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.