Introducing two of America’s stunning national parks – Great Basin and Saguaro. Both parks feature unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and captivating history. But which one is right for your next adventure?
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada, and is known for its iconic Lehman Caves and ancient bristlecone pine trees that have withstood the test of time for over 4,000 years. The park also offers breathtaking views from its high-altitude hiking trails and starry night skies that are among the darkest in the country.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and is named after its signature cactus, the Saguaro. These towering cacti, some reaching over 40 feet tall, are not found anywhere else in the world. The park also boasts scenic drives, hiking trails with panoramic views, and abundant wildlife, including rattlesnakes, roadrunners, and Gila monsters.
So, which park will you choose? Join us as we explore the beauty, history, and adventure of Great Basin and Saguaro National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park
Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular parks in the US and offer unique hiking experiences. Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and features over 60 miles of trails through bristlecone pine forests, alpine meadows, and limestone caves. The park’s most popular hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which is an easy 1.5-mile loop that showcases the ancient bristlecone pines, some of which are over 4,000 years old. Another easy hike is the Lehman Creek Trail, which is a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a lush riparian area. For more challenging hikes, the park offers the Wheeler Peak Trail, a 13-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the highest point in Nevada.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is home to the world-famous saguaro cactus. The park has over 160 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Hugh Norris Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a scenic desert landscape. For a more challenging hike, the park offers the King Canyon Trail, a 7.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the top of the Rincon Mountains. Another popular strenuous hike is the Cactus Forest Loop Trail, which is a 8-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a dense forest of saguaro cactus.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Whether you’re looking for ancient bristlecone pines or towering saguaro cacti, these parks have 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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its diverse wildlife, including a variety of bird species, reptiles, and mammals. Some common animals seen in the park include the Great Basin rattlesnake, the pronghorn antelope, and the mule deer. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the sage thrasher, the pygmy nuthatch, and the white-throated swift.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its unique cactus species, including the saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 60 feet tall. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the Gila monster, the rattlesnake, and the desert bighorn sheep. Bird watchers can enjoy seeing species such as the Gilded Flicker, the Cactus Wren, and the Elf Owl.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but Great Basin National Park is known for its diverse array of mammals and birds, while Saguaro National Park is known for its unique cactus species and desert animals. Whether you are a bird watcher, a reptile enthusiast, or a mammal lover, both parks have something to offer for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Great Basin National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Common Gray Fox |
| Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mink | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Badger |
| Gray Fox | Californis Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Badger | Yuma Myotis |
| Ermine | Bighorn Sheep |
| Californis Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Bullfrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Gopher Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Rubber Boa | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Night Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Leopard Lizard |
| Western Fence Lizard | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| 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 Saguaro National Park
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is known for its unique landscapes including the Lehman Caves, home to stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and other mineral deposits. The park’s most famous peak, Wheeler Peak, towers over the landscape at 13,063 feet and offers breathtaking views from its summit. The park also features the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to some of the world’s oldest living trees.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is famous for the towering saguaro cacti that dot its landscape. The park is split into two sections, the Rincon Mountain District to the east and the Tucson Mountain District to the west. Both sections offer stunning scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities to observe wildlife like rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and tarantulas. The park also features the historic Hugh Norris Trail, which offers views of the surrounding mountains and the vast Sonoran Desert.
Both Great Basin and Saguaro National Parks offer unique and diverse landscapes to visitors, from the towering peaks of Great Basin to the towering saguaro cacti of Saguaro. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiker, or just looking for a scenic escape, both parks are sure to impress and provide a memorable outdoor experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park
Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park both offer unique experiences to visitors. Some of the most popular activities at Great Basin National Park include stargazing, exploring the Lehman Caves, camping and fishing. On the other hand, some of the most popular activities at Saguaro National Park include hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
At Great Basin National Park, stargazing is a very popular activity. The park’s high elevation and remote location make it an ideal place for stargazing, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful night sky without light pollution. Exploring the Lehman Caves is another popular activity, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about the geology, history and formation of the caves. Camping and fishing are also popular activities at the park, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful wilderness and wildlife that the park offers.
At Saguaro National Park, hiking is one of the most popular activities. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes through the park’s beautiful deserts, and see the iconic saguaro cacti that the park is named after. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, and visitors can see a variety of animals including bobcats, rattlesnakes, and roadrunners. Scenic drives are also popular, and visitors can drive through the park to see the beautiful desert landscape and view the saguaro cacti.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park
Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park are two vastly different parks with unique weather patterns. Great Basin is located in the Nevada desert and experiences hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate. Saguaro National Park, located in southern Arizona, is much hotter and experiences monsoon season from July through September. During monsoon season, visitors can expect heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The park is best visited during the spring or winter when temperatures are mild and there is little to no rainfall.
The seasonal weather at these parks can greatly affect the visitor experience. At Great Basin, the hot summers can make it difficult to hike and explore the park during the day. In the winter, the snow and cold temperatures can make it challenging to access some of the park’s attractions. At Saguaro, the monsoon season can make hiking and exploring difficult, but it also creates stunning displays of wildflowers and cacti blooms in the spring. Winter is the best time to visit Saguaro as temperatures are mild and there are fewer crowds.
Visitors should also keep in mind that each park has unique attractions and activities that are best enjoyed during certain seasons. For example, Great Basin is home to the Lehman Caves which are open year-round, but tours may be limited during the winter months due to snow and ice. Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, offers stunning views of the saguaro cacti which are best viewed during the spring and winter when the cacti are in bloom.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park
Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park are both popular destinations for families looking to experience the beauty of nature. However, each park offers a different experience that caters to different preferences.
Great Basin National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The park offers several trails that are suitable for families with young children, and the visitors center provides educational resources for families to learn about the park’s unique ecosystem. In addition, the park’s campground is a great option for families who want to experience camping in a wilderness setting.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is better suited for families who enjoy learning about the cultural and historical significance of the area. The park features a variety of educational and interpretive programs, including ranger-led tours and educational exhibits at the visitors center. In addition, the park’s scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert is a great way for families to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area.
Overall, both Great Basin National Park and Saguaro National Park are family-friendly destinations. The choice between the two will depend on the family’s preferences, with Great Basin National Park being more suitable for families who enjoy outdoor activities and Saguaro National Park being a better choice for families who enjoy learning about the cultural and historical significance of the area.