The Grand Canyon and Zion National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer stunning vistas, unique geological formations and countless outdoor activities, but they are vastly different in their own special ways. If you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure, it can be tough to choose between these two amazing destinations.
Imagine standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon, gazing out at the seemingly never-ending expanse of rock formations, canyons and gorges. It’s a view you’ll never forget. Now, imagine hiking through the towering cliffs and narrow canyons of Zion, surrounded by vibrant red rock formations and cascading waterfalls. It’s a completely different, yet equally stunning, experience.
So, which park is right for you? Do you prefer the rugged, otherworldly landscapes of the Grand Canyon or the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls of Zion? This article will help you decide by comparing these two incredible parks in detail. Get ready for a journey through two of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world!
Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Canyon and Zion National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks, and they offer some of the most breath-taking hiking trails in the world. The Grand Canyon offers a diverse range of hikes, ranging from easy rim walks to challenging multi-day backpacking trips. The South Kaibab Trail is one of the most popular and easiest hikes in the Grand Canyon, offering stunning views of the canyon and a relatively easy descent to the river. On the other hand, the Bright Angel Trail is one of the most challenging and strenuous hikes in the park, with a steep ascent from the river to the rim.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs and unique geological formations. The park offers a range of hikes, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. The Riverside Walk is one of the easiest and most popular hikes in the park, offering stunning views of the Virgin River and the towering cliffs. On the other hand, the Angels Landing hike is one of the most challenging and dangerous hikes in the park, with narrow trails and steep drop-offs. Despite the difficulty, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.
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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks showcase unique and diverse wildlife, making them a great destination for nature lovers.
Grand Canyon National Park is home to over 90 species of mammals, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can also spot more than 200 species of birds, including the California Condor, which is an endangered species. The park is also known for its diverse array of reptiles and amphibians, including rattlesnakes, lizards, and frogs.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse collection of desert wildlife. Commonly seen mammals include mule deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. Visitors can also spot a variety of birds, including the Peregrine Falcon, and the American Kestrel. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including the Gila Monster, which is one of the few species of venomous lizards in the world.
In terms of plants, both parks showcase a diverse range of vegetation, with Grand Canyon National Park boasting over 1,700 species of plants, while Zion National Park has over 900 species. Visitors can see everything from cacti and Joshua trees to pinyon pines and Douglas firs.
Overall, both Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in mammals, birds, or plants, you’re sure to see something incredible at these beautiful parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Canyon National Park | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | American Badger |
| North American River Otter | Ermine |
| Fringed Myotis | California Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Grand Canyon National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Speckled Dace |
| Green Sunfish | Channel Catfish |
| Bluegill | Goldfish |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Grand Canyon National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gophersnake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Common Kingsnake | Nightsnake |
| Nightsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Striped Whipsnake |
| Milksnake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Tree Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Tree Lizard | Western Skink |
| Western Whiptail | Desert Spiny Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Grand Canyon National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Canyon Treefrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Plains Spadefoot | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Grand Canyon National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona, is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders in the US. It is famous for its vast and colorful canyon, which was carved over millions of years by the mighty Colorado River. Visitors can take in the panoramic views from scenic overlooks like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Hopi Point. The South Rim is the most popular and accessible part of the park, but the North Rim offers a quieter, more remote experience.
Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is known for its striking red and white sandstone cliffs, soaring towers, and deep canyons. The park’s most famous landscapes are the Narrows, a narrow and deep canyon that hikers can explore by wading through the Virgin River, and Angel’s Landing, a strenuous hike to a narrow rock fin with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park also features other popular hikes like the Riverside Walk, the Weeping Rock Trail, and the Emerald Pools Trail.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks offer stunning natural beauty and a vast array of outdoor activities, each has a unique set of experiences to offer visitors.
At Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can take a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the Canyon. Another popular activity is taking a river trip down the Colorado River, which runs through the Canyon. Visitors can also take a helicopter or mule tour for a unique perspective of the Canyon.
In contrast, Zion National Park offers a more immersive experience for visitors. The park is known for its stunning scenic drives, including the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive. Visitors can also take guided tours of the park, including horseback rides, rock climbing, and canyoneering. Additionally, visitors can enjoy scenic walks and hikes, such as the Riverside Walk and the Watchman Trail.
Overall, both Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether you prefer scenic drives or immersive outdoor activities, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. The weather at these two parks is very different and affects the best time of year to visit.
At the Grand Canyon, the summer months can be very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C) or higher. The winter months are mild, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60°F (4 to 15°C). The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, experiences a much milder climate. Summer temperatures at Zion range from 80 to 90°F (27 to 32°C), while winter temperatures average from 40 to 50°F (4 to 10°C). Zion also experiences occasional snow and rain, but it is generally milder than the Grand Canyon. The best time to visit Zion is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.
In conclusion, both Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park offer unique weather experiences, but the best time to visit both parks is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller.
Family Friendliness of Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks offer stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities, they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
The Grand Canyon is known for its immense size and breathtaking views, but it can be overwhelming for young children. The rim trails are accessible for families with strollers, but the park’s main attraction, the canyon itself, requires a strenuous hike. Additionally, there are limited child-friendly activities available within the park.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is more family-friendly and offers a variety of activities for families with children. The park has a number of easy hikes and scenic drives that are appropriate for families, and its main attraction, the Zion Canyon, is easily accessible by shuttle. There are also several ranger-led programs and activities specifically designed for children.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children, Zion National Park is the better choice for a family-friendly adventure. With its accessible trails and kid-friendly activities, your family is sure to have a memorable trip.