The United States is home to some of the world’s most incredible and diverse national parks, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife, and experiences. From the humid swamps of the Everglades to the towering saguaro cacti of the Sonoran Desert, these two parks couldn’t be more different. But which one is the best? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park to help you decide which one is worth your time and resources.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, birdwatcher, or just love to relax in nature, both of these parks have something to offer. The Everglades is a vast and lush ecosystem, home to a wide variety of animals, including alligators, panthers, and manatees. Meanwhile, Saguaro is a desert oasis, featuring stunning vistas and unique wildlife like Gila monsters, rattlesnakes, and hummingbirds.
So get ready to pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and join us as we explore the highlights and hidden gems of these two incredible national parks.
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park
Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique hiking experience, but they are different in many ways.
Hiking trails at Everglades National Park are unique in that they offer the opportunity to explore the vast wetlands of the Everglades. The trails range from easy boardwalks to more strenuous hikes through the mangroves. Some of the easiest hikes at Everglades include the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail. The Anhinga Trail is a 0.8-mile boardwalk that winds through a sawgrass marsh and offers views of alligators and other wildlife. The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a 0.5-mile boardwalk that takes visitors through a hardwood hammock and showcases the unique vegetation of the Everglades.
Hiking trails at Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, are set amidst the stunning cactus forests of the Sonoran Desert. The trails range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes at Saguaro include the Freeman Homestead Trail and the Cactus Forest Trail. The Freeman Homestead Trail is a 0.5-mile loop that takes visitors through a historic homestead and offers views of the towering saguaro cacti. The Cactus Forest Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that takes visitors through a dense forest of saguaro cacti and offers views of the surrounding mountains. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Douglas Spring Trail is a 6.9-mile hike that takes visitors to the top of the Rincon Mountains and offers panoramic views of the park.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park
Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most diverse national parks in the United States. The Everglades is a vast wetland located in southern Florida that is home to a variety of unique wildlife species, including the American alligator, the West Indian manatee, and the bottlenose dolphin. The park is also a haven for a variety of bird species, including the great egret, the white ibis, and the wood stork.
On the other hand, Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is a desert landscape that is home to a different set of wildlife species. The saguaro cactus, for which the park is named, is the most recognizable plant in the park and provides habitat for a variety of animals, including the Gila woodpecker, the Gilded flicker, and the Harris’s hawk. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, such as the black-tailed deer, the coyote, and the desert bighorn sheep.
In conclusion, both Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of unique wildlife species. Whether you are interested in observing alligators and manatees in the Everglades or cactus-dwelling birds and mammals in Saguaro National Park, these parks provide a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Everglades National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Everglades National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Bobcat | American Beaver |
| Striped Skunk | Big Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| House Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Raccoon |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Black Bear |
| White-Tailed Deer | Porcupine |
| Eastern Cottontail | Silver-Haired Bat |
| House Rat | Hoary Bat |
| Spotted Skunk | Mountain Lion |
| Fox Squirrel | Mule Deer |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Common Gray Fox |
| Feral Hog | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Least Shrew | Badger |
| Californis Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse | |
| Yuma Myotis | |
| Bighorn Sheep | |
| White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Everglades National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Bluegill | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish |
Reptiles
| Everglades National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Everglades National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park
The Everglades National Park in Florida is famous for its vast wetlands and diverse ecosystems that are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can take a boat tour through the mangroves to see alligators, manatees, and numerous bird species, or hike the park’s trails for views of the sawgrass prairies and pine rocklands.
Saguaro National Park in Arizona is known for its towering cacti, including the Saguaro, which can grow up to 50 feet tall. The park is divided into two districts, one east and one west of Tucson, each offering unique landscapes and opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives. Hikes through the Rincon Mountain District provide views of dramatic rock formations and scenic vistas, while the Tucson Mountain District is dotted with ancient petroglyphs and historic sites.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience diverse and breathtaking landscapes, whether it’s the lush wetlands of the Everglades or the towering saguaros of Saguaro National Park. Both are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park
Everglades National Park in Florida and Saguaro National Park in Arizona are two of America’s most beloved national parks. Both offer a unique experience for visitors, and are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
In Everglades National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including bird watching, fishing, and kayaking. With over 350 species of birds, the park is a birder’s paradise. Fishing is also a popular activity and visitors can cast a line for Tarpon, Snook, and Redfish. Kayaking is the best way to explore the park’s 10,000 islands and see the park’s diverse wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and dolphins.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience. The park is home to the iconic Saguaro cactus, which is native to the Sonoran Desert. Visitors can go on a scenic drive through the park, take a guided ranger hike, or go on a scenic horseback ride. The park also offers stargazing opportunities, and visitors can join a ranger-led night hike to see the Milky Way and other celestial wonders.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in nature or an action-packed adventure, both Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park have something to offer. With their unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, these parks provide a truly memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park
Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park are two distinct and different national parks located in the United States. The weather in each park is unique and affects the best time to visit each park.
Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida and experiences a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and warm and mild winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from December to April when temperatures are cooler and there is less rain. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s and there are frequent thunderstorms, making it more difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.
On the other hand, Saguaro National Park is located in southern Arizona and experiences a desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit Saguaro is from October to May, when temperatures are cooler and there is less chance of rain. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 100s, making it too hot for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, so visitors should be prepared for cold weather if visiting during this time of year.
In conclusion, the weather at Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park affects the best time to visit each park. Visitors to Everglades should plan their trip from December to April, while visitors to Saguaro should plan their trip from October to May.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park
Everglades National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both of these parks have a lot to offer in terms of outdoor recreation and natural beauty, they differ significantly when it comes to being family-friendly.
Everglades National Park is a vast wetland area that covers over 1.5 million acres in southern Florida. It’s known for its unique ecosystem and the abundance of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and many species of birds. Although the park offers a variety of activities, such as airboat rides and hiking trails, it can be challenging for families with young children. The heat and humidity can be oppressive, and the park’s vast size can make it difficult for families to navigate.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Arizona and is home to the iconic saguaro cactus. The park is much smaller than Everglades, covering just over 91,000 acres, and it offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hiking trails, picnic areas, and ranger programs. The park’s desert climate is much milder than Florida’s, and the park’s compact size makes it easy for families to explore.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to visit a national park with your family and young children, Saguaro National Park is likely the better option. It offers a range of family-friendly activities, a mild climate, and a compact size that makes it easy to navigate.