Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park are two incredibly unique and beautiful national parks located in the United States. Both parks offer completely different experiences, from the breathtaking views in Great Basin to the underground marvels in Wind Cave. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both parks and see what makes them so special.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. From the towering peaks of the Snake Range to the ancient Bristlecone pines that have lived for thousands of years, there is something for everyone here. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone looking for a peaceful getaway, Great Basin is sure to impress.
Wind Cave National Park, on the other hand, is located in South Dakota and is home to one of the world’s longest and most complex cave systems. This underground wonder is a must-see for anyone who loves adventure and mystery. With its winding tunnels and sparkling formations, Wind Cave is a true natural gem that will leave you in awe. So, whether you’re a park enthusiast or just looking for a new adventure, don’t miss the chance to explore these two incredible parks.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park are two unique destinations for nature enthusiasts, each offering unique landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Great Basin National Park is known for its high-elevation trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers can choose from a range of easy to challenging trails, including the popular Bristlecone Pine Trail, which is a 2-mile hike through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines. Another easy hike is the Glacier Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that takes visitors to a stunning glacial-carved valley. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Baker Lake Trail is a 7.5-mile trek that takes hikers to a high-elevation lake surrounded by towering peaks.
Wind Cave National Park, on the other hand, offers a different type of hiking experience. Here, visitors can explore the park’s underground cave system by taking guided tours. The cave system is one of the longest and most complex in the world and offers a unique and challenging hiking experience. For those who prefer to stay above ground, Wind Cave National Park also has a number of easy to moderate trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding prairies and forests. Some of the most popular trails include the Centennial Trail, a 2.5-mile loop that takes visitors through prairies and forests, and the Rankin Ridge Trail, a 2-mile hike to the top of the park’s highest point for panoramic views.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, both Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park have something to offer 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 Wind Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park are both beautiful and unique parks with their own set of wildlife. In Great Basin National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as black bears, mule deer, and rock squirrels. The park is also home to a diverse array of bird species including the American dipper, the pygmy nuthatch, and the Clark’s nutcracker. Great Basin also boasts a range of plant life including Bristlecone pines, sagebrush, and wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
At Wind Cave National Park, visitors can expect to see a different type of wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and elk. The park is also a great place for bird-watching and is home to a variety of bird species such as the ferruginous hawk, the burrowing owl, and the western meadowlark. Wind Cave is also known for its unique underground cave system, which is home to several species of bats, and the park is one of the few places in the world where you can see the rare and endangered black-tailed prairie dog.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin National Park | Wind Cave 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 | Wind Cave 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 | Weasels |
| Lion | House Mouse |
| Mink | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Mule Deer |
| Gray Wolf | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Badger | Badger |
| Ermine | Ermine |
| Californis Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brook Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Brown Trout | Long Nose Dace |
| Mottled Sculpin | Black Bullhead |
| Speckled Dace | Creek Chub |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Tiger Salamander |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Woodhouses Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Bull Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Racer |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Milksnake |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulfer |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch Butterfly |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Mourningcloak | Mourningcloak |
| Cabbage White | Cabbage White |
| Silvery Blue | Common Checkered-Skipper |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Clouded Sulphur |
| Clouded Sulphur | Variegated Fritillary |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its stunning vistas of the Snake Range Mountains. The most famous landmark in the park is the 13,063-foot-tall Wheeler Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also hike to the top of the peak and explore the ancient bristlecone pine tree forest that grows there.
Similarly, Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is famous for its unique geological formations, including the Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. The cave is home to a rare type of calcite crystal formation known as “boxwork,” which creates a honeycomb-like pattern on the cave walls. Above ground, visitors can explore the park’s rolling prairies and witness the herds of bison and pronghorn that roam the park.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience diverse and beautiful landscapes, from the rugged peaks of Great Basin to the rolling prairies and unique cave formations of Wind Cave. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or simply a lover of nature, both parks offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Great Basin National Park in Nevada and Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota are two of the most unique and beautiful parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of popular activities that visitors enjoy, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. However, each park has its own unique features that set it apart from the other.
Great Basin National Park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Bristlecone Pine forest, which is home to the oldest living trees in the world. In addition to hiking, visitors can also take part in stargazing and ranger-led programs to learn more about the park’s history and wildlife.
Wind Cave National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its underground caves and spectacular rock formations. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, including the popular “Natural Entrance Tour,” which takes visitors through the park’s historic entrance. In addition, Wind Cave National Park is also home to a large bison herd, and visitors can take part in wildlife watching and ranger-led programs to learn about these magnificent animals.
While both Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park offer unique and unforgettable experiences, they both have one thing in common: they offer visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for an adventure below ground or above, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park are two of America’s most beautiful and unique national parks. The seasonal weather at these parks can vary greatly, which affects when is the best time to visit.
At Great Basin National Park, the weather is influenced by its high elevation, with temperatures ranging from hot in the summer to cold in the winter. The park’s location in the Great Basin Desert means that it is dry year-round with low humidity, making it a great destination for those who want to escape the heat. Summer temperatures average in the 80s while winter temperatures average in the 30s. Winter can bring snow and ice, making roads and trails hazardous and limiting accessibility to some areas. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the park is at its most beautiful.
In contrast, Wind Cave National Park is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and experiences a more moderate climate. The park’s elevation is lower than Great Basin, which results in warmer temperatures and more precipitation. Summer temperatures average in the 70s while winter temperatures average in the 30s. The park is known for its frequent rain showers, which can make hiking and exploring the caves more challenging. The best time to visit Wind Cave National Park is in the summer when the weather is warm and the caves are open for tours.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Great Basin National Park and Wind Cave National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both of these parks are family-friendly and offer a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Great Basin National Park is the clear winner. With its many hiking trails, including the popular Bristlecone Pine Trail, families can explore the park’s diverse landscapes and take in the breathtaking views. In addition, the park offers ranger-led programs and campsites, making it an ideal destination for families who enjoy camping and the great outdoors.
Wind Cave National Park, on the other hand, is a more specialized park, with a focus on the underground cave system. While the park does offer hiking trails, it is not as well-suited for families with young children as Great Basin National Park. The cave tours, which are the park’s main attraction, can be quite strenuous and are not recommended for children under the age of 6. Additionally, the park does not have as many ranger-led programs or campsites as Great Basin National Park.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children and looking for a park that offers a variety of family-friendly activities and experiences, Great Basin National Park is the better choice.