“Have you ever heard the saying ‘Two heads are better than one’? Well, the same can be said for national parks. Two parks, each with their own unique features and landscapes, can offer double the adventure and double the memories. So, pack your hiking boots and grab your sunscreen because today we’re comparing two of America’s lesser-known yet incredible national parks: Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Located in Nevada and Texas respectively, these parks may be miles apart, but they both offer breathtaking views, diverse wildlife and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. From the towering peaks of Guadalupe Mountains to the mysterious underground world of Great Basin, these parks are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time camper, these parks have something for everyone. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the similarities and differences between Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Who will come out on top as the ultimate adventure destination?”
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park in Nevada and Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas both offer exceptional hiking opportunities. Great Basin is known for its diverse landscape, including alpine lakes and forests, rolling hills, and high-elevation deserts. One of the most popular hikes is the Wheeler Peak Trail, a strenuous 13-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the summit of the park’s tallest mountain. Another popular trail is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a grove of ancient Bristlecone pines. If you’re looking for an easier hike, the Glacier Trail is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a beautiful alpine lake.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering peaks and scenic canyons. One of the most popular hikes is the Guadalupe Peak Trail, a strenuous 8.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the summit of the park’s tallest mountain. Another popular trail is the Devil’s Hall Trail, a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a narrow canyon and along a stream. If you’re looking for an easier hike, the Pine Springs Trail is a 1-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a scenic overlook.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two unique and diverse national parks with a rich variety of wildlife.
In Great Basin, visitors can expect to see a range of animals including the elusive mountain lion, black bears, and mule deer. Along with these mammals, bird lovers can observe the beautiful sage thrasher, the pygmy owl, and the mountain bluebird. Additionally, the park is also home to a variety of plant species, including the Great Basin bristlecone pine, the oldest living tree species in the world.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse birdlife, including the black-chinned hummingbird and the peregrine falcon. The park is also home to a variety of mammals such as the white-tailed deer and the pronghorn antelope. Visitors can also observe a range of plant species, including the Guadalupe yucca, which is only found in this park.
Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences for visitors, from observing large mammals to bird watching. Whether you’re a nature lover or an animal enthusiast, both Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are must-visit destinations for those seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin National Park | Guadalupe Mountains 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 | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Great Basin National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Deer Mouse |
| Striped Skunk | Raccoon |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Deer Mouse | Porcupine |
| Raccoon | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Red Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Gray Fox |
| House Mouse | Gray Wolf |
| Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mink | American Badger |
| Mule Deer | California Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Fringed Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Badger | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
| Ermine | Bighorn Sheep |
| Californis Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Brown Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | American Bullfrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Eastern Racer |
| Rubber Boa | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Prairie Ring-Necked Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Desert Kingsnake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Texas Night Snake |
| Western Fence Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Desert Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulfur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Ladies |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Common Checkered-Skipper |
| Mourningcloak | Clouded Sulphur |
| Cabbage White | Variegated Fritillary |
| Silvery Blue | Buckeye |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Gray Hairstreak |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its stunning scenery, including the Lehman Caves, which have been designated as a National Monument. The park is also home to the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, the second highest peak in Nevada. Visitors can hike to the top of the peak for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is home to the Guadalupe Mountains, which are the highest mountain range in Texas. The park is also home to the famous McKittrick Canyon, which is known for its autumn colors and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park also has a number of trails, including the popular Devil’s Hall Trail, which leads visitors through a narrow canyon and past several waterfalls.
Both Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer visitors the chance to explore and take in the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking to the top of a mountain or strolling through a canyon, both parks are a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two popular national parks that offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can explore the ancient Bristlecone Pine forest and hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in Nevada. Stargazing is also a popular activity, as the park has some of the darkest skies in the country, making it an ideal place to observe the stars. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and scenic drives through the park.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors can hike to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also features scenic drives and hiking trails that lead to beautiful vistas, including a popular hike to the top of McKittrick Canyon. Rock climbing and camping are also popular activities, and visitors can take guided tours of the park’s rich cultural and natural history.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for visitors to explore and experience the natural beauty of the American Southwest. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic drive, Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer vastly different weather experiences season to season. Great Basin, located in Nevada, has a high-desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is in the autumn, when the temperatures are mild and the aspen trees change color. Winter can bring snow and below-freezing temperatures, making outdoor activities challenging.
In contrast, Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas experiences a warm desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities. Winters can be cool, but not as harsh as in Great Basin. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making outdoor activities difficult during the hottest parts of the day.
When deciding when to visit either park, it’s important to consider the seasonal weather patterns. Both parks offer unique experiences during different times of the year, from the changing of the leaves in the fall at Great Basin to the wildflowers blooming in the spring at Guadalupe Mountains. Regardless of the time of year, both parks offer stunning landscapes and an opportunity to connect with nature.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park both offer stunning natural landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities for families to enjoy. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, there are differences between the two parks.
Great Basin National Park is a great choice for families with children. It offers several easy to moderate hikes, such as the Bristlecone Pine Trail and the Lehman Caves Tour, which are suitable for families with young children. Additionally, the park has a Junior Ranger program that encourages children to learn about the park through fun and educational activities.
On the other hand, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a more challenging park for families with children. While it offers breathtaking views and scenic hikes, some of the trails can be steep and difficult for younger children. However, the park does have a few easier hikes, such as the Dog Canyon Trail, which is a great choice for families who want to enjoy the park’s natural beauty without the strenuous hiking.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are great places for families to visit and enjoy the great outdoors. However, if you are traveling with young children, Great Basin National Park may be a better choice due to its easier trails and educational programs for kids.