“Have you ever been torn between visiting two incredible National Parks but can only pick one? Well, buckle up because we’re taking you on a virtual tour of two of the most beautiful parks in the United States: Guadalupe Mountains National Park vs Olympic National Park. Get ready to be transported to soaring peaks, thundering waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes.
Imagine standing atop the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, and taking in the sweeping views of the Chihuahuan Desert. Or, picture yourself wandering through the lush rainforests of Olympic National Park, with trees so tall they touch the clouds. Both parks offer unique experiences, but which one will you choose?
In this comparative guide, we’ll take a closer look at the natural wonders, recreational activities, and must-see attractions of both parks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful escape, we’ve got you covered. So, grab a notebook, a map, and get ready to plan your next adventure!”
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, offers over 80 miles of trails for visitors to explore. Some of the most popular hikes include the McKittrick Canyon Trail, which offers stunning views of the fall foliage, and the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which takes visitors to the highest point in Texas. The latter is considered to be a challenging hike, with a steep ascent and rocky terrain.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington, is known for its diverse landscapes, including rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged coastline. The park offers over 600 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backpacking trips. The Hurricane Ridge Trail is a popular and relatively easy hike, offering breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains. On the other hand, the Seven Lakes Basin Trail is a challenging hike, with steep climbs and a rugged terrain.
Both parks offer a range of hiking options for visitors of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous backpacking trip, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park have something to offer.
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 Olympic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge | 4988.954 | 242.9256 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Storm King | 6276.426 | 638.8608 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail | 2574.944 | 77.724 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss | 1609.34 | 23.7744 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Marymere Falls Trail | 2735.878 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh River Trail | 52786.352 | 1558.7472 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop | 30577.46 | 1617.8784 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ruby Beach | 2253.076 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Staircase Rapids Loop | 3379.614 | 64.9224 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent | 18024.608 | 131.9784 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park are both great destinations for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. While both parks offer incredible landscapes and diverse wildlife, there are some key differences in the types of animals, birds and plants you’ll see in each.
In Guadalupe Mountains National Park, you’ll find a wide range of wildlife including black bears, mountain lions, white-tailed deer, and pronghorns. The park is also home to a diverse bird population, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and a variety of warblers. Some of the most common plants in the park include agaves, yuccas, and ocotillos.
In comparison, Olympic National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, and coastal beaches. As a result, the wildlife in the park is equally diverse. Visitors can expect to see black bears, elk, and a variety of bird species, including the spotted owl and marbled murrelets. Additionally, the park is home to a wide range of plants and wildflowers, including rhododendrons, salal, and Pacific yews.
So, whether you’re interested in wildlife viewing or simply a fan of nature, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park offer incredible opportunities to explore and discover the natural beauty of the American West and Pacific Northwest.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Olympic 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 | 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 | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Striped Skunk | Big Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Raccoon | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Deer Mouse |
| Porcupine | Raccoon |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Black Bear |
| Hoary Bat | Porcupine |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Mountain Lion | Red Fox |
| Mule Deer | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Common Gray Fox | House Mouse |
| Gray Wolf | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
| Fringed Myotis | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | North American River Otter |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Masked Shrew |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | Water Shrew |
| Bighorn Sheep | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| White-Tailed Deer | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Salish Sucker | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | Western 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 | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | Honey Bee |
| Painted Ladies | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is famous for its towering peaks, including the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which reaches over 8,700 feet high. The park is also home to the scenic McKittrick Canyon, which is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color. Here, visitors can hike through the canyon, past towering cliffs and crystal-clear streams.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its diverse landscapes, which include towering peaks, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. One of the most famous features of the park is Hurricane Ridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can also explore the Hoh Rainforest, where they can walk among towering trees and listen to the sounds of the forest. Additionally, the park’s coastline is home to some of the most beautiful and rugged beaches in the country, including the famous Ruby Beach.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park are two popular national parks, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas is known for its scenic drives and diverse landscapes, including scenic vistas, canyons and deserts. Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, with the park’s signature attraction being the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. On the other hand, Olympic National Park in Washington is known for its diverse range of environments, including temperate rain forests, rugged coastlines, and high mountain ranges. Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring the park’s abundant wildlife.
Both parks offer opportunities for backpacking and wilderness exploration, but Olympic National Park is particularly popular for its scenic drives and scenic vistas, such as Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its challenging hikes, such as the Guadalupe Peak Trail and the Pine Springs Trail. Regardless of the park you choose, both offer breathtaking scenery and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you are looking for a quiet, serene escape or an adventurous, challenging experience, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in West Texas, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures often reach into the 90s, making it a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and rock climbing. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a great time for snow sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, has a more diverse climate due to its location on the Olympic Peninsula of the Pacific Northwest. The park’s coastal region experiences a temperate maritime climate with cool, wet winters and mild, dry summers. The park’s inland region has a more continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park’s high elevation areas, such as Hurricane Ridge, receive significant snowfall in the winter, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
When considering a visit to either park, it’s important to consider the weather as it can greatly impact the available activities and overall experience. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is best visited in the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate. Olympic National Park’s coastal region can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit the park’s inland and high elevation areas is during the summer when snow has melted and roads are accessible.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Olympic National Park provide unique experiences for families traveling with children. Guadalupe Mountains National Park features opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and scenic drives. The park also has a children’s program that offers ranger-led activities designed for younger visitors. On the other hand, Olympic National Park offers a wider range of activities, including beachcombing, rainforest hikes, and mountain climbing. The park also has several family-friendly campgrounds and picnic areas that provide a great place to relax and have a picnic.
In terms of accessibility, Olympic National Park may be a better choice for families as it has several well-maintained roads that lead to popular attractions, making it easier for families with young children to get around. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is more remote and may present a challenge for families with young children. Both parks have amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, however, Olympic National Park has more facilities and services than Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Overall, both parks offer great family-friendly experiences, but Olympic National Park may be the better choice for families traveling with children due to its wider range of activities and more accessible location.