“The Great Outdoors” is full of breathtaking landscapes and breathtaking adventures just waiting to be discovered. Two of the most magnificent parks in the United States are Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park. While both offer incredible natural beauty, they each have a unique character that sets them apart. In this article, we’ll be comparing these two national treasures, exploring their similarities and differences so you can choose which one is right for your next adventure.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas and is world-renowned for its towering peaks, pristine wilderness and a diverse array of wildlife. The park is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which rises to 8,751 feet. Hikers and climbers can take on the challenge of reaching the summit, while nature enthusiasts can marvel at the vibrant wildflowers and scenic vistas that cover the park.
On the other hand, North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is a place of rugged beauty, with towering peaks, deep valleys and pristine wilderness. The park is dotted with glaciers, alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls, and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats and bald eagles. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing day in nature, North Cascades National Park has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States that offer a wide variety of outdoor activities. One of the most popular activities in both parks is hiking.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the easiest hike is the Pinery Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park also has several challenging hikes, such as the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which is the highest point in Texas and requires a strenuous 8.5-mile hike to the summit.
In contrast, North Cascades National Park boasts a variety of hikes, ranging from easy to challenging. The Easy Pass Trail is a popular and scenic hike, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. On the other hand, the demanding Cascade Pass Trail is a challenging hike that takes you to the top of the Cascade Mountains and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer a unique and diverse array of hikes, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, you’ll find a trail that suits your skill level and interests in either Guadalupe Mountains National Park or North Cascades National Park.
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 North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park are both great destinations for wildlife viewing. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is known for its diverse bird population including roadrunners, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to black bears, mountain lions, and white-tailed deer. In addition, visitors can also see unique plants such as the yucca plant and cacti.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington, is known for its diverse mammal population including black bears, cougars, and elk. The park is also home to many bird species such as the bald eagle, osprey, and the common loon. Visitors can also see a variety of plants such as the Douglas fir and western hemlock. The park also has many alpine and subalpine habitats that are home to unique wildlife species such as the hoary marmot and the pika.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but it really depends on what type of wildlife you would like to see. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a great destination for birdwatchers, while North Cascades National Park is a great destination for those interested in mammals. Regardless of what type of wildlife you are interested in, both parks offer excellent opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the American West.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | North Cascades 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 | 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 |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | North Cascades 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 | Porcupine |
| Mountain Lion | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Mule Deer | Hoary Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | Red Fox |
| Gray Wolf | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | House Mouse |
| American Badger | Puma |
| California Myotis | Mink |
| Fringed Myotis | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Wolf |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | Ermine |
| Bighorn Sheep | California Myotis |
| White-Tailed Deer | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Western Fence 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 | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Ladies | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Red Admiral |
| American Painted Lady | Mourning Cloak |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Silvery Blue |
| Clouded Sulphur | Clouded Sulphur |
| Variegated Fritillary | Honey Bee |
| Buckeye | Purplish Copper |
| Gray Hairstreak | Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is famous for its scenic mountain peaks and diverse landscapes. The park is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which stands at an elevation of 8,749 feet. The park also features the Devil’s Hall Trail, a scenic hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering walls. Additionally, the park has a variety of trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the popular McKittrick Canyon Trail.
North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged, glacier-covered peaks, deep valleys, and pristine lakes. The park is home to more than 300 glaciers, including the Boston Glacier, one of the largest in the lower 48 states. The park also features scenic drives, such as the North Cascades Highway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also hike to popular overlooks, such as the Heather-Maple Pass Loop, which offers panoramic views of the North Cascades. The park also has numerous waterfalls, including the 380-foot Diablo Lake Overlook and the Upper Stehekin Valley, which is home to several cascading waterfalls.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in West Texas, offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Visitors can hike to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, or explore the extensive network of trails that wind through the park’s towering mountains and canyons. In the park, there are also opportunities for camping, backpacking, and wildlife watching.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its rugged peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, backpacking, camping, and kayaking. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, including the popular Cascade Pass Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The park is also home to several glaciers, including the Sahale Glacier, which is a popular destination for backcountry camping and hiking.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to escape into nature and experience the beauty of the great outdoors. However, Guadalupe Mountains National Park may appeal more to visitors who are interested in challenging hikes, such as the ascent of Guadalupe Peak, while North Cascades National Park may be more appealing to visitors who are interested in exploring rugged mountain landscapes and glaciers. Regardless of which park you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park are two unique national parks located in the United States. The weather in both parks is dramatically different and affects the best time of year to visit.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas and experiences hot and dry summers, with temperatures reaching up to 100°F. Winters are mild with occasional snowfall, and temperatures dropping to the low 30s°F. Spring and fall provide the most ideal weather, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s°F to the mid 80s°F.
On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is located in Washington State and experiences a wet and rainy climate. Summer temperatures range from the low 70s°F to the low 80s°F, while winter temperatures drop to below freezing with heavy snowfall. The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the late spring and early fall when temperatures are milder and the rain has subsided.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park greatly affects the best time to visit. Visitors to Guadalupe Mountains National Park should plan their trip during the spring or fall, while those visiting North Cascades National Park should plan their trip during the late spring or early fall.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and North Cascades National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is a great destination for families looking for outdoor adventures. The park offers hiking trails, scenic drives and ranger-led programs that are perfect for families with children. Kids will love exploring the park’s caves and canyons and spotting wildlife such as black bears and elk. Additionally, the park offers picnic areas and campsites for families to relax and enjoy a meal together.
On the other hand, North Cascades National Park, located in Washington, is also a great choice for family-friendly adventure. The park boasts beautiful scenic views, hiking trails and water activities like kayaking and fishing. Families can also explore the park’s glaciers, meadows and streams, and enjoy ranger-led programs that are both educational and fun. The park also has picnic areas and campsites for families to relax and make memories together.
When it comes to deciding which park is better for families, it ultimately depends on what type of outdoor experience you’re looking for. Both parks offer family-friendly activities and amenities, so it really comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a desert experience with hiking and wildlife viewing, Guadalupe Mountains National Park may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more forested experience with water activities and scenic drives, North Cascades National Park may be the better option.