“Nature lovers, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure! Two of the most beautiful parks in America are waiting for you. If you’re torn between visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park, you’re in for a treat. Both parks offer unique experiences, breathtaking scenery, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. But which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park, comparing and contrasting the two. From hiking trails to natural hot springs, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Are you a fan of towering peaks and rugged landscapes? Guadalupe Mountains National Park might be the perfect choice for you. Or, are you looking for a relaxing soak in a steaming hot spring? Hot Springs National Park has got you covered.
So, grab a notebook, get comfortable, and let’s start exploring the beauty of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, this article will give you all the information you need to plan the ultimate national park adventure.”
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in West Texas, offers a diverse range of hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry excursions. One of the most popular hikes is the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which leads to the highest point in Texas. The 8.5-mile round trip hike is challenging, but offers stunning views from the summit. Another great option is the McKittrick Canyon Trail, which takes visitors through a beautiful canyon filled with fall colors and a variety of plants and wildlife.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, also offers a number of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. The park’s most popular hike is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which leads to an observation tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The 1.5-mile round trip hike is considered easy, making it a great option for families and those looking for a less strenuous experience. The park also offers several other trails, including the Sunset Trail, which is a 2.7-mile round trip hike that offers views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking opportunities, making them great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its more challenging hikes, Hot Springs National Park is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed, easy-going experience. Regardless of your level of experience or physical ability, each park has something to offer, making them great destinations for visitors looking to explore the great outdoors.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and over 60 species of reptiles. Visitors to the park may also see mule deer, pronghorns, and a variety of bird species, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons. Additionally, the park is home to over 1,000 species of plants, including yuccas, agaves, and ocotillos.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is best known for its hot springs and bathhouses, but the park is also home to a variety of wildlife. Commonly seen animals include white-tailed deer, squirrels, and raccoons. Birdwatchers may spot a variety of species, including woodpeckers, warblers, and vireos. The park also provides habitat for a diverse array of plants, including wildflowers, ferns, and mosses.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its more diverse and abundant wildlife, including large mammals such as black bears and mountain lions. Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is a great place to observe smaller mammals and a variety of bird species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hot Springs 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 |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Striped Skunk | Big Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Bobcat |
| Raccoon | Striped Skunk |
| Black Bear | Little Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Deer Mouse |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Raccoon |
| Hoary Bat | Black Bear |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Mountain Lion | Hoary Bat |
| Mule Deer | Red Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Gray Wolf | House Mouse |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mink |
| American Badger | Gray Fox |
| California Myotis | North American River Otter |
| Fringed Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | White-Tailed Deer |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Virginia Opossum |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Eastern Red Bat |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | White-Footed Mouse |
| Bighorn Sheep | Norway Rat |
| White-Tailed Deer | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Night Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Desert Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Ladies | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its rugged beauty and unique landscapes. The park is home to the Guadalupe Mountains, a range of peaks that rise over 8,000 feet above sea level. Visitors to the park can see stunning views from the top of the mountains, including a panoramic view of the Chihuahuan Desert and the surrounding countryside. The park is also a popular destination for hikers, with trails that lead through canyons, over ridges, and to the top of the peaks.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arkansas and is centered around the hot springs that give the park its name. The hot springs are surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, and visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and picnicking areas. The park also features scenic overlooks with views of the Ouachita Mountains and the surrounding countryside. The hot springs themselves are a major attraction, with visitors flocking to the historic bathhouses to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
Both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or simply someone looking for a relaxing escape, these parks are well worth a visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer unique opportunities for visitors to explore and experience the beauty of the natural world.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives and hikes through the rugged terrain of the Chihuahuan Desert. Popular activities include camping, wildlife watching, and stargazing. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears. Visitors can also explore the park’s many caves, including the famous Carlsbad Caverns.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its thermal springs and historic bathhouses. Visitors can take a dip in the natural hot springs, relax in the park’s historic bathhouses, or hike the park’s many trails. The park is also home to several historic buildings, including the Fordyce Bathhouse, which has been converted into a museum. In addition, visitors can enjoy scenic drives through the park, bird watching, and fishing in the park’s lakes and streams.
Both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors, from hiking and camping to wildlife watching and hot springs soaking. Whether you’re looking for a rugged outdoor adventure or a relaxing soak in the hot springs, these two parks have something to offer for every type of nature lover.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two vastly different parks in terms of their seasonal weather. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas and experiences hot, dry summers with cool to cold winters. The average high temperature in the summer is around 90°F, while the average low temperature in the winter is around 30°F. This park is best visited in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s many hiking trails are open.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in central Arkansas and experiences hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The average high temperature in the summer is around 90°F, while the average low temperature in the winter is around 40°F. This park is best visited in the spring or fall, when temperatures are milder and the park’s many hot springs are at their most comfortable for soaking. Visitors should be prepared for rain, as this park experiences frequent showers throughout the year.
In conclusion, the weather at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park affects when is the best time of year to visit each park. While both parks have milder temperatures in the spring and fall, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is best for hiking and Hot Springs National Park is best for hot springs soaking.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Hot Springs National Park both offer unique experiences for families, but each park has its own level of family-friendliness.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is a great destination for families who love outdoor adventure. With its scenic hiking trails, campgrounds, and stunning views, the park offers plenty of opportunities for families to explore and have fun. There are several easily accessible trails, including the popular McKittrick Canyon Trail, which features a low-key hike that leads to a stunning waterfall. However, the park may not be ideal for families with younger children, as some of its more challenging trails may prove difficult for younger legs.
In contrast, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is a more relaxed and accessible option for families. The park is centered around the 47 hot spring-fed bathhouses, providing ample opportunities for families to soak in the warm waters and relax. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which provides stunning views of the surrounding area. With its mild weather, easy-to-navigate trails, and hot springs, Hot Springs National Park is a great choice for families with young children or those looking for a more leisurely outdoor experience.
So, if you’re traveling with children, Hot Springs National Park may be a better choice for your family, offering a more relaxed and accessible outdoor experience. However, if your family enjoys outdoor adventures and scenic hikes, Guadalupe Mountains National Park may be a better fit.