The United States is home to some of the most stunning and diverse national parks in the world. From the lush swamps of the Everglades to the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, there is no shortage of breathtaking landscapes to explore. But which of these two iconic parks is the better destination for nature lovers and adventure-seekers? In this article, we will compare Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park and explore their unique features, activities, and wildlife, to help you decide which one to visit first.
The Everglades is a vast wetland that spans over 1.5 million acres, making it the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and hundreds of species of birds. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as canoeing, fishing, and hiking, and explore the park’s swampy backcountry.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering breathtaking views of the Rockies and over 350 miles of trails for visitors to explore. It is also home to a diverse wildlife population, including elk, bighorn sheep, and over 280 species of birds. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a scenic drive, Rocky Mountain National Park is sure to leave you in awe.
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Everglades National Park is located in Florida, while Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado. The hiking trails in these two parks differ greatly, both in terms of difficulty and landscape.
Everglades National Park has a number of easy hiking trails, such as the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail. These trails are ideal for families and offer beautiful views of the park’s marshes and wildlife. On the other hand, the backcountry trails in the Everglades can be quite challenging and require a permit.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, offers a variety of trails, from easy hikes to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular easy hikes include the Bear Lake Trail and the Emerald Lake Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the park’s alpine lakes and mountains. For more experienced hikers, the park’s backcountry trails, such as the Longs Peak Trail, offer a challenging and rewarding experience, with breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
In conclusion, both Everglades and Rocky Mountain National Parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy trails to strenuous backcountry treks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, both parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems, but each park has its own set of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen.
In Everglades National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of birds like the roseate spoonbill and the great egret. The park is also home to a variety of snakes, including the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and the water moccasin. In addition to the wildlife, visitors will also see a variety of plant life, including the cypress trees and mangroves that are found in the park.
In contrast, Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its diverse bird population, including species such as the Clark’s nutcracker, the mountain bluebird, and the American robin. Visitors to the park can also expect to see a variety of mammals, including elk, bighorn sheep, and marmots. In addition to the wildlife in the park, visitors will also see a variety of plant life, including the lodgepole pine and the Engelmann spruce.
Overall, both Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife and plant life. Whether you are interested in birds, mammals, or plants, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Everglades National Park | Rocky Mountain 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
| Everglades National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Bobcat | American Beaver |
| Striped Skunk | Muskrat |
| Raccoon | Big Brown Bat |
| Red Fox | Bobcat |
| House Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Gray Fox | Deer Mouse |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Raccoon |
| White-Tailed Deer | Black Bear |
| Eastern Cottontail | Porcupine |
| House Rat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Spotted Skunk | Hoary Bat |
| Fox Squirrel | Red Fox |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Feral Hog | Mountain Lion |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Mink |
| Least Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Gray Fox | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Everglades National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Bluegill | Brook Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brown Trout |
| Yellow Bullhead | Western Longnose Sucker |
| Channel Catfish | Mottled Sculpin |
| Black Crappie | Speckled Dace |
| Mosquitofish | Cutthroat Trout |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish |
Amphibians
| Everglades National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Everglades National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Everglades National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning landscapes and unique natural features that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Everglades National Park is famous for its beautiful wetlands and swamp lands that are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can take airboat tours, hike on boardwalks, or kayak through the park to get up close and personal with this unique ecosystem.
Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for its towering peaks, rolling hills, and breathtaking mountain views. The park is home to over 60 mountains that rise over 12,000 feet, including Longs Peak, which is one of the most popular peaks for climbing and hiking. Visitors can also take in panoramic views from scenic overlooks, like the famous Trail Ridge Road, or hike to beautiful waterfalls like Alberta Falls.
Whether you’re looking for a chance to explore unique wetlands or experience the majesty of the mountains, both Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and they offer very different experiences to visitors. In Everglades National Park, visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. The park is home to many unique species of animals and plants and offers a truly unique experience in the Florida wilderness. Visitors can take guided tours to see the alligators up close, or they can take a scenic drive to see the park’s stunning landscapes.
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and provides visitors with a wide range of outdoor activities. Hiking, camping, and fishing are some of the most popular activities in the park. The park also offers scenic drives and horseback riding, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the mountains. There is also a scenic road that takes visitors to the top of the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the park’s history and wildlife.
Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience to visitors, but the choice between Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park depends on personal preferences. If you are looking for a more relaxed and peaceful experience, Everglades National Park may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery, Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect destination.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each with their unique features. The seasonal weather in these parks, however, can be quite different, which affects when is the best time to visit.
Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is known for its hot and humid summers and mild winters, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April, when the weather is cooler, less humid, and less likely to rain. On the other hand, the wet season, which runs from May to October, can be quite hot, humid, and rainy, making it a less ideal time to visit.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, is known for its chilly, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm, dry, and clear. Winter, on the other hand, can be harsh, with heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility, making it a less ideal time to visit for those who are not prepared for winter conditions.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather in Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park can greatly affect when is the best time to visit each park. Whether you are looking for warm and humid conditions or cool and dry conditions, both parks have something to offer, depending on the time of year.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Everglades National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are renowned for their natural beauty and diverse range of outdoor activities, but they differ significantly when it comes to family-friendliness.
Everglades National Park is a vast, swampy wilderness in Florida that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and manatees. While it is a great place to explore and learn about the natural world, it may not be the best choice for families with young children. The park’s vast size, hot and humid climate, and limited access to facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas can make it a challenging destination for families.
In contrast, Rocky Mountain National Park is a more traditional national park that is located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. With its scenic mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, it is a more family-friendly destination. The park has plenty of facilities and amenities, including picnic areas, campgrounds, and hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. Additionally, the high altitude and cooler climate make it an ideal place to visit with children during the summer months.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children and want a more family-friendly national park experience, Rocky Mountain National Park is the better choice. With its wide range of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and ample facilities, it is a great place for families to explore and enjoy the great outdoors together.