Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, but they offer vastly different experiences. Far from being carbon copies of each other, these two parks are unique in their own ways, each offering incredible landscapes, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions.
Imagine yourself standing at the foot of towering peaks, surrounded by lush forests and pristine lakes, in one park, and then, in the next, being awed by the vibrant, sun-soaked desert canyons. These are just a few of the breathtaking sights you’ll find at Great Basin and Zion.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer seeking new challenges, or a nature lover looking for a peaceful escape, these parks have something for everyone. From scenic drives, to strenuous hikes, to relaxing picnics, there’s a wealth of recreational opportunities to explore. And, with a rich cultural history, both parks offer a unique glimpse into the past and the way people lived and thrived in these rugged environments.
So, are you ready to discover the beauty and diversity of Great Basin and Zion National Parks? Let’s take a closer look and find out what makes each of these parks truly special.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park
Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the Western United States. Both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, but each park has its own unique features that make it stand out.
Great Basin National Park is known for its Lehman Caves, which can be explored on a ranger-led tour, and its beautiful Bristlecone Pine forests. The park also has a number of hiking trails, including the easy, 1.5-mile Glacier Trail, and the challenging, 10-mile Wheeler Peak trail. The latter takes visitors to the top of the park’s highest peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Zion National Park is known for its towering red rock cliffs and canyons, making it a popular destination for rock climbers. The park has a number of easy trails, including the Riverside Walk and the Pa’rus Trail, but it is also home to some of the hardest hikes in the country, such as the 16-mile, strenuous Narrows hike. This hike takes visitors into the heart of the park’s narrowest canyon, offering breathtaking views of the towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters of the Virgin River.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, but each park has its own unique features that make it stand out. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, these two 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 Zion National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park
Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States. While they are both unique in their own way, they have different wildlife that can be seen.
In Great Basin National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as the Townsend’s Big-eared Bat, the Mountain Lion, and the Mule Deer. This park is also home to a large number of bird species, including the Pygmy Owl, the Red-tailed Hawk, and the White-tailed Ptarmigan. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant species, including the Bristlecone Pine, which is thought to be one of the oldest species of tree in the world.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse wildlife including animals like the Desert Bighorn Sheep, the Pronghorn, and the Mountain Lion. The park is also a popular destination for bird watchers, who can spot species like the American Dipper, the Peregrine Falcon, and the American Raven. In terms of plant life, visitors can see unique species like the Joshua Tree, the Utah Agave, and the Canyonlands Prickly Pear Cactus.
Whether it’s the unique animals, birds, or plants, both Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of nature.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Great Basin National Park | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
Gray Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
Long-Eared Myotis | American Badger |
Badger | Ermine |
Ermine | California Myotis |
Californis Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
Great Basin National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
Mottled Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
Speckled Dace | Channel Catfish |
Cutthroat Trout | Goldfish |
Amphibians
Great Basin National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
Woodhouse’s Toad | Tiger Salamander |
Red-Spotted Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
Canyon Treefrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
Great Basin National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Racer | Gophersnake |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
Rubber Boa | Ring-Necked Snake |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
Eastern Collared Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
Eastern Fence Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
Long-Nosed Snake | Common Kingsnake |
Desert Spiny Lizard | Nightsnake |
Western Fence Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
Tree Lizard | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink | |
Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
Great Basin National Park | Zion 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 Zion National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its stunning vistas, including the Lehman Caves, the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, and the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which winds through a forest of ancient trees. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Lehman Caves, a series of limestone formations that visitors can explore on guided tours. The caves are known for their intricate and delicate formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, including the iconic Angels Landing and the Narrows. The park’s most famous landscape is the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the towering sandstone cliffs and the Virgin River below. Visitors can also hike the Angels Landing Trail to reach a stunning overlook with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Narrows is another popular hike, which takes visitors through a narrow slot canyon with towering walls on either side.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park
Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and more.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors love to explore the park’s many beautiful caves, including Lehman Caves, which offers a guided tour. In addition to caves, visitors also enjoy exploring the park’s vast alpine forests and high-altitude lakes. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and many species of birds.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is best known for its stunning red rock canyons and towering cliffs. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park and stop at several overlooks to take in the breathtaking views. In addition to scenic drives, visitors also love to hike the park’s many trails, including the popular Angel’s Landing and the Narrows. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, and many species of birds.
Whether you prefer exploring caves or canyons, both Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park
Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the western United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but when it comes to the weather, they differ significantly.
Located in Nevada, Great Basin National Park has a high-desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, making it a great destination for winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Utah and has a much milder climate. Summer temperatures are warm and can reach up to 100°F, making it a great destination for those seeking a hot, sunny vacation. Winter temperatures are mild, with occasional snowfall, making it a great destination for year-round recreation.
When it comes to the best time to visit each park, it depends on what activities you are interested in. For those interested in hiking, Great Basin is best visited during the summer months, while Zion is best visited in the spring or fall when temperatures are milder. For winter sports enthusiasts, Great Basin is the better option, while those seeking a warm, sunny vacation should opt for Zion.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park
Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities, but they differ when it comes to family-friendliness.
Great Basin National Park is a more family-friendly option for those traveling with children. The park has several easy trails that are suitable for families, as well as a variety of ranger-led programs and educational opportunities. The park also has a campground and several picnic areas, making it a convenient place to stay with kids.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, can be more challenging for families with young children. The park has several strenuous trails that are not suitable for young children and the hot and dry climate can be difficult for some kids to handle. However, the park also has several family-friendly trails and ranger-led programs, making it a great option for families who are looking for a more challenging adventure.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Zion National Park are great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors, but Great Basin National Park is the better option for families with young children or those looking for a more relaxed experience. On the other hand, Zion National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a more challenging adventure.