Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. But which one is the better destination for your next outdoor adventure?
In this article, we will compare and contrast these two national parks, uncovering the unique features and experiences that each has to offer. From towering mountain ranges to bubbling hot springs, there’s something for everyone in these two awe-inspiring destinations. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor adventurer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore these two national treasures.
So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to embark on a journey through two of America’s most iconic natural wonders. The question is, which one will you choose?
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks.
At Great Basin National Park, the easiest hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, a 1-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park offers the 13-mile Wheeler Peak Trail, which takes hikers to the summit of the tallest mountain in Nevada.
Yellowstone National Park also offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park’s most popular hike is the 0.6-mile round-trip trail to the Upper Geyser Basin, which offers visitors a close-up view of the park’s famous geysers. For a more challenging hike, visitors can take the 19-mile round-trip trek to the summit of Mount Washburn, which offers stunning views of the park and its wildlife.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging backcountry trek, both parks 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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, but there are some important differences to consider when deciding between these two destinations.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors are likely to see a variety of mammals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorns. The park is also home to several species of bats, including the Townsend’s big-eared bat and the little brown bat. In addition, visitors may spot a variety of birds, such as the American dipper, the mountain bluebird, and the Clark’s nutcracker.
Yellowstone National Park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, and moose. Visitors may also see wolves, bears, and coyotes, as well as a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, the osprey, and the great horned owl. Additionally, Yellowstone is known for its large herds of bighorn sheep and pronghorns, which can be seen along the park’s roads and trails.
In terms of plant life, both parks offer a diverse range of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. Great Basin National Park is home to a variety of pine and juniper trees, as well as sagebrush and wildflowers. Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its vast forests of lodgepole pines and Douglas firs, as well as its hot springs and geysers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | 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 | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Californis Myotis | California Myotis |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Longnose Sucker |
| Speckled Dace | Lake Trout |
| Cutthroat Trout | Mottled Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Bullfrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Racer |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| 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 | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Mourningcloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Silvery Blue |
| Silvery Blue | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Common Sulphur |
| Clouded Sulphur | Variegated Fritillary |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Purplish Copper | Purplish Copper |
| Anise Swallowtail | Anise Swallowtail |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are famous for their stunning landscapes, including mountain ranges, overlooks, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.
Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada and is known for its unique landscape, including the Lehman Caves, which are a series of complex limestone caves that are open for tours. Additionally, the park features the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, which is the tallest mountain in the state. Visitors can also hike to the top of the peak for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and other hydrothermal features. The park is also home to the world’s largest active geyser, Old Faithful, which erupts approximately every 90 minutes. Additionally, the park features a vast and diverse landscape, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River, as well as the chance to see wildlife such as bison, elk, and wolves in their natural habitats.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty of the American West and to see some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, unique geological features, or the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitats, both Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and scenic drives. However, there are some key differences between the two parks that set them apart.
At Great Basin, visitors can explore the ancient Bristlecone Pine forest, home to the oldest living trees in the world, and take in the stunning views from the summit of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak. In addition, the park is known for its dark skies and stargazing opportunities, making it a popular destination for amateur astronomers.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is famous for its geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, as well as its diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears. Outside of the geyser basins, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, fishing in the park’s many rivers and lakes, and even take a dip in the park’s hot springs.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience, and the best way to decide which one is right for you will depend on your personal interests and what type of outdoor activities you enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature or an action-packed adventure, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife, they have different seasons and weather patterns that affect when is the best time to visit.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and has a high-desert climate with hot and dry summers and cold winters. The park is at its best during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild, the wildflowers are blooming, and the skies are clear. Summer months can be too hot to comfortably hike and enjoy the outdoors, while winter can bring snow and sub-zero temperatures that can make it difficult to access certain areas of the park.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Rocky Mountains and has a more temperate climate. Summers are mild and comfortable, with occasional thunderstorms, while winters are long and cold with heavy snow. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late May to early October when the roads are clear and the weather is mild. Winter months offer a unique and beautiful experience, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities, but access is limited and road closures are common.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park are beautiful and unique destinations that offer different experiences depending on the season. Visitors should consider the weather and accessibility when planning their trips to ensure they have the best experience possible.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of America’s most popular National Parks. Both offer unique experiences for families, but each has its own strengths when it comes to visiting with children.
Great Basin National Park offers a range of family-friendly activities, including ranger-led programs, self-guided nature walks, and evening campfire programs. The park is also home to the Lehman Caves, which are a popular attraction for families. The caves are a series of interconnected chambers that offer a unique look at subterranean formations and offer a chance for families to explore together.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal features, such as geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. These unique features are sure to capture the attention of children and adults alike. In addition, Yellowstone offers a range of ranger-led programs, including walks and talks, campfire programs, and educational activities. The park also has several family-friendly hiking trails, including easy walks around geyser basins and more strenuous hikes to waterfalls.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Yellowstone National Park are excellent choices for families looking to spend time in nature. However, if you are traveling with children, Yellowstone may be the better option due to its unique geothermal features and range of ranger-led programs. Regardless of which park you choose, both offer opportunities for families to explore and learn together.