Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, but they couldn’t be more different from each other. One lies in the heart of the Nevada desert, while the other is nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Imagine standing on the summit of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park, surrounded by the vast expanse of desert, with not a tree in sight. Or, picture yourself at the top of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Rockies, with forests and meadows stretching out below. Two completely different experiences, both offering a unique perspective of the beauty of nature.
So, which one is right for you? That’s what we’re here to find out. Join us as we explore the similarities and differences between Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, from their top attractions to their climates and best times to visit. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker, a family looking for a fun vacation, or just someone who loves the great outdoors, this article will help you decide which park is perfect for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking views, diverse wildlife and plenty of outdoor recreation. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in both parks, and both have a variety of trails to choose from.
The hiking trails at Great Basin National Park range from easy to strenuous. The easiest hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees. For a more challenging hike, visitors can tackle the 13-mile Wheeler Peak Trail, which takes them to the highest point in the park.
Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a range of hiking trails, from easy to strenuous. The easiest hike is the Bear Lake Loop, a 0.6-mile trail that takes visitors around the beautiful Bear Lake. For a more challenging hike, visitors can take on the Keyhole Route, a strenuous 10-mile hike to the summit of Longs Peak.
Both parks offer something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll. Whether you’re looking for a scenic view or a challenging hike, Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park both have plenty of options to choose from.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. They are both known for their stunning landscapes, but there are some key differences when it comes to the wildlife you’ll see at each park.
At Great Basin, visitors are likely to see a variety of animals like pronghorns, mule deer, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a number of birds, including the pinyon jay, the mountain bluebird, and the sage thrasher. In addition, there are a number of plant species found in the park, including the Great Basin bristlecone pine, which is one of the oldest living species on earth.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors will see a mix of animals, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. The park is also home to a number of birds, including the American dipper and the Clark’s nutcracker, as well as several species of hawks and eagles. Plants that are commonly seen at the park include the subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and the aspen tree, which is known for its autumn color.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats, so it really just depends on what kind of animals and plants you’re interested in seeing. Whether you prefer the high deserts of Great Basin or the alpine landscapes of Rocky Mountain, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain 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 | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Badger | Badger |
| Ermine | Ermine |
| Californis Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Western Longnose Sucker |
| Speckled Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Speckled Dace |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Tiger Salamander |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Wood Frog |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Rubber Boa | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Mourningcloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Cabbage White |
| Silvery Blue | Silvery Blue |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Common Checkered-Skipper |
| Clouded Sulphur | Clouded Sulphur |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Variegated Fritillary |
| Purplish Copper | Buckeye |
| Anise Swallowtail | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Gray Hairstreak | Purplish Copper |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Basin National Park, Nevada, is known for its ancient bristlecone pine trees, which are some of the oldest living organisms on the planet, and the Lehman Caves, a series of limestone formations that showcase intricate stalactites, stalagmites and other unique cave structures. The park’s scenic drive, the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and provides access to several trailheads leading to popular hiking destinations.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, is well-known for its stunning mountain landscapes, including over 60 peaks that soar above 12,000 feet. The park features several scenic drives, including the Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an elevation of over 12,000 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Continental Divide. Other popular attractions include the crystal-clear alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, such as elk, bighorn sheep, and moose.
Both parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Both parks are also home to unique and diverse ecosystems, making them ideal destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature or an action-packed outdoor adventure, Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both excellent options to consider.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US, and both offer a wide range of activities for visitors. At Great Basin, visitors can explore the park’s rugged landscape through backpacking, rock climbing, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to several campgrounds, providing a perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts. On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic drives. The park is also well known for its abundant wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose.
Both parks offer a variety of scenic drives, with Great Basin’s Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road offers breathtaking views of the alpine tundra. In addition, visitors to both parks can also engage in educational programs, such as guided nature walks and ranger-led activities.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors, including backpacking, rock climbing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. Whether you’re looking for a rugged outdoor adventure or a peaceful escape into nature, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but the weather patterns in each park are quite different. In Great Basin, the weather is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F in the summer and dropping below freezing in the winter. Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain National Park experiences more moderate temperatures, with warm summers and cooler winters.
The seasonal weather at each park affects when is the best time to visit. At Great Basin, the best time to visit is in the summer, when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for hiking, camping and wildlife viewing. On the other hand, the best time to visit Rocky Mountain is in the summer and early fall, when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in full bloom, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. Winter is also a popular time to visit Rocky Mountain, as the park transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes.
Overall, both Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer unique and stunning landscapes, but the weather patterns at each park play a crucial role in determining the best time to visit. Whether you’re looking for a hot, dry summer or a mild summer with blooming wildflowers, both parks have something to offer.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are great destinations for families, but they offer different experiences.
Great Basin National Park is more remote and less crowded than Rocky Mountain National Park, making it a great option for families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is home to several hiking trails that are suitable for families, and the stunning views of the surrounding landscape are sure to captivate children of all ages. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs and educational activities that are designed to help families learn about the natural history of the area.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is a bustling hub of activity and is a popular destination for families. The park is home to several family-friendly hiking trails, and there are also numerous picnic areas, campgrounds, and scenic drives that families can enjoy. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose, which are often spotted in the park. Additionally, the park has a variety of ranger-led programs and educational activities that are designed to help families learn about the natural history of the area.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are great destinations for families. However, if you’re traveling with children, Rocky Mountain National Park is the better option, as it offers more activities and opportunities for families to explore and learn about the natural history of the area.