Dry Tortugas and Great Basin National Parks are two of America’s hidden gems, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking rugged wilderness or a history buff fascinated by ancient fortifications, these parks have something for you. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two national treasures, highlighting their most captivating features and exploring the reasons why you should add them to your bucket list.
Think crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and breathtaking sunsets at Dry Tortugas, a remote archipelago located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. This park is home to the iconic Fort Jefferson, a massive brick fortification that guarded the Gulf of Mexico during the Civil War. Today, visitors can tour the fort and explore the surrounding waters, which are teeming with exotic wildlife, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and migratory birds.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is a true wilderness lover’s paradise. This park boasts towering peaks, pristine forests, and ancient bristlecone pines, some of which are more than 4,000 years old. With its dark skies, Great Basin is also a popular destination for stargazers, who come from far and wide to admire the Milky Way, constellations, and other celestial wonders. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or simply a lover of nature, Great Basin has something to offer.
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Basin National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its rich history and stunning snorkeling opportunities. The park offers several trails, including the Fort Jefferson Trail, which provides a 2-mile hike around the historic fort. The trail is easy and provides a great way to see the fort, but it is not recommended for those who have mobility issues.
In contrast, Great Basin National Park located in Nevada, is known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscapes. Hikers can find a variety of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. The Bristlecone Pine Trail is a popular and easy hike that takes visitors through a grove of ancient bristlecone pines. On the other hand, the Wheeler Peak Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the top of the park’s tallest mountain, offering scenic views along the way.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences and it ultimately depends on what type of hike you are looking for. If you’re looking for a leisurely hike with a historical aspect, Dry Tortugas is the right choice. However, if you’re looking for a more challenging hike with scenic views, Great Basin National Park is the better option.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Basin National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is a popular spot for birdwatching. Some of the most common birds you’ll see include the brown pelican, frigate bird, and sooty tern. Visitors to Dry Tortugas can also see plenty of marine life, including sea turtles, starfish, and various species of fish. Some of the most common plants in the park include mangroves, sea oats, and saltwater cordgrass.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is home to a much different landscape and wildlife. The park is known for its diverse range of animals, including mule deer, pronghorns, and coyotes. Visitors may also spot bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears. The park is also a great place to see a variety of bird species, including the mountain bluebird, Clark’s nutcracker, and the spotted towhee. Some of the most common plants in the park include the great basin bristlecone pine, limber pine, and the Utah juniper.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Dry Tortugas National Park | Great Basin 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 |
Red-Tailed Hawk | Great Horned Owl |
Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
Merlin | Northern Flicker |
Barn Swallow | Merlin |
Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
Song Sparrow | American Kestrel |
European Starling | Bald Eagle |
Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
Killdeer | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Dry Tortugas National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
House Rat | Coyote |
American Beaver | |
Muskrat | |
Big Brown Bat | |
Bobcat | |
Striped Skunk | |
Little Brown Bat | |
Deer Mouse | |
Raccoon | |
Porcupine | |
Silver-Haired Bat | |
Hoary Bat | |
Red Fox | |
Long-Tailed Weasel | |
House Mouse | |
Lion | |
Mink | |
Mule Deer | |
Gray Fox | |
Gray Wolf | |
Long-Legged Myotis | |
Long-Eared Myotis | |
Badger | |
Ermine | |
Californis Myotis |
Fish
Dry Tortugas National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | |
Brook Trout | |
Brown Trout | |
Mottled Sculpin | |
Speckled Dace | |
Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
Dry Tortugas National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
Dry Tortugas National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Racer | |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
Rubber Boa | |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
Eastern Collared Lizard | |
Eastern Fence Lizard | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Desert Spiny Lizard | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
Dry Tortugas National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Monarch Butterfly | |
American Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Mourningcloak | |
Cabbage White | |
Silvery Blue | |
Common Checkered-Skipper | |
Clouded Sulphur | |
Commom Wood Nymph | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail | |
Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Basin National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, is famous for its crystal clear waters and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can explore Fort Jefferson, a historic military fort located on Garden Key, and take a ferry or seaplane tour to see the surrounding islands and waters.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is known for its diverse landscapes, including the 13,063-foot-tall Wheeler Peak, the second highest peak in Nevada. The park is also home to the Lehman Caves, a series of limestone caves with beautiful and complex underground formations. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves or hike the Bristlecone Pine Trail to see ancient trees estimated to be over 4,000 years old.
Both parks offer breathtaking views and unique opportunities to explore nature, making them great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling and exploring coral reefs or hiking and exploring caves, Dry Tortugas and Great Basin National Parks have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Basin National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Basin National Park are two unique and beautiful national parks that offer visitors a range of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Dry Tortugas is located in Florida and is famous for its crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The park is home to the historic Fort Jefferson, which is a popular attraction for visitors who are interested in history and architecture. Camping is also a popular activity at Dry Tortugas, as is birdwatching, with a variety of species to be seen in the park.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park in Nevada is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Lehman Caves, which are a popular destination for visitors. The park is also home to the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees, some of which are more than 4,000 years old. Hiking is a popular activity in the park, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Rock climbing and star gazing are also popular activities in Great Basin National Park, with the clear night skies offering an unparalleled view of the stars.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience nature in unique and beautiful ways. Whether you are interested in exploring historic sites, taking a dip in crystal clear waters, or hiking through stunning landscapes, there is something for everyone at Dry Tortugas and Great Basin National Park.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Basin National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located off the coast of Florida, is known for its tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The summer months can be very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F. During the winter, temperatures are cooler, but still mild, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F. The park is also prone to hurricanes and tropical storms during the summer and fall months.
In contrast, Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, experiences a more varied climate, with cold winters and warm summers. During the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing and snow is common, making it a great destination for winter sports. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it a great time to explore the park’s trails and camp.
Both parks offer unique experiences depending on the time of year, with Dry Tortugas National Park being ideal for water activities, birdwatching, and snorkeling in the warm months and Great Basin National Park being ideal for winter sports, hiking, and camping in the warm months. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly and be prepared for the conditions they may encounter.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Basin National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Basin National Park are two great options for families who love nature and the great outdoors. Both parks offer unique experiences for families, but which one is the best fit for your family depends on what you’re looking for.
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, offers a unique experience for families with children. The park is located on a remote island and can only be reached by ferry or seaplane, making it a great adventure. The park has a rich history, with Fort Jefferson being one of the main attractions. The fort is a great place for kids to learn about history and play on the ramparts. Snorkeling, swimming, and bird watching are also popular activities in the park.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is a more traditional national park with a variety of activities for families. The park has great hiking trails, including the popular Wheeler Peak Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park is also home to the Lehman Caves, which are a great place to explore for families with children. The caves are well lit and easy to navigate, making them a great option for families. In addition, the park offers ranger-led programs and campfire programs that are great for families with children.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Basin National Park are great options for families, but the best choice for your family depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, Dry Tortugas may be the perfect choice. If you’re looking for a more traditional national park experience with a variety of activities, Great Basin may be the better choice.