Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the United States. Both are home to breathtaking landscapes, breathtaking hikes and breathtaking wildlife. But which one is the right destination for your next outdoor adventure?
In this article, we compare the two parks side by side, exploring their unique features and highlighting what makes each one special. We’ll take a closer look at the hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities in each park, and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic drive, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you in either Grand Teton National Park or Zion National Park.
So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Who will come out on top in the ultimate showdown between Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park? Let’s find out!
Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most breathtaking parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails for people of all skill levels, from easy walks to strenuous hikes.
At Grand Teton National Park, one of the easiest hikes is the Taggart Lake Trail, which is a 3.6-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the Teton Range and Taggart Lake. For a more challenging hike, the Paintbrush Canyon Trail is a strenuous 17.4-mile hike that takes you through some of the park’s most breathtaking scenery.
Zion National Park also offers a variety of easy and challenging hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Riverside Walk, which is a 2-mile round trip hike along the Virgin River. For a more challenging hike, the Angels Landing hike is a strenuous 5.4-mile round trip hike that offers panoramic views of the park from the top of a narrow rock formation.
Both Grand Teton and Zion National Parks offer a wide range of hiking opportunities for all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a leisurely hike or a challenging adventure, these parks have something to offer. So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, both Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park are definitely worth a visit.
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 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 Teton National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most beautiful and diverse parks in the USA. When it comes to wildlife, both parks have unique species to offer visitors. Grand Teton is home to a wide range of mammals including moose, elk, bison, pronghorns, and black bears. Additionally, bird lovers will enjoy seeing eagles, owls, and a variety of waterfowl. The park is also known for its beautiful wildflowers and aspen groves.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse desert landscapes that are home to a wide range of wildlife. Visitors can see mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Additionally, the park is home to a wide range of bird species, including the famous Condor, and visitors can also see a variety of cacti and other desert plants.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitats and to learn about the unique ecosystems found within each park. Whether you are looking for large mammals or unique desert creatures, both Grand Teton and Zion have something to offer visitors interested in wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Grand Teton 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 Teton 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 |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mink | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Wolf | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Badger | American Badger |
| Ermine | Ermine |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Grand Teton National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Speckled Dace |
| Mottled Sculpin | Channel Catfish |
| Longnose Dace | Goldfish |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Grand Teton National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gophersnake |
| Rubber Boa | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Grand Teton National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning mountain range, which includes the Grand Teton and the Teton Range. The park is also home to numerous crystal clear alpine lakes, including Jenny and Jackson Lake. Visitors can hike to the top of the Grand Teton or take a scenic drive along Teton Park Road to get a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is famous for its towering red rock cliffs, slot canyons, and scenic drives through the park. One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Narrows, a 16-mile hike through a narrow canyon with towering walls on either side. The park also features a number of popular trails, including Angels Landing and the Emerald Pools, both of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Both Grand Teton and Zion National Parks offer visitors a chance to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to take in the views, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both of these parks are scenic and offer breathtaking views, there are some differences in the activities that visitors love to do.
In Grand Teton National Park, visitors love to go camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, moose, and bears, and visitors can often spot these animals while hiking or while simply driving through the park. Fishing is also a popular activity in the park, with the Snake River and Jackson Lake offering great opportunities for anglers.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning canyons and is a popular destination for rock climbing and canyoneering. The park also offers scenic drives, horseback riding, and river trips down the Virgin River. Visitors can also take a shuttle to different stops throughout the park, including the popular stops at Angel’s Landing and the Narrows.
Both Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and camping to fishing and rock climbing. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and they both offer visitors a unique and beautiful experience. However, there are some key differences between the two parks, particularly when it comes to seasonal weather.
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming and is known for its mild summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to the low 80s with low humidity, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Winter temperatures in Grand Teton National Park can drop below zero, with heavy snow and sometimes blizzard conditions. This makes it a popular destination for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and has a much warmer and drier climate. Summer temperatures in Zion National Park can reach up to the mid 90s, with low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing. Winter temperatures in Zion National Park are mild, with occasional snow and rain, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities all year round.
When deciding when to visit Grand Teton National Park or Zion National Park, it is important to consider the weather conditions. Summer is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park, while winter is the best time to visit Zion National Park. However, both parks offer unique and beautiful experiences all year round, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of activities you are interested in.
Family Friendliness of Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park both offer breathtaking natural beauty and a range of outdoor activities. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have a lot to offer, but they each have unique strengths.
Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning scenery, including the Teton Mountain Range and pristine lakes. There are plenty of easy hikes, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it a great choice for families with kids of all ages. There are also a variety of ranger-led programs, including campfire talks, junior ranger activities, and guided hikes, that can help kids learn about the park and have fun at the same time.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is especially well-suited for families with young children or those looking for a more strenuous outdoor experience. The park has several family-friendly hikes, including the Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk trails, as well as a shuttle system that makes it easy to get around and avoid parking hassles. For those looking for more adventure, Zion also offers canyoneering, rock climbing, and backpacking opportunities.
In conclusion, both Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park are great places to visit with kids, but each has its own unique strengths. If you’re looking for a mix of easy hikes, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs, Grand Teton might be the better choice. If you’re looking for a more strenuous outdoor experience, or are traveling with young children, Zion National Park is the place to go.