Are you torn between visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park? Both parks offer unique experiences, but which one is right for you?
Join us on a journey as we compare these two amazing parks and help you make a decision.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, boasts the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. On the other hand, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is home to the world’s longest known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passages.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or a history buff, both parks have something to offer. But which one will leave you with memories to last a lifetime? The answer may surprise you.
So buckle up and get ready for an adventure as we dive into the wonders of Guadalupe Mountains National Park vs Mammoth Cave National Park.
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in Texas and is known for its scenic hikes and challenging trails. The park offers a range of hikes, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular trails include the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which is a challenging 8.5-mile hike to the highest point in Texas, and the Devil’s Hall Trail, which is a strenuous 5-mile hike through narrow canyons and steep switchbacks.
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is also known for its hiking trails, but is primarily famous for its underground cave systems. The park offers several trails that range from easy to moderate, including the Historic Tour, which is a 2-hour guided tour of the cave, and the River Styx Spring Trail, which is a 3.5-mile hike that leads to the entrance of the River Styx Spring Cave. The park also offers backcountry hikes for those looking for a more challenging experience, including the Mammoth Passage Trail, which is a 7.5-mile hike through the backcountry of the park.
Both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. While Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its scenic and challenging hikes, Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its unique underground trail systems and easy to moderate hikes. Regardless of your hiking experience, both parks have something to offer for everyone.
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 Mammoth Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green River Bluffs Trail | 7242.03 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cedar Sink Trail | 2896.812 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mammoth Cave National Park Scenic Drive | 17541.806 | 173.736 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Sinkhole Trail | 3862.416 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Echo River Spring and Sinkhole Loop | 4988.954 | 122.8344 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Echo River and River Styx Springs Trail | 5471.756 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Sal Hollow and Buffalo Creek Loop Trail | 8690.436 | 100.8888 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Dixon Cave Trail Loop | 2414.01 | 83.82 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| First Creek Lake Trail | 5793.624 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McCoy Hollow Trail | 19794.882 | 434.9496 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both unique destinations, offering visitors a chance to experience the diverse wildlife in different parts of the United States. In Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, pronghorns, and mule deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and a variety of songbirds. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse collection of native plants, including cacti, wildflowers, and conifers.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its namesake cave system, but it is also home to a rich array of wildlife. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of mammals, including bats, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the American kestrel, the great blue heron, and the pileated woodpecker. The park is also home to some of the largest and tallest trees in the eastern United States, including the tulip poplar and the Kentucky coffee tree.
In conclusion, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer visitors a chance to experience the diverse wildlife of the United States. Whether you are interested in seeing large mammals or bird species, or exploring the unique plant life of these parks, there is something for everyone at both of these destinations.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Mammoth 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 |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Mammoth Cave 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| Mountain Lion | Red Fox |
| Mule Deer | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Common Gray Fox | House Mouse |
| Gray Wolf | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
| American Badger | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| California Myotis | 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 | Meadow Vole |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | Eastern Red Bat |
| Bighorn Sheep | White-Footed Mouse |
| White-Tailed Deer | Norway Rat |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Common Carp | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Black Racer |
| Eastern Racer | Ringneck Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Eastern Garter Snake |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| 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 | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Wood Frog |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Ladies | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is known for its rugged beauty and diverse landscapes. The park’s most famous feature is the Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas and offers breathtaking views from its summit. The park also features the McKittrick Canyon, a lush and serene canyon that is particularly stunning in autumn when the leaves of the trees turn brilliant shades of red and orange.
In contrast, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is famous for its massive underground cave system, the longest known in the world. The park offers a range of cave tours, from short and easy walks to challenging and strenuous expeditions, allowing visitors to explore the unique and awe-inspiring beauty of the caves. Above ground, the park is also home to lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic rivers, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Both parks offer unique and stunning landscapes that are sure to take visitors’ breath away. Whether you’re looking to conquer a peak, explore a cave, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, these parks are sure to deliver.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its towering peaks and scenic vistas. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, backpacking trips, and rock climbing. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer.
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is famous for its extensive cave system, which is the longest in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, hike on the park’s trails, and camp in the park’s backcountry. In addition, Mammoth Cave is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including bats, salamanders, and rare plant species.
Both parks offer unique and exciting opportunities for outdoor recreation, so the choice between Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park ultimately comes down to personal preference. For those interested in scenic vistas and challenging hikes, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a great choice. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, Mammoth Cave National Park offers a chance to explore the underground world of caves. Either way, both parks are sure to offer a memorable experience for visitors.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but the weather in each park is vastly different. Understanding the seasonal weather patterns and how they affect the best time of year to visit is important for anyone planning a trip to either park.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it a challenging time of year to explore the park. On the other hand, the mild winter temperatures make it an ideal time to visit for those looking for a more temperate climate. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk and deer, which are most active during the winter months.
Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Kentucky, experiences a more moderate climate with warm summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s, making it a great time of year to explore the underground caves. Additionally, the park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, which are most active during the summer months. Winter temperatures can dip into the low 30s, but the park remains open year-round, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the caves in a more serene and peaceful setting.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Kentucky, is considered one of the most family-friendly parks in the country. With over 400 miles of explored caves and a variety of ranger-led tours, families can spend a full day exploring the underground. In addition to the caves, the park also offers hiking trails, camping, and a Junior Ranger program for children.
On the other hand, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is also a great destination for families. This park is known for its scenic hikes, stunning views, and birdwatching opportunities. In addition, the park has a variety of educational programs for families, including ranger-led hikes and campfire programs. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also home to the highest peak in Texas, making it a popular destination for families who love to hike and explore.
When deciding between Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park, it really depends on what your family is interested in. If your family loves caves and underground exploration, then Mammoth Cave National Park is the clear choice. But if your family is more interested in outdoor activities like hiking and camping, then Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the better option. Both parks offer a variety of activities for families and are great destinations for a family vacation.