Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of America’s most stunning natural wonders, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. While both parks boast awe-inspiring landscapes and breathtaking scenery, they differ greatly in terms of what they offer and the type of adventure they provide. So, whether you’re a seasoned national park goer or a first-timer – the question is, which park is right for you?
Let’s start with Grand Teton National Park, where rugged peaks rise over 7,000 feet into the sky, and crystal-clear lakes reflect their beauty. This park is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from leisurely walks through meadows to challenging ascents up jagged peaks. Wildlife is also abundant here, with the chance to spot moose, elk, and even the occasional bear.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-lover’s dream come true. This park is unique in that it is only accessible by boat, and it offers visitors the chance to explore a vast network of interconnected waterways and pristine lakes surrounded by dense forests. From fishing to canoeing and kayaking, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure on the water, and the park’s night skies are some of the clearest in the country, making it a popular spot for stargazing.
So, whether you’re seeking a rugged mountain adventure or a serene escape to nature, both Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park have something to offer. But which one will you choose? The adventure awaits!
Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both known for their beautiful hiking trails. Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming, offers a variety of trails for all levels of hikers. Some of the easiest hikes include the Jenny Lake Trail, which offers stunning views of the Teton Range, and the Taggart Lake Trail, which is a short hike through the forest to a serene lake. On the other hand, some of the hardest hikes include the Grand Teton Climb, which is a strenuous hike up to the top of Grand Teton Mountain, and the Death Canyon Trail, which is a challenging hike through a steep canyon with breathtaking views.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, also has a range of trails for all levels of hikers. The Kabetogama Lake Trail is a popular, easy hike that offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. The Rainy Lake Trail is a moderate hike through the forest to a serene lake. For the more experienced hiker, the Border Route Trail is a challenging hike that takes you through the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The Razorback Ridge Trail is also a strenuous hike that takes you to the top of a ridge with panoramic views of the park.
Both Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a range of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike to enjoy the stunning scenery or a challenging hike to test your skills, both parks 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 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 Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats.
At Grand Teton, visitors can expect to see a variety of big game animals, such as elk, bison, moose, and pronghorns. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. In addition to its wildlife, Grand Teton also boasts a diverse range of plant life, including wildflowers, aspen groves, and coniferous forests.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its large populations of beavers, otters, and other aquatic animals. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these animals in their natural habitats, as well as other wildlife such as moose, deer, and black bears. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including loons, eagles, and ospreys. In addition to its wildlife, Voyageurs also offers visitors the chance to see a variety of native plants, including wildflowers, shrubs, and coniferous forests.
Overall, both Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer visitors a chance to see a diverse range of wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re interested in big game animals or aquatic wildlife, or simply want to explore the diverse plant life, both parks are worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Teton 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 Teton 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 |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mink | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Wolf | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Plains Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | American Badger |
| Badger | Ermine |
| Ermine | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | River Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Grand Teton National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Lake Trout | Bluegill |
| Mottled Sculpin | Fathead Minnow |
| Longnose Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Speckled Dace | Lake Trout |
| Arctic Grayling | Northern Pike |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Grand Teton National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Grand Teton National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is known for its stunning mountain range that rises dramatically from the valley floor. The Teton Range, which includes the Grand Teton, is one of the most famous mountain landscapes in the United States. Visitors can hike to the top of the Grand Teton or simply enjoy the views from one of the many overlooks throughout the park. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to see the park’s many waterfalls and other natural wonders.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is known for its stunning network of interconnected waterways. The park is named after the voyageurs, French-Canadian fur traders who traveled the waterways by canoe in the 18th century. Visitors to the park can enjoy an array of water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Additionally, the park is home to a number of beautiful landscapes including stunning overlooks and stunning forests. Whether you’re looking for a quiet hike in the woods or a day on the water, Voyageurs National Park has something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Both Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but each offers unique experiences.
Grand Teton is known for its spectacular mountain scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities and world-class rock climbing. Visitors can take scenic drives through the park, go fishing in one of the many lakes and streams, or rent a boat for a leisurely day on the water. In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even dog sledding.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park with more than 400 lakes and interconnected waterways. It is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy scenic boat tours, hiking, and camping. Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities that cater to different interests, but Grand Teton is perhaps better suited for those seeking a traditional national park experience with stunning mountain vistas and opportunities to view wildlife, while Voyageurs is ideal for those who love water-based recreation and exploring by boat.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park both offer unique weather experiences to visitors. Grand Teton, located in Wyoming, experiences cold, snowy winters and mild, dry summers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and the park is often covered in snow, making it popular for winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Summer temperatures are typically in the 60s and 70s, making it a great time for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, experiences a more moderate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average in the 70s and 80s, making it a great time for water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Winter temperatures average in the teens and 20s, making it popular for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The park also experiences heavy snowfall, making it a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts.
When it comes to choosing the best time to visit these parks, it really depends on what type of activities you enjoy. If you enjoy winter sports, Grand Teton is a great option in the winter, while Voyageurs is a great option for water activities in the summer. On the other hand, if you enjoy hiking and wildlife watching, summer is the best time to visit Grand Teton, while winter activities are popular in Voyageurs. Both parks offer something for everyone, no matter the time of year.
Family Friendliness of Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for families looking to spend time in nature. However, they offer different experiences for families with children.
Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning mountain views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are many short and easy hikes, as well as scenic drives that are perfect for families. There are also ranger-led programs for children, which are a great way to learn about the park and its wildlife. The park also has campgrounds, picnic areas, and several lodges for those who want to stay overnight.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park located in northern Minnesota. It is perfect for families who love boating, fishing, and swimming. The park has several houseboat rental options, as well as campgrounds and lodges. There are also ranger-led programs and interpretive centers with interactive exhibits that are great for kids.
Both parks have a lot to offer families, but Grand Teton National Park is perhaps a better option for those who are traveling with young children. Its stunning mountain views and easier accessibility make it a more kid-friendly destination. Of course, families looking for a more water-based experience may find Voyageurs National Park to be the better option.