The American West is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world, each with its own unique charm and beauty. But what if you had to choose between two of the most incredible parks in the region? Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer a wide range of activities and breathtaking landscapes to explore, but they are vastly different in their own ways.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is a remote and rugged park that is often overlooked by visitors. Despite its remote location, this park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, including the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and the sprawling Lehman Caves. Meanwhile, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is a popular destination for rock climbers and adventurers. The park is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In this article, we will be comparing these two incredible parks, highlighting their unique features and exploring what each park has to offer. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this article will help you choose the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Basin National Park in Nevada and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors. Both parks offer trails that range from easy walks to strenuous hikes.
At Great Basin National Park, the Bristlecone Pine Trail is an easy, 1.2-mile hike that takes visitors through ancient bristlecone pine forests. Another popular, easy hike is the Lehman Creek Trail, a 2-mile trail that winds along a creek and offers views of the park’s unique geological formations. For more experienced hikers, the 13-mile Wheeler Peak Trail is a challenging hike that offers panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the Endless Wall Trail is a popular hike that offers stunning views of the New River Gorge. This moderate, 5.5-mile hike takes visitors along a cliff-side trail with views of the river below. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Kaymoor Miners Trail is a demanding, 8-mile hike that takes visitors through an old coal mining town and offers views of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, both Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something to offer.
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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer unique wildlife experiences. Great Basin is known for its diverse range of species that thrive in the high desert and mountainous regions. Visitors can spot pronghorns, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and sage grouse. The park is also home to a number of nocturnal animals, including bats, coyotes, and mountain lions. Great Basin is also a destination for birders, as it offers some of the best bird-watching opportunities in the western United States. Species include the peregrine falcon, the vast Western Tanager, and the beautiful Calliope Hummingbird.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a prime destination for outdoors enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species, including the golden eagle, the red-tailed hawk, and the American Kestrel. The park is also home to a number of unique plant species, including the American chestnut and the pawpaw tree. In addition, New River Gorge is also a popular destination for rock climbers, as it offers some of the best climbing opportunities in the eastern United States.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most stunning national parks in the United States. Great Basin National Park is famous for its breathtaking views of the Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak, and the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees. The Lehman Caves are a must-visit for any caver or rock enthusiast, with their intricate formations and stunning colors. The park also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the western hemisphere. The park is also home to the New River Gorge, which is one of the oldest rivers in the world. Hiking and rock climbing are popular activities here, and visitors can explore the lush forests, scenic overlooks, and stunning waterfalls that make up this unique landscape.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are spectacular natural wonders that offer unique and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are a fan of caves, ancient trees, gorgeous waterfalls, or stunning mountain ranges, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. Both parks are known for their breathtaking natural beauty and offer a variety of outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can explore the park’s extensive cave systems, including Lehman Caves. The caves offer a unique and immersive experience, as visitors can explore the underground tunnels and see the fascinating rock formations up close. In addition to caving, visitors can enjoy stargazing and exploring the park’s diverse landscapes, including the high-elevation Wheeler Peak and the ancient bristlecone pines.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking. The park is known for its stunning scenery and scenic overlooks, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers. In addition, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the challenging and rewarding Endless Wall Trail.
Whether visitors are looking for a challenging outdoor adventure or a leisurely nature hike, both Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have something to offer. With their diverse landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, these parks are a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the United States.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both unique destinations with varied seasonal weather patterns. At Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, summers are warm with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F. Winters are cold with snow and temperatures ranging from 20-40°F. The park is home to the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees and the Lehman Caves, which are popular tourist attractions year-round.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and experiences a more moderate climate. Summers are warm with temperatures ranging from 70-85°F, while winters are cool with occasional snowfall, and temperatures ranging from 30-50°F. The park is famous for its stunning rock formations and opportunities for outdoor activities such as rock climbing and white-water rafting.
The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is in the summer when the weather is warm. The park is perfect for hiking, camping and exploring the caves. Winter is best for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the best time to visit is in the fall, when the weather is cool and the leaves are changing color. The park is ideal for outdoor activities such as rock climbing and white-water rafting, with the cool weather providing great conditions for these activities.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Basin National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two unique parks that offer different experiences for families. Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. It is a great place for families to learn about nature, but it is not as family-friendly as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and is known for its stunning views, recreational opportunities, and educational programs. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting, that are perfect for families. Additionally, the park has a large number of ranger-led programs and activities that are designed for families and children, making it a great place for families to learn about the natural world and have fun at the same time.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the better option as it offers a wider range of activities and educational programs that are specifically designed for families. This park is both beautiful and educational, and it offers a unique opportunity for families to connect with nature and each other.