The Grand Canyon and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and stunning landscapes that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a nature lover, these parks are must-visits that offer something for everyone.
The Grand Canyon is a true marvel, with its breathtaking views and stunning rock formations that have been carved over millions of years. This park is a bucket-list destination for many, and for good reason. It’s a place where you can hike along the rim, take a scenic drive, or even raft the Colorado River.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a hidden gem in northern Minnesota. This park is known for its stunning lakes, forests, and wildlife. It’s a place where you can kayak, canoe, or even take a boat tour to see the beauty of the park from the water. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just taking in the views, Voyageurs is a place you won’t soon forget.
So, which one is better? Well, that’s exactly what we aim to find out in this article. We’ll compare these two amazing national parks and see what makes them each unique and special. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a quiet escape, we have you covered. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey through two of America’s most beautiful parks!
Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park both offer unique and beautiful hiking experiences, but they are different in many ways. Grand Canyon has over 100 miles of trails, ranging from easy rim walks to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Trail, a paved walkway along the South Rim, and the Bright Angel Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon and is a great option for a day hike.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its water-based recreation and offers a more peaceful and serene hiking experience. The park has over 40 miles of trails, but the majority of the park is water-based, making boat access a crucial aspect of exploring the park. Some of the easiest hikes include the Kabetogama Peninsula Nature Trail, which is a short, easy walk through the forest, and the Ash River Trail, which offers views of the Ash River and the surrounding wilderness.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, both parks offer options. At Grand Canyon, the South Kaibab Trail is a strenuous, 7.5-mile hike that descends over 4,000 feet into the canyon, while the Bright Angel Trail is a more challenging hike that can be combined with the Rim Trail for a loop hike. At Voyageurs, the Kab-Ash hiking trail is a difficult, 7-mile hike that takes visitors through the forest and along the Ash River, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding wilderness.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking views, but when it comes to wildlife, they are quite different.
At Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife such as coyotes, bobcats, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a large variety of bird species, including the California Condor and Peregrine Falcon. When it comes to plants, the Grand Canyon is famous for its cacti and wildflowers.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its abundance of water-based wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of fish, including walleye and northern pike, as well as beavers, otters, and moose. The park is also a great place for birdwatching, with species like the common loon, bald eagle, and osprey commonly seen.
In terms of vegetation, Voyageurs National Park is a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests, with a variety of berry bushes and wildflowers found along the shorelines.
Both Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique wildlife experiences, and it just depends on what type of animals and plants you want to see. So, whether you prefer the desert landscapes of the Grand Canyon or the water-based habitats of Voyageurs, both parks are worth visiting for their incredible wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Canyon National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Plains Wolf |
| Badger | American Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
| North American River Otter | Snowshoe Hare |
| Fringed Myotis | River Otter |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Grand Canyon National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Largemouth Bass | Bluegill |
| Green Sunfish | Fathead Minnow |
| Bluegill | Golden Shiner |
| Fathead Minnow | Lake Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Northern Pike |
| European Carp | Ellpout |
| Speckled Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Graceful Catfish | Longnose Dace |
| Black Crappie | Black Crappie |
| Black Bullhead | Black Bullhead |
| Mosquitofish | Creek Chub |
| Smallmouth Bass | Brown Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Grand Canyon National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| 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 | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Canyon Treefrog | Wood Frog |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Grand Canyon National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Grand Canyon National Park:
– Most famous landscape: Grand Canyon, 277-mile long canyon that was carved by the Colorado River.
– Other notable features: Bright Angel Trail, Desert View Watchtower, South Rim.
Voyageurs National Park:
– Most famous landscape: Four interconnected lakes (Rainy, Namakan, Sand Point, Kabetogama) surrounded by dense forests and abundant wildlife.
– Other notable features: Kettle Falls Dam, Ash River Visitor Center, Ellsworth Rock Gardens.
Both parks offer unique and stunning landscapes, but the Grand Canyon National Park is well-known for its vast size and depth. The Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views from various overlooks along the South Rim, and the Bright Angel Trail is a popular hiking route that takes visitors to the canyon floor. The park’s Desert View Watchtower provides 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its serene beauty, with its interconnected lakes surrounded by dense forests and abundant wildlife. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour to explore the park and view its diverse landscapes. The Kettle Falls Dam and the Ash River Visitor Center offer a glimpse into the history of the park, while the Ellsworth Rock Gardens provide a unique geological experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer a unique wilderness experience, but have very different landscapes and popular activities.
At Grand Canyon National Park, visitors come to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon, which is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. The most popular activities at the park include hiking, mule rides, scenic drives, and river rafting trips. Hiking is especially popular, with well-known trails like the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails drawing thousands of visitors each day.
At Voyageurs National Park, visitors come to experience the vast wilderness of the northern forests and lakes. The park is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and kayaking, as well as hiking and camping. The park has over 400 lakes and countless rivers and streams, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the water. Fishing is particularly popular, with anglers catching walleye, northern pike, and other species of fish in the park’s waterways.
Whether you’re looking to explore the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking views or the pristine wilderness of Voyageurs National Park, both parks have something to offer for every type of outdoor enthusiast.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States and offer unique experiences to visitors. The seasonal weather at both parks is vastly different, making the time of year an important factor to consider when planning a visit.
At Grand Canyon National Park, the weather is warm and dry in the summer, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s. Winter can be cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping into the 20s. This makes the summer the best time to visit for outdoor activities like hiking, while the winter is best for those looking for a quieter, more serene visit.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, experiences much milder temperatures throughout the year, with average highs in the 70s in the summer and average lows in the 20s in the winter. Rain and snow are common in both seasons, so visitors should be prepared for wet weather. This makes Voyageurs National Park a great destination for water activities like boating and fishing, regardless of the time of year.
Both Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique experiences to visitors, with the seasonal weather playing an important role in determining the best time to visit. Whether you’re looking for a warm and dry summer adventure, or a mild and wet trip, these parks have something to offer all year round.
Family Friendliness of Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Both Grand Canyon National Park and Voyageurs National Park are popular family destinations, but each offers a different experience for families. Grand Canyon National Park is a great destination for families to take in the natural beauty of one of the seven wonders of the world. With several easy trails, adventure programs, and educational activities offered, families can enjoy the park together. The park also has a variety of dining options, a general store, and a large campground.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is more remote and offers a unique experience for families who enjoy the great outdoors. With over 500 lakes, families can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping along the water’s edge. The park also offers guided canoe trips, ranger-led activities, and educational programs. However, the park’s remote location means limited dining and shopping options.
In terms of family-friendliness, Grand Canyon National Park may be the better option, offering more amenities and activities for families. However, for families looking for a remote, wilderness experience, Voyageurs National Park offers a unique and memorable adventure.