Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
The United States is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful natural parks in the world. Two of these parks, Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park, might appear to be vastly different, but they both offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes that should not be missed.
Grand Teton National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with its towering peaks and numerous trails that lead to breathtaking views. Imagine standing on the summit of the Grand Teton and taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Teton Range and the valley below. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, elk, and wolves.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is a place of relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s a place where you can soak in hot springs and let the warm waters soothe your weary bones. The park is also home to hiking trails and stunning views, but the real draw is the geothermal activity that gives the park its name. From the historic bathhouses to the hot springs that feed into the park’s streams and pools, Hot Springs National Park is a unique and rejuvenating experience.
So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in the great outdoors! Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled hike or a relaxing soak in the hot springs, Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer different hiking experiences. Grand Teton is known for its challenging hikes with stunning views of the Teton Range, while Hot Springs is more famous for its easy trails and hot springs that are accessible to visitors.
For easy hikes, Hot Springs National Park is a great choice. The park offers several trails, such as the Sunset Trail, that are well-maintained and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The Sunset Trail is a 1.4-mile loop that takes visitors through a scenic area with a view of the Ouachita Mountains.
Grand Teton National Park, on the other hand, offers hikes that are more challenging. The Teton Crest Trail, for example, is a 40-mile hike that takes visitors through the heart of the Teton Range, with breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine lakes and rugged peaks. This hike is not for the faint of heart, and is only recommended for experienced hikers. Another challenging hike is the Paintbrush Canyon Trail, which takes visitors up to 10,000 feet and offers stunning views of the Teton Range. This trail is also a popular destination for backcountry camping.
For those looking for a more strenuous hike, both parks offer options. Grand Teton National Park is famous for its challenging hikes, but Hot Springs National Park also has more difficult trails, such as the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which takes visitors to the top of Hot Springs Mountain. This trail is a strenuous hike, with steep inclines and narrow paths, but the view from the top is worth the effort.
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 Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer unique wildlife viewing experiences. Grand Teton is known for its large mammal population, including moose, elk, bison, and pronghorn antelope. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald and golden eagles, sandhill cranes, and ospreys. In the spring and summer, visitors can see wildflowers and other native plants like lupine and Indian paintbrush.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is home to a different type of wildlife. The park’s hot springs and thermal pools attract a variety of birds, including wood ducks, mallards, and Canada geese. The park also has a diverse plant community, with species like oak, hickory, and magnolia trees, as well as ferns and wildflowers. Visitors may also see white-tailed deer, squirrels, and other small mammals in the park.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Grand Teton is ideal for those interested in seeing large mammals, while Hot Springs is great for birdwatching and seeing a diversity of plant species. Regardless of your interests, both parks offer incredible experiences and are worth exploring.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Teton National Park | Hot Springs 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 | Hot Springs 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| Mink | Gray Fox |
| Mule Deer | North American River Otter |
| Wolf | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Badger | Eastern Red Bat |
| Ermine | White-Footed Mouse |
| California Myotis | Norway Rat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Grand Teton National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Brown Trout | Bluegill |
| Lake Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Mottled Sculpin | Golden Shiner |
| Longnose Dace | European Carp |
| Speckled Dace | Yellow Bullhead |
| Arctic Grayling | Graceful Catfish |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Grand Teton National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Grand Teton National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a natural wonder located in the state of Wyoming, known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Teton Range. This park offers breathtaking views of the mountains, as well as the Snake River and Jackson Lake. Visitors can also see the famous Chapel of the Transfiguration and the Jenny Lake Overlook.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is famous for its hot springs, which have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. The park also offers scenic views of the Ouachita Mountains and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park also has trails that lead to several waterfalls, including the beautiful Grotto Falls.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking mountain views, hot springs, or waterfalls, these parks have something for everyone. Visitors can hike, camp, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty. So, whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an adventure, both Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park are must-visit destinations.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park both offer unique experiences to visitors. Grand Teton is located in Wyoming and features stunning views of the Teton Mountain Range, while Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and is centered around the historic hot springs.
In Grand Teton, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and rock climbing. There are also scenic drives, wildlife viewing opportunities and ranger-led programs. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the park has picnic areas and scenic overlooks to take in the breathtaking views.
Hot Springs National Park is famous for its hot springs, which were once used by Native Americans for their healing properties. Visitors can take a dip in the hot springs at the park’s bathhouses, or hike the trails for a more natural experience. The park also has picnic areas, a scenic drive and ranger-led programs to learn about the history and geology of the hot springs.
Both parks offer a range of activities to suit different interests, from outdoor recreation to history and culture. Visitors to Grand Teton National Park can enjoy the natural beauty of the Teton Mountains, while those visiting Hot Springs National Park can immerse themselves in the rich history of the hot springs. Regardless of which park you choose, both offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two popular National Parks located in the United States. Although they are both National Parks, they differ greatly in terms of weather and climate.
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming, and temperatures can range from hot in the summer to extremely cold in the winter. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, and winter temperatures can drop below zero degrees. Winter is also the time for snow and ice, making it a popular time for skiing and snowboarding. The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the snow has melted, making it easier to explore the park.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arkansas and has a more temperate climate. Summer temperatures are in the 80s, and winter temperatures are in the 40s and 50s. The park receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, making it a great place for hot springs and waterfalls. The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Family Friendliness of Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most popular parks in the US and both offer unique experiences for families. Grand Teton, located in Wyoming, is known for its stunning mountain views and opportunities for adventure, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Meanwhile, Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is famous for its hot springs and historic bathhouses.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Hot Springs National Park may be the better choice for families traveling with children. The park’s hot springs offer a unique and accessible way for families to enjoy the great outdoors, and the historic bathhouses provide a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the park’s compact size makes it easy to explore with young children, as many of the attractions can be accessed via a short walk.
On the other hand, Grand Teton National Park can be more challenging for families, particularly if you’re traveling with young children. The park is much larger, and many of the best sights and activities require longer hikes or backcountry camping trips. Additionally, the high altitude and rugged terrain can make it difficult for children to keep up on long hikes.
In conclusion, both Grand Teton and Hot Springs National Parks are great options for families, but they offer different experiences and challenges. For families traveling with young children, Hot Springs National Park may be a more accessible and enjoyable choice, while families with older children or a love for adventure may prefer Grand Teton.