Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and stunning natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe. But which one is better? In this article, we’ll compare these two national parks, highlighting the best features and experiences that each has to offer.
Are you a fan of dark skies and starry nights? Then Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is the place for you. With its remote location and high elevation, the park is one of the best places in the country to stargaze. On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars and even the Milky Way! But that’s not all; Great Basin National Park also boasts the tallest tree in the country, the ancient bristlecone pine, and a scenic drive that takes visitors to the top of Wheeler Peak.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park in California is a geologic wonderland. Here, visitors can witness the power of nature as they hike to the top of Lassen Peak, one of the most recently active volcanoes in the country. The park is also home to bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Whether you’re a fan of geology or just love exploring unique landscapes, Lassen Volcanic National Park is not to be missed.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their scenic beauty and offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Hiking trails at Great Basin National Park range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. One of the easiest hikes is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that takes visitors through an ancient forest of bristlecone pines, some of which are over 4,000 years old. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Wheeler Peak Trail is a 13-mile round-trip trek to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park also offers a range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. One of the easiest hikes is the Lassen Peak Trail, a 5-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Lassen Peak, the largest active volcanic dome in the world. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Bumpass Hell Trail is a 3-mile round-trip hike to a steam-filled valley filled with boiling mud pots and geysers.
Both parks offer a variety of hikes to suit all levels of experience and fitness, and visitors are sure to find a trail that suits their needs. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the best places to explore the beauty of the great outdoors.
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 Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but there are some key differences to keep in mind when comparing the two.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of animals, including black bears, bighorn sheep, marmots, and mule deer. Birdwatching is also a popular activity here, with species such as the rare Piute cypress, the pygmy owl, and the peregrine falcon. The park is also home to several species of bats, including the Townsend’s big-eared bat and the fringed myotis.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its volcanic activity and geothermal features, which support a unique ecosystem. Visitors can expect to see animals such as the Douglas squirrel, the mountain beaver, and the northern flying squirrel. Birdwatching is also popular here, with species such as the mountain bluebird, the western tanager, and the black-backed woodpecker. The park is also home to several species of plants, including the Sierra lily and the lupine.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer unique wildlife experiences, but each has its own special features and inhabitants. Whether you’re interested in observing mammals, birds, or plants, these two parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin National Park | Lassen Volcanic 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
| Great Basin National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Raccoon |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Hoary Bat |
| Raccoon | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Mountain Lion |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mink |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Red Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Wolf |
| House Mouse | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Lion | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mink | Fringed Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Yuma Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Bighorn Sheep |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Badger | Ringtail |
| Ermine | Virginia Opossum |
| Californis Myotis | Wolverine |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Fathead Minnow |
| Speckled Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Cutthroat Trout | Silver Salmon |
| King Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Gopher Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Racer |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Western Fence Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch Butterfly |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Common Checkered-Skipper |
| Mourningcloak | Honey Bee |
| Cabbage White | Buckeye |
| Silvery Blue | Anise Swallowtail |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada, USA and is known for its diverse landscape, from the 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak to the ancient Bristlecone Pine forests. One of the park’s most famous landscapes is Lehman Caves, a series of limestone caves filled with unique and intricate rock formations. Another must-see is the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, offering panoramic views of the surrounding park and beyond.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, in California, USA is famous for its geothermal activity, including boiling mud pots, steam vents and the largest volcanic dome in the world, Lassen Peak. The park also features several beautiful mountain lakes, including Manzanita Lake and Summit Lake, as well as numerous hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas and waterfalls. A popular hike is the Lassen Peak Trail, which takes visitors to the top of the 10,457-foot peak for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking to scenic drives, and are perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can enjoy stargazing, camping, and exploring the park’s many caves. The park has one of the clearest night skies in the country, making it an ideal location for stargazing. Visitors can also explore the Lehman Caves, which feature intricate formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique rock formations.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal features and volcanic landscapes. Visitors can see steam vents, mud pots, and hot springs, as well as the park’s two active volcanoes, Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, and hiking.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether you prefer the serene beauty of a clear night sky or the dramatic landscapes of a volcanic park, both Great Basin and Lassen Volcanic National Parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two popular National Parks in the Western United States that offer unique experiences for visitors. Both parks are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the weather and climate of each park is different and affects when is the best time to visit.
Great Basin National Park is located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in Nevada and experiences a high desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park is generally open all year round, but the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and snow is limited. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it difficult to hike and explore the park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California and experiences a unique climate due to its volcanic activity. The park has hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is in the late spring and summer when snow has melted and temperatures are mild. Winter months can be very cold and snowy, making it difficult to access the park and enjoy its many outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at both Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park affects when is the best time to visit. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trip based on their preferred weather conditions and outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two great family-friendly destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer unique opportunities to explore nature, learn about geology, and enjoy outdoor recreation. However, there are some differences between the two that may make one a better choice for families traveling with children.
Great Basin National Park provides more opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park features several easy hikes that are suitable for families, including the popular Bristlecone Pine Trail and the Glacier Trail. The park also offers several campgrounds, making it a great destination for families who want to spend a few days exploring the park. Additionally, Great Basin is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and many species of birds.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great destination for families who are interested in geology and volcanic activity. The park features several geothermal areas, including the famous Bumpass Hell, which is a must-visit for anyone interested in geology. Additionally, the park offers several easy hikes, including the Lassen Peak Trail, which provides stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscape. However, camping options are more limited in Lassen Volcanic National Park, so families may need to look for accommodations outside of the park.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are great destinations for families, but the best choice depends on the interests of the family. families who are interested in hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing may prefer Great Basin National Park, while families interested in geology and volcanic activity may prefer Lassen Volcanic National Park.