The Great American Outdoors is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, each with its own unique stories and adventures waiting to be discovered. From the Grand Canyon’s vast and magnificent gorges to the rugged beauty of New River Gorge, the United States is a treasure trove of natural beauty. But which of these two iconic parks is the ultimate destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers?
In this article, we’ll delve into the breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities, and rich history of Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. We’ll compare and contrast these two American treasures, highlighting the best of what each has to offer, and help you decide which one is right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a whitewater rafter, or simply a lover of all things nature, this article is sure to inspire you to plan your next great outdoor adventure. So, gear up and get ready to discover the ultimate showdown between the Grand Canyon and New River Gorge!
Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer visitors a chance to explore stunning natural landscapes through hiking trails. While the Grand Canyon is known for its vast size and incredible depth, New River Gorge is famous for its rugged terrain and scenic views.
The Grand Canyon offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy Rim Trail walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easier options include the South Kaibab Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the Canyon, and the Bright Angel Trail, which is a popular spot for day-hikers. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Grand Canyon offers backcountry trails such as the Hermit Trail and the Tonto Trail, which can take multiple days to complete.
New River Gorge also has a range of trails for all skill levels, including the popular Endless Wall Trail, which offers stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge, and the Long Point Trail, which provides a scenic overlook of the park. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the park offers the Kaymoor Trail, which descends into the gorge and follows an historic coal-mining railway, and the Arrowhead Trail, which offers a strenuous hike through the rugged terrain of the park.
Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a multi-day adventure, both Grand Canyon and New River Gorge have something to offer for every type of hiker.
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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park & Preserve are two iconic parks in the United States that are known for their breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife. While both parks are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, they are quite different in terms of the types of wildlife that you can expect to see.
At the Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can expect to encounter a wide variety of animals, including elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. Birds such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and condor are also commonly seen at the park. In addition to these larger animals, the Grand Canyon is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including the iconic cacti species, such as the prickly pear and saguaro.
In contrast, the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is known for its thriving populations of black bears, white-tailed deer, and river otters. In addition to these larger mammals, the park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the pileated woodpecker, the great blue heron, and the turkey vulture. The park’s lush vegetation, including hardwood forests and lush ferns, is also a haven for many species of insects and other small wildlife.
Overall, both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, making them both must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Grand Canyon’s stunning vistas or the New River Gorge’s lush forests, you’re sure to encounter a wide range of fascinating wildlife during your visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Grand Canyon National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
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 | Great Horned Owl |
American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
Barn Swallow | European Starling |
Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
American Kestrel | American Pipit |
Bald Eagle | Killdeer |
Song Sparrow | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
European Starling | Hairy Woodpecker |
Northern Pintail | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
American Wigeon | White-Crowned Sparrow |
Green-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
Grand Canyon National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
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 | Black Bear |
Porcupine | Porcupine |
Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
House Mouse | House Mouse |
Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
Mule Deer | Black-Tailed Deer |
Gray Fox | Wolf |
Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
Badger | Ermine |
California Myotis | California Myotis |
North American River Otter | Snowshoe Hare |
Fringed Myotis | North American River Otter |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Masked Shrew |
Fish
Grand Canyon National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
Largemouth Bass | Coho Salmon |
Green Sunfish | Chinook Salmon |
Bluegill | Mottled Sculpin |
Fathead Minnow | Slimy Sculpin |
Golden Shiner | Threespine Stickleback |
European Carp | Kokanee |
Speckled Dace | Pink Salmon |
Yellow Bullhead | Dolly Varden |
Graceful Catfish | Cutthroat Trout |
Black Crappie | |
Black Bullhead | |
Mosquitofish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
Grand Canyon National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Common Garter Snake |
Western Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
Ring-Necked Snake | |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
Side-Blotched Lizard | |
Common Kingsnake | |
Nightsnake | |
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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
Canyon Treefrog | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
Grand Canyon National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
Monarch Butterfly | Cabbage White |
Common Sulphur | Silvery Blue |
Variegated Fritillary | Purplish Copper |
Commom Wood Nymph | Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most famous natural landscapes in the United States. Grand Canyon is best known for its colorful rock formations and vast canyons that stretch over 277 miles. The South Rim is the most popular spot for visitors and offers breathtaking views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a scenic drive along the rim for a unique perspective of the canyon.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with its stunning rock formations, scenic overlooks, and world-class whitewater rafting. The New River Gorge Bridge, which is the third highest bridge in the United States, is a popular spot for visitors and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can go rock climbing, hiking, and even bungee jumping for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurer, or just looking for a scenic escape, both parks are worth a visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors, from hiking and camping to rafting and rock climbing.
At the Grand Canyon, visitors can hike along the South Rim, including the popular Bright Angel Trail, or take a scenic drive along the Rim Drive. In addition, visitors can take a scenic helicopter tour or a river rafting trip down the Colorado River. The park also offers horseback rides, ranger-led programs, and scenic drives.
At New River Gorge, visitors can hike along the trails, such as the Endless Wall Trail, or explore the park by rock climbing or via a scenic drive. The park is also a popular destination for white-water rafting, with the New River offering some of the best rapids in the country. The park also offers ranger-led programs and scenic drives.
Both parks offer breathtaking scenery, but the Grand Canyon is known for its stunning views of the Canyon, while New River Gorge is known for its rugged beauty and world-class white-water rafting. Overall, both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors and are great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two iconic parks in the United States. While they have different landscapes and activities, their seasonal weather patterns also differ.
At the Grand Canyon, the weather varies greatly depending on elevation. The rim, which is at 7,000 feet, experiences cool and moderate temperatures, while the inner canyon, which is at 4,000 feet, is much warmer. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during the monsoon season from July to mid-September when thunderstorms are common.
The New River Gorge, located in West Virginia, experiences temperate weather, with four distinct seasons. Summer is warm with occasional thunderstorms, while fall brings comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice, making rock climbing a challenge, but also offering opportunities for winter sports. Spring is mild, with temperatures in the 60s, making it a great time for outdoor recreation.
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in the spring or fall, while the best time to visit New River Gorge is in the fall or spring. Visitors should consult local weather reports and park conditions before planning their trip.
Family Friendliness of Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer distinct outdoor experiences for families. The Grand Canyon is a world-renowned natural wonder, with scenic vistas and diverse landscapes that will capture the imagination of visitors of all ages. While hiking and river rafting adventures are popular activities, families can also enjoy scenic drives, ranger-led programs, and junior ranger activities at the park’s visitor centers.
On the other hand, New River Gorge is a great place for families who love adventure and outdoor recreation. The park features world-class white-water rafting, rock climbing, and scenic drives along the New River. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs, campgrounds, and picnic areas. While the Grand Canyon offers a more traditional national park experience, New River Gorge is ideal for families who want a more active outdoor adventure.
For families traveling with children, the Grand Canyon provides a more accessible experience with a wider range of activities suitable for different ages. New River Gorge, on the other hand, may be more challenging for families with young children, as some of the park’s recreational activities may not be suitable for young children. Ultimately, both parks are great destinations for families, but the Grand Canyon is better suited for families who want a more all-encompassing, scenic national park experience, while New River Gorge is best for families with older children who enjoy adventure and outdoor recreation.