Welcome to a land of contrasts! Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States, each offering its own unique blend of stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and exciting outdoor adventures.
On one hand, Dry Tortugas is a remote paradise located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida. This pristine archipelago is home to crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and abundant marine life. Here, you can snorkel among colorful coral reefs, explore historic Fort Jefferson, and spot exotic birds like the magnificent frigatebird and the sooty tern.
On the other hand, Yellowstone is a massive wilderness area located in the heart of the Rockies. This ancient volcanic landscape is home to geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots that paint a canvas of vibrant colors across the rugged terrain. And, of course, there are the famous herds of bison, elk, and pronghorns that roam the park’s rolling hills and lush valleys.
So, which one should you choose? Both are amazing in their own way, but the answer really depends on what you’re looking for. Whether you’re a beach bum or a nature lover, a history buff or an adventure seeker, Dry Tortugas and Yellowstone have something to offer everyone. So, let’s dive in!
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park both have some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the country, each offering unique experiences.
At Dry Tortugas, the trails are shorter, but the scenery is breathtaking. The easiest hike is the Garden Key Trail, a 0.6-mile loop that takes you to the historic Fort Jefferson. If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Loggerhead Key Trail is a 4-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the turquoise waters surrounding the islands.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, has a much larger network of trails, with options ranging from easy boardwalks to strenuous backcountry treks. The 1-mile round trip boardwalk to the Old Faithful geyser is one of the park’s most popular trails and a must-see for any visitor. For a more strenuous hike, try the 10-mile round trip hike to the summit of Mount Washburn, which offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding landscape.
Both parks have a range of hiking options, so whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at either Dry Tortugas National Park or Yellowstone National Park.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two unique parks, each with its own distinct wildlife. In Dry Tortugas, visitors can expect to see a variety of bird species, including brown boobies, frigatebirds, and pelicans. Sea turtles, such as the endangered green turtle, are also commonly seen swimming in the waters surrounding the park. On the other hand, Yellowstone is famous for its diverse array of mammals, including bears, wolves, bison, and elk.
In terms of plant life, Dry Tortugas is home to mangrove forests, which provide important habitat for the park’s bird and sea turtle populations. Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal activity, which supports a variety of unique plant species, such as the colorful hot springs and geysers.
When it comes to birdwatching, Dry Tortugas offers excellent opportunities to see migratory birds, including songbirds and shorebirds, as well as resident species like the osprey and brown pelican. Yellowstone is also home to a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the common raven.
Overall, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer visitors the chance to see a wide range of unique wildlife, from sea turtles and mangroves in Dry Tortugas to bears, wolves, and geothermal activity in Yellowstone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Big Brown Bat | |
| Bobcat | |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Short Tailed Weasel | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a unique park located off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. Famous for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, Dry Tortugas offers a chance to see sea turtles, colorful fish, and historic Fort Jefferson. A highlight of the park is the snorkeling and diving opportunities at the beautiful coral reefs. Visitors can also take a ferry or seaplane tour to the nearby islands for a chance to see the stunning turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is known for its geothermal features like geysers and hot springs. The famous Old Faithful geyser, which erupts approximately every 90 minutes, is a must-see for visitors. Yellowstone is also home to diverse wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk. The park boasts stunning mountain ranges and scenic overlooks, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the breathtaking Yellowstone Lake. Additionally, visitors can hike to beautiful waterfalls like the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Dry Tortugas and Yellowstone are two of the most popular national parks in the US, offering unique experiences to visitors. Dry Tortugas, located in Florida, is known for its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, making snorkeling and scuba diving popular activities. The park also offers opportunities to explore historic Fort Jefferson, picnic on remote beaches and take a scenic ferry ride to and from the islands.
In contrast, Yellowstone is situated in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and is known for its geothermal features such as geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. Hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching are also popular activities in the park. The park also offers scenic drives through the beautiful landscape, including the popular Old Faithful geyser. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the geothermal features and the park’s rich history.
Both of these parks offer unique experiences for visitors, whether it be exploring the underwater world in Dry Tortugas or observing the geothermal wonders in Yellowstone. Each park has its own unique set of activities that visitors can enjoy, making both parks must-visit destinations for nature enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. However, the weather conditions in these parks are vastly different.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Florida Keys and has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round, and high humidity. The best time to visit is from December to May, when the weather is mild and dry. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 90°F and there is a higher chance of rainfall and hurricanes.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Rocky Mountains and has a more temperate climate. The summer months are warm, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, while the winter months are cold, with temperatures dropping below zero. Snow is common in the winter, making it difficult to access many of the park’s attractions. The best time to visit Yellowstone is in the summer, when the roads are open and the wildlife is active.
Both Dry Tortugas and Yellowstone offer unique experiences, but it’s important to consider the weather when planning a trip. A visit to Dry Tortugas during the summer months may be more challenging due to the heat and rainfall, while a trip to Yellowstone during the winter may not be feasible due to the snow and road closures.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, but they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
Dry Tortugas, located off the coast of Florida, is a remote park with limited facilities and amenities. However, its clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life make it a great destination for snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. It’s also a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 300 species of birds known to inhabit the park. However, the park’s location and lack of facilities make it a less accessible and more challenging option for families with young children.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is a more family-friendly option with a wider range of activities and amenities. The park is located in the western United States and is known for its geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife. In addition to exploring the park’s natural wonders, families can also participate in ranger-led programs, go on scenic drives, and enjoy picnics and camping. The park is also easy to access, with several entrances and well-maintained roads.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Yellowstone National Park is a more convenient and accessible option with a wider range of family-friendly activities and amenities. However, if you’re looking for a more remote and adventurous experience, Dry Tortugas National Park is a unique destination worth considering.