Are you torn between visiting Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park? Both parks offer stunning landscapes and unique experiences, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each park, comparing the highlights and activities they offer so you can make an informed decision.

Death Valley, located in California and Nevada, is known for its scorching temperatures and otherworldly landscapes. From the salt flats to the sand dunes, every vista here is a photographer’s dream. And while the heat can be intense, the park is full of hidden oases, from the bubbling mud pots at Furnace Creek to the hidden canyons of Mosaic Canyon.

Meanwhile, Zion National Park in Utah, is a hiker’s paradise, offering a range of trails for every skill level. From the iconic Angel’s Landing to the peaceful Riverside Walk, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re up for a challenge, you can take on the Narrows, a 16-mile round trip hike through the Virgin River. But Zion isn’t just for hikers—it’s also a haven for birders, with over 200 species of birds found in the park.

Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park

Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, and each offers unique hiking experiences.

Death Valley is known for its challenging hikes, including the strenuous 11-mile trek to Telescope Peak. This hike offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountain ranges, but it is not for the faint of heart. On the other hand, there are also shorter and easier hikes, such as the stroll through Golden Canyon, which is a relatively flat trail that leads to a narrow canyon with towering walls of vibrant rock formations.

Zion National Park is home to some of the most iconic hikes in the country, including the famous Angels Landing. This strenuous 5.4-mile hike is not for the faint of heart, but it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon. For those looking for an easier hike, the Riverside Walk is a gentle 2.2-mile trail that follows the Virgin River and offers views of towering cliffs and lush vegetation.

Both Death Valley and Zion offer a range of hiking experiences, from strenuous and challenging hikes to easier, scenic walks. No matter what type of hike you prefer, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

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 Zion National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Angels Landing Trail 6598.294 492.8616 Hard out and back 5
The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk 2896.812 62.7888 Easy out and back 4.5
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail 1609.34 64.9224 Moderate out and back 4.5
The Watchman Trail 4988.954 196.9008 Moderate loop 4.5
The Subway Trail 11265.38 397.764 Hard out and back 5
Weeping Rock Trail 482.802 23.7744 Easy out and back 4
Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring 13840.324 1268.8824 Hard out and back 5
Lower Emerald Pool Trail 2092.142 34.7472 Easy out and back 4
Emerald Pools Trail 4667.086 184.7088 Easy out and back 4
Hidden Canyon Trail 4828.02 283.7688 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park

Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park are two popular national parks in the United States that offer unique and diverse landscapes. In terms of wildlife, both parks have a lot to offer.

Death Valley is home to many species of animals that have adapted to the harsh desert environment. Visitors may see bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, roadrunners, and desert tortoises. Jackrabbits, coyotes, and several species of bats are also common. Moreover, Death Valley is also famous for its diverse birdlife, including the iconic roadrunner, as well as many species of hawks, vultures, and eagles.

On the other hand, at Zion National Park, visitors will have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife that is unique to the region. The park is home to many species of mammals, including mule deer, mountain lions, and black bears. Additionally, visitors can see a variety of birds, including eagles, hawks, and turkeys, as well as a variety of reptiles and amphibians. The park is also home to many species of plants, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.

In conclusion, both Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. Whether you’re interested in the harsh but fascinating desert environment of Death Valley or the lush and diverse landscape of Zion, both parks are sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Death Valley National Park Zion 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 Zion 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 Mule Deer
Fringed Myotis Gray Fox
Common Shrew Long-Legged Myotis
Mexican Free-Tailed Bat Long-Eared Myotis
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat American Badger
Bushy-Tailed Woodrat Ermine
Western Harvest Mouse California Myotis
Western Small-Footed Myotis Fringed Myotis

Reptiles

Death Valley National Park Zion National Park
Gopher Snake Gophersnake
Terrestrial Gartersnake Terrestrial Gartersnake
Ring-Necked Snake Ring-Necked Snake
Common Sagebrush Lizard Common Sagebrush Lizard
Common Side-Blotched Lizard Greater Short-Horned Lizard
Rubber Boa Side-Blotched Lizard
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard Common Kingsnake
Smith������S Black-Headed Snake Nightsnake
Tree Lizard Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard Striped Whipsnake
Glossy Snake Smith’s Black-Headed Snake
Long-Nosed Snake Tree Lizard
Western Fence Lizard Western Whiptail
Western Skink
Desert Spiny Lizard

Insects

Death Valley National Park Zion 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 Zion National Park
Largemouth Bass Rainbow Trout
Mosquitofish Brook Trout
Goldfish Brown Trout
Speckled Dace
Channel Catfish
Goldfish

Amphibians

Death Valley National Park Zion National Park
Woodhouse’s Toad Northern Leopard Frog
Canyon Treefrog Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Canyon Treefrog

Beautiful Landscapes in Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park

Death Valley National Park is famous for its vast desert landscapes and unique geological formations. Some of the most popular attractions in the park include Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, and Zabriskie Point, an area of colorful rock formations that offer breathtaking views. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and roadrunners.

In contrast, Zion National Park is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and towering mountains. One of the park’s most famous landmarks is Angel’s Landing, a 1,488-foot rock formation that offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to the Narrows, a slot canyon that is popular with hikers, and the Emerald Pools, a series of tiered waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mountain lions, black bears, and mule deer.

Things To-Do and Activities in Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park

Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors. In Death Valley, visitors are drawn to the park’s extreme landscape, with its scorching temperatures and otherworldly terrain. Hiking is a popular activity, but visitors also love to explore the park’s diverse range of trails, from easy walks to more strenuous hikes. In addition, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.

Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs, canyons, and rivers. Hiking is also a popular activity here, but visitors also love to go rock climbing, canyoneering, and horseback riding. In addition, visitors can take scenic drives, go bird watching, and enjoy the park’s abundant wildlife. Both parks offer stunning natural beauty and unique experiences, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park

Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the US. Both offer unique landscapes and experiences, and present different climates and weather patterns.

Death Valley is known for its scorching summer temperatures, reaching up to 120°F. Winter temperatures are usually mild and comfortable, with an average of 60°F. In the summer, it’s best to visit the park early in the morning or late in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. Winter is the peak season for visitors who come to enjoy the beautiful weather and go on hikes.

Zion, on the other hand, experiences a more moderate climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 80°F. Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. During the winter, the park can get quite cold and snow is common, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Hiking trails can be slippery, so it’s important to be prepared if you plan to visit during this time.

In conclusion, both Death Valley and Zion National Park offer unique weather experiences and different climates throughout the year. It’s important to consider the weather patterns when planning your visit, as it can greatly affect your experience and the activities you can participate in.

Family Friendliness of Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park

Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks offer unique experiences for families with kids.

Death Valley National Park is a great option for families who enjoy hiking and exploring the great outdoors. The park offers a variety of easy hikes, such as the Mosaic Canyon Trail and the Golden Canyon Trail, that are suitable for children of all ages. There are also ranger-led programs, campsites, and picnic areas for families to enjoy. However, the extreme temperatures in the park during the summer can make it challenging for families with young children.

Zion National Park, on the other hand, is a more family-friendly option for families with kids. The park offers a variety of family-friendly hikes, such as the Riverside Walk and the Emerald Pools Trail, which are easy to navigate and offer stunning views of the park. The park also has a shuttle system that makes it easy for families to get around and explore different areas of the park. In addition, there are several campgrounds, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs available for families to enjoy.

In conclusion, both Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park offer unique experiences for families with kids, but Zion National Park is the better option for families who are traveling with young children. The park’s family-friendly hikes, shuttle system, and ranger-led programs make it a great destination for families looking to explore and enjoy nature together.

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