The Grand Canyon National Park and the Great Basin National Park, two of America’s premier national parks, are often compared. Both parks are known for their stunning landscapes and unique geological features, but each offers a distinct experience to visitors.
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders and attracts millions of visitors each year. With its breathtaking views, rugged terrain, and rich history, it is easy to see why. However, the Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem that often goes overlooked. Despite its smaller size, the park boasts a rich array of geological wonders, including ancient bristlecone pines and unique cave systems.
In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two national parks. From their geological formations to their recreational opportunities, we will uncover what makes them each special and why they are worth visiting. Whether you are a seasoned national park enthusiast or a curious traveler, this comparison will give you a new appreciation for the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon and the Great Basin.
Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different types of hiking experiences. The Grand Canyon is known for its challenging and strenuous hikes, such as the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail, which offer breathtaking views of the canyon and the Colorado River. These trails can be difficult and require a lot of preparation, but they are worth the effort.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park offers a more relaxed hiking experience with its scenic trails, including the Bristlecone Pine Trail and the Lehman Caves Trail. These trails are less strenuous, but they still offer beautiful views of the park’s unique landscape and its ancient bristlecone pines, which are some of the oldest living organisms in the world.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, the Grand Canyon is the place to be. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience with stunning views, Great Basin National Park is a great choice. Both parks have something to offer for all types of hikers, so it’s a matter of personal preference and skill level.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail | 28485.318 | 1525.8288 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge | 4988.954 | 358.7496 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail | 8690.436 | 635.8128 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop | 26875.978 | 1400.8608 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point | 2896.812 | 210.9216 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Grand Canyon Rim Trail | 8690.436 | 106.9848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village | 34761.744 | 1614.8304 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
Shoshone Point Trail | 3379.614 | 45.72 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail | 19633.948 | 961.9488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point | 8690.436 | 602.8944 | Hard | out and back | 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 Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but they differ in terms of the types of animals, birds, and plants you’ll see.
At Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can see a wide variety of wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. In addition to these mammals, the park is home to a number of bird species, such as the California Condor, Peregrine Falcon, and the Golden Eagle. The park is also home to a diverse range of plant species, including the Desert Willow, Joshua Tree, and the Grand Canyon Wildflowers.
In contrast, Great Basin National Park is best known for its diverse range of reptiles, including the Desert Tortoise, Gopher Snake, and the Great Basin Rattlesnake. The park is also home to a number of bird species, such as the Mountain Bluebird, Clark’s Nutcracker, and the Common Raven. Great Basin National Park is also known for its unique plant life, including the Bristlecone Pine, which is one of the oldest tree species in the world, and the Great Basin Wildflowers.
Overall, both Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife experiences, but they differ in terms of the types of animals, birds, and plants you’ll see. Whether you’re interested in seeing majestic birds of prey or unique plant species, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Grand Canyon 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 |
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
Grand Canyon National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
Bobcat | Bobcat |
Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
Raccoon | Raccoon |
Black Bear | Porcupine |
Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
House Mouse | House Mouse |
Mountain Lion | Lion |
Mule Deer | Mink |
Gray Fox | Mule Deer |
Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
Long-Eared Myotis | Gray Wolf |
Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
California Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
North American River Otter | Badger |
Fringed Myotis | Ermine |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Californis Myotis |
Fish
Grand Canyon National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
Largemouth Bass | Mottled Sculpin |
Green Sunfish | Speckled Dace |
Bluegill | Cutthroat Trout |
Fathead Minnow | |
Golden Shiner | |
European Carp | |
Speckled Dace | |
Yellow Bullhead | |
Graceful Catfish | |
Black Crappie | |
Black Bullhead | |
Mosquitofish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
Grand Canyon National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | Racer |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
Western Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
Ring-Necked Snake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
Sagebrush Lizard | Eastern Collared Lizard |
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
Side-Blotched Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
Common Kingsnake | Desert Spiny Lizard |
Nightsnake | Western Fence Lizard |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
Milksnake | |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
Tree Lizard | |
Western Whiptail | |
Eastern Collared Lizard | |
Eastern Fence Lizard | |
Glossy Snake | |
Western Skink | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
Grand Canyon National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
Canyon Treefrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
Plains Spadefoot | Red-Spotted Toad |
Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
Grand Canyon National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
Monarch Butterfly | Painted Lady |
Common Sulphur | Monarch Butterfly |
Variegated Fritillary | American Painted Lady |
Commom Wood Nymph | Red Admiral |
Mourningcloak | |
Cabbage White | |
Silvery Blue | |
Common Checkered-Skipper | |
Clouded Sulphur | |
Commom Wood Nymph | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail | |
Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most famous parks in the United States, famous for its deep and wide canyon that was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, making it one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Visitors to the park can take a scenic drive along Desert View Drive for panoramic views of the canyon, hike down into the canyon on one of several trails, or take a helicopter tour for a bird’s eye perspective.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is a lesser-known park located in Nevada. Despite its relative obscurity, Great Basin is home to some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the country. The park’s centerpiece is the ancient Bristlecone Pine forest, which is home to some of the oldest trees in the world. Hikers can summit Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the park, for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also features a number of caves, including Lehman Caves, which visitors can explore on guided tours.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from scenic drives to camping and hiking.
At Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can take a scenic drive along the rim of the canyon, enjoy stunning views from lookout points and take a helicopter tour of the canyon. The park also offers a range of ranger-led activities, including guided walks and talks, campfire programs and star-gazing events.
Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, is known for its dark skies and offers a range of night sky activities. Visitors can go stargazing, attend a ranger-led program or take a guided night sky tour. The park is also home to Lehman Caves, which offer a unique underground experience and are a popular activity for visitors. Great Basin also offers scenic drives and hiking, with many trails that lead to stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer camping opportunities, with Grand Canyon National Park offering a range of camping options from RV sites to backcountry camping. Great Basin National Park offers backcountry camping as well as a campground located near the park’s visitor center.
In conclusion, both Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park offer a range of activities for visitors, from scenic drives and hiking to unique experiences like stargazing and cave tours. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures or simply want to take in the stunning views, both parks are well worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park are two popular nature destinations known for their breathtaking landscapes and unique geology. However, the seasonal weather patterns of both parks differ greatly and can greatly impact the visitor experience.
Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona and experiences hot summers and mild winters. The summer months, from June to September, are very hot with temperatures often reaching over 100°F. Winter temperatures can be more mild, but the park can receive heavy snowfalls and road closures. The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is from March to May and from September to November, when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.
In contrast, Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, experiences colder and more harsh weather conditions, with temperatures often dropping below freezing in the winter months. The park is home to snow-capped peaks and offers winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The best time to visit Great Basin is from June to September when temperatures are mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.
In conclusion, visitors to both Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park should consider the seasonal weather patterns when planning their trip. The weather can greatly impact the visitor experience, so it is important to choose the best time of year to visit based on the activities and experiences you are looking for.
Family Friendliness of Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and attractions that make them worth visiting, but they differ in terms of their family-friendliness.
The Grand Canyon National Park is a great destination for families who want to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon. The park has many trails and overlooks that are suitable for children of all ages, as well as several family-friendly activities such as ranger-led programs and guided tours. The park also has several campgrounds and lodges, making it an ideal location for families who want to spend several days exploring the area.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is a great destination for families who are looking for a more rugged and remote experience. The park has several trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, as well as several ranger-led programs and guided tours. However, the park may not be as accessible for families with young children, as some of the trails can be quite strenuous. The park also has limited camping options, so families may need to bring their own camping gear.
In conclusion, both Grand Canyon National Park and Great Basin National Park are great destinations for families, but they offer different experiences. If you are traveling with young children or are looking for a more accessible and family-friendly experience, Grand Canyon National Park may be the better option. However, if you want a more rugged and remote experience, Great Basin National Park may be the better choice.