Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning landscapes and breathtaking views, but each one has its own unique features that set it apart. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two national parks and help you decide which one to visit on your next trip. Whether you prefer towering peaks, pristine lakes, or lush forests, both parks have something to offer.
Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington State, and is known for its towering peak and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. With its snowy peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, Mount Rainier is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and skiers. The park has a wide range of recreational activities, from easy hikes along well-trodden trails to challenging climbs up its towering peak.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is home to some of the most unique and unusual landscapes in the country. From the ancient bristlecone pine forests to the mysterious and otherworldly Lehman Caves, Great Basin offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. With its remote location and lack of crowds, Great Basin is the perfect destination for those looking for a more peaceful and serene experience.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States for hikers. Both offer a range of trails for hikers of all skill levels, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs.
At Great Basin, the easiest hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which is a 0.3-mile loop that takes visitors through a grove of ancient bristlecone pines. For those looking for a more difficult hike, the Baker Lake Trail is a 7.4-mile hike that takes visitors through scenic meadows and forests to a high-alpine lake.
At Mount Rainier, the easiest hike is the Nisqually Vista Trail, which is a 0.5-mile trail that offers stunning views of the Nisqually Glacier and the surrounding mountains. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Skyline Trail is a strenuous 7.2-mile hike that takes visitors to the summit of the mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, both Great Basin and Mount Rainier offer something for everyone.
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 Mount Rainier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two popular parks in the United States that are known for their stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. While both parks have a variety of animals, birds, and plants, the specific species you’ll see can vary greatly depending on the park you visit.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can expect to see a mix of sagebrush, piñon pine, and juniper trees, as well as wildlife such as pronghorns, mountain lions, and black bears. The park also has a large population of bats and is home to several species of birds, including the peregrine falcon and the sage grouse.
At Mount Rainier National Park, visitors will see a much different landscape and wildlife. The park is known for its lush, old-growth forests, and is home to a variety of animals, including elk, black bears, and mountain lions. Additionally, birdwatchers can spot a number of species, including the American Dipper, the Northern Pygmy Owl, and the American Robin.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitats. Great Basin National Park is a great place to experience the beauty of the desert, while Mount Rainier National Park is ideal for those who want to explore the lush, green forests of the Pacific Northwest. Regardless of which park you choose, be sure to pack a good pair of binoculars and a camera to capture the wildlife you’ll encounter.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Barn Swallow | European Starling |
| Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
| Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Kestrel | American Pipit |
| Bald Eagle | Killdeer |
| Song Sparrow | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| European Starling | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Northern Pintail | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| American Wigeon | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Great Basin National Park | Mount Rainier 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 |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Mule Deer | Wolf |
| Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Ermine |
| Long-Eared Myotis | California Myotis |
| Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| Ermine | North American River Otter |
| Californis Myotis | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Coho Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Chinook Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Rubber Boa |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
| Painted Lady | Cabbage White |
| Monarch Butterfly | Silvery Blue |
| American Painted Lady | Purplish Copper |
| Red Admiral | Anise Swallowtail |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. The park is most famous for its Lehman Caves, which contain intricate and beautiful rock formations. In addition, the park is home to the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, which is the second highest mountain in Nevada and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington and is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. The park is famous for its stunning views of Mount Rainier, which is a massive stratovolcano that towers over the surrounding landscape. Visitors to the park can hike to various scenic overlooks, explore glaciers and valleys, and even climb to the summit of the mountain.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re interested in exploring caves, hiking mountains, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, both Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are excellent destinations for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, but they differ in the type of activities that are most popular.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors love to explore the caves and take in the stunning views from the Lehman Caves tour. Stargazing is also a popular activity, as the park is one of the few International Dark Sky Parks in the country. Hiking and camping are also popular, and visitors can take advantage of the many scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
At Mount Rainier National Park, visitors come to experience the beauty of the mountain and its glaciers. The most popular activity is to drive or hike to the summit of Mount Rainier for panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors also enjoy exploring the park’s many waterfalls and glaciers, such as the Paradise and Narada Falls, and taking in the stunning beauty of the wildflowers that bloom during the summer months.
Overall, both Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to take in the stunning views from the summit of a mountain, explore the beauty of a national park’s caves, or simply enjoy a day of hiking, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington. The seasonal weather at Great Basin National Park is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. On the other hand, winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, making it a good time for winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling.
Mount Rainier National Park experiences a milder climate with cool summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures range from 50°F to 60°F, making it a great time for scenic drives, camping and hiking. Winter temperatures can also drop to below freezing, but the park is known for its heavy snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
When it comes to deciding the best time to visit each park, Great Basin National Park is best visited during the summer months for its warm weather and outdoor activities. Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is best visited during the winter for its heavy snowfall and winter sports, or in the summer for its cool weather and scenic drives. Visitors should also keep in mind that both parks can have unpredictable weather, so it is always a good idea to check the forecast before planning a trip.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Basin National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are both beautiful parks with much to offer families traveling with children. Great Basin is located in Nevada and is known for its remote, wilderness setting. Mount Rainier, on the other hand, is located in Washington and is famous for its towering, snow-capped mountain.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Mount Rainier is the better choice. The park offers many easy hikes with stunning views, including the Paradise Loop Trail and the Skyline Trail. The park also provides ranger-led activities and educational programs for children, making it a great place to learn about nature and the environment.
Great Basin, while still offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic views, may not be as well-suited for families with young children. The park’s remote location and lack of amenities may make it difficult for families to fully enjoy their visit. Additionally, many of the park’s trails and activities require a bit more effort and may not be as accessible for families with young children.
Overall, if you’re traveling with children, Mount Rainier is the better choice for a family-friendly park experience. The park’s accessibility, amenities, and educational opportunities make it a great place for families to explore and learn about nature together.