Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand at the foot of a towering mountain range, surrounded by pristine wilderness and wildlife? If so, you might want to consider visiting either Grand Teton National Park or Great Basin National Park. These two parks are among the most breathtaking natural landmarks in the United States, offering unique experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Grand Teton National Park is a breathtaking mountain range located in northwestern Wyoming. With its stunning peaks and awe-inspiring landscapes, it is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors. Meanwhile, Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem located in eastern Nevada, offering a diverse range of landscapes, from towering mountains to sprawling deserts. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or simply a lover of all things beautiful, these parks have something to offer everyone.
In this article, we’ll compare the two parks, highlighting their key features and differences. From breathtaking views, to challenging hikes, to wildlife sightings and more, we’ll help you decide which park is right for your next outdoor adventure. So, lace up your hiking boots and grab your camping gear because we’re about to embark on an epic journey through two of America’s most stunning natural wonders!
Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park are two beautiful parks located in the western United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, which cater to people of all ages and levels of experience.
Grand Teton National Park has some of the most challenging hikes in the country. For example, the Grand Teton climb is a strenuous hike that requires a great deal of technical skill, endurance, and preparation. On the other hand, the park also has many easier hikes, such as the Jenny Lake hike, which is a short and relatively easy hike that offers stunning views of the Teton Range.
In contrast, Great Basin National Park is known for its many easy hikes. The Bristlecone Pine Trail, for example, is a short hike that leads to the oldest trees in the world. The park also offers a few challenging hikes, such as the Wheeler Peak hike, which is a strenuous hike that takes you to the highest point in Nevada.
Overall, both parks offer a great variety of hiking trails that cater to people of all levels of experience. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike or an easy stroll, Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Canyon Trail | 15610.598 | 343.8144 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Jenny Lake Trail | 12391.918 | 221.8944 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake Loop | 6598.294 | 130.7592 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Delta Lake via Amphitheater Lake Trail | 14484.06 | 709.8792 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail | 14323.126 | 896.7216 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 179.832 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Phelps Lake Trail | 11265.38 | 220.98 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Lake Solitude Trail | 25749.44 | 803.7576 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| String Lake Trail | 5954.558 | 79.8576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop | 9656.04 | 231.9528 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
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 Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks offer an array of wildlife, each has its own unique set of flora and fauna.
In Grand Teton National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including black and grizzly bears, elk, moose, bison, and wolves. Bird watchers can enjoy sightings of eagles, hawks, and a variety of waterfowl. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers, aspens, and conifers.
Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, is known for its high-altitude wildlife, including marmots, pikas, and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to several species of bats, as well as a variety of reptiles, including lizards and snakes. Visitors can also expect to see a diverse array of plant life, including ancient bristlecone pines, as well as wildflowers and sagebrush.
While both parks offer an array of wildlife, the specific species and habitats vary greatly between Grand Teton and Great Basin. Whether you’re interested in large mammals or high-altitude flora and fauna, both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Teton 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 Teton 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 |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Wolf | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
| Snowshoe Hare | Californis Myotis |
Fish
| Grand Teton National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Mottled Sculpin |
| Mottled Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Longnose Dace | Cutthroat Trout |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Grand Teton National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Racer |
| Rubber Boa | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Grand Teton National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Grand Teton National Park | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| 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 Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a natural wonder in Wyoming that boasts a breathtaking mountain range with jagged peaks that soar over 13,000 feet. One of its most famous landscapes is the Teton Range, which offers visitors stunning views from various overlooks. Another popular spot is Jenny Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains, which is perfect for boating, hiking, and fishing.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse natural features. Visitors will be in awe of the Lehman Caves, a system of underground tunnels and chambers filled with unique rock formations. The park also features a high-elevation forest of Great Basin bristlecone pine trees, which are some of the oldest living organisms on earth. For those seeking incredible views, the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak is a must-see and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. Both parks offer unique outdoor experiences, but with different landscapes and climates, the types of activities popular at each park vary.
At Grand Teton National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, boating, fishing and rock climbing. The park’s stunning mountain range and crystal-clear lakes provide breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Wildlife such as moose, elk, and black bears can be seen from the roads or on guided tours. Boating and fishing are popular activities on the park’s many lakes and streams.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is known for its rugged terrain and dark skies. The park’s diverse landscape, including its ancient bristlecone pine forests and high-elevation lakes, provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and stargazing. The park is also home to the Lehman Caves, which offer guided tours of the unique underground formations. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives through the park, or explore the backcountry on horseback or by foot.
In conclusion, both Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park offer unique outdoor experiences for visitors. Whether you are looking for breathtaking mountain views, wildlife encounters, or opportunities for adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but their seasonal weather patterns differ greatly.
Grand Teton National Park boasts warm summers with average temperatures ranging from the low 60s to 80s and mild winters with temperatures hovering in the low 30s to 40s. The park’s relatively dry climate makes for comfortable hiking conditions in the summer and winter, but the occasional thunderstorm can pop up during the summer months.
Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, experiences much colder and snowier winters, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s to 30s and heavy snowfall. Summer temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid 50s to 60s, and the park often experiences afternoon thunderstorms.
The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is in the summer, when the weather is warm and comfortable for hiking and camping. Winter is also a popular time to visit, as the park offers spectacular skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Great Basin National Park is best visited in the summer, when the weather is mild and the park’s famous Bristlecone Pine trees are easily accessible. Winter is also a popular time to visit, as the park offers scenic snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.
Family Friendliness of Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Great Basin National Park are both great destinations for families. However, they offer different experiences, so it depends on what you are looking for in a park.
Grand Teton National Park is larger, with a more diverse range of recreational opportunities. There are many opportunities for hiking, fishing, and rafting, as well as scenic drives. The park also has a number of ranger-led programs for families, including campfire talks and nature walks.
Great Basin National Park is smaller, but it still offers many opportunities for families to explore and learn. One of the main attractions of the park is the Lehman Caves, which offer an underground tour that’s great for kids. The park also has several easy hikes, including a walk to the top of the 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak. In addition, the park has a large campground, making it a good option for families who want to spend several days in the park.
In conclusion, both parks are great options for families, but Grand Teton National Park is better for families who are looking for a more diverse range of recreational opportunities, while Great Basin National Park is better for families who want to spend several days in a more serene, natural setting.