Looking for an outdoor adventure that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the beautiful Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks! These two magnificent parks offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking and camping to rock climbing and wildlife viewing.
But which park is the best for you? Should you head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, with its towering peaks and vast canyons, or to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, with its lush forests and towering sequoias? In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at each park, highlighting their unique features and attractions, to help you make an informed decision.
So grab your hiking boots and pack a picnic, because we’re about to embark on a journey through two of America’s most beautiful national parks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, you won’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and breathtaking vistas that these two parks have to offer.
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenging hike.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the most popular hike is the 8.5 mile round trip hike up to Guadalupe Peak, which reaches an elevation of 8,749 feet. It is a strenuous hike, with an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Another popular hike at the park is the Devil’s Hall Trail, which is a moderately challenging 4.5 mile hike through a narrow canyon.
At Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, the most popular hike is the Giant Forest Loop, which is a relatively easy 2.2 mile hike that takes visitors through a forest of giant sequoias. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park also offers the High Sierra Trail, which is a strenuous 72 mile hike that takes visitors through the heart of the park and includes stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking options for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, both parks have plenty 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas and provides a unique wildlife viewing experience compared to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California. In Guadalupe Mountains, visitors may encounter black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, roadrunners, and peregrine falcons. The park’s diverse plant life includes ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, and a variety of cacti.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, boast a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, marmots, and bighorn sheep. These parks are also home to a variety of bird species, including Stellar’s jays, spotted owls, and Clark’s nutcrackers. The parks’ vegetation includes giant sequoias, sugar pines, and incense cedars.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing experiences, but Guadalupe Mountains may be better suited for those interested in viewing big cats and birds of prey, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon may be better suited for those interested in viewing diverse plant life and large mammals such as black bears and bighorn sheep. Regardless of which park you choose, be sure to bring binoculars and a camera to capture your encounters with the diverse wildlife of the parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| California Myotis | Mink |
| Fringed Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Gray Fox |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Wolf |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Bighorn Sheep | Badger |
| White-Tailed Deer | Ermine |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Brown Trout | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Racer |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Desert Kingsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Texas Night Snake | Rubber Boa |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Desert Striped Whipsnake | Southwestern Black-Headed Snake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | Western Skink |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Glossy Snake | Western Fence Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a lesser-known park located in West Texas, but it is home to one of the most famous landscapes in the country: Guadalupe Peak, the highest peak in Texas. This park offers a unique landscape, with its towering peaks, deep canyons and unique desert vegetation.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are home to some of the largest trees in the world: the giant sequoias. These trees can grow to be over 300 feet tall and are truly a sight to behold. The parks also offer stunning mountain landscapes, including the High Sierra mountain range, and breathtaking overlooks, like Moro Rock, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Both parks offer a unique and beautiful landscape for visitors to enjoy, whether they are looking for towering peaks, breathtaking overlooks, or the largest trees in the world. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or just a lover of natural beauty, these parks are a must-visit destination.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but each park offers a unique set of activities and attractions.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors can explore the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert and the towering peaks of the Guadalupe Mountains. Popular activities include camping, backpacking, stargazing, and bird-watching. In addition to its scenic beauty, the park is also home to a rich cultural history, with numerous historic sites, including an old stagecoach trail and the ruins of a stagecoach station.
In contrast, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offer a completely different landscape with towering trees, deep canyons, and rushing rivers. Here, visitors can hike, camp, and enjoy scenic drives through the parks, as well as go fishing, rafting, and horseback riding. The parks are also home to some of the tallest trees in the world, including the famous General Sherman tree.
Both parks offer a wealth of outdoor activities, but the choice between Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks will depend on the type of experience you’re looking for. Whether you prefer the rugged beauty of the desert or the towering trees of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable adventure.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two beautiful US National Parks that offer a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. However, the weather in these parks can differ greatly depending on the time of year.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and experiences hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s and sometimes even into the 100s, making it a great time for activities such as hiking and rock climbing. Winter temperatures can drop into the 30s and 40s, making it a great time for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and experience a more moderate climate. Summer temperatures are typically in the 70s and 80s, making it a great time for activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Winter temperatures can drop into the 30s and 40s, with snowfall making it a great time for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
When deciding when to visit either of these parks, it’s important to consider the weather and what activities you’re interested in. If you’re interested in hiking and rock climbing, summer is the best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park. If you’re interested in skiing and snowboarding, winter is the best time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Both parks offer beautiful views and outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, so no matter when you visit, you’re sure to have a great time.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the top family-friendly national parks in the United States. Both offer unique experiences, breathtaking views, and opportunities to explore the great outdoors. However, they differ in their approach to family-friendly activities and facilities.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including hiking trails, scenic drives, and educational ranger programs. There are also several campsites available for families to stay overnight. However, the park lacks many of the amenities and services often found in other national parks, such as restaurants and shops.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, have a more developed infrastructure, with a wide range of facilities and services available. The parks have several family-friendly hiking trails, including the famous General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree on earth. There are also several picnic areas, campsites, and a number of ranger-led activities and programs available for families. Additionally, there are several restaurants, shops, and lodges within the parks, making it easier for families to enjoy their time in the parks.
Overall, if you’re traveling with children, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks may be the better option as they offer more amenities and services for families. However, if you’re looking for a more rugged and natural experience, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is still a great choice. Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences for families, so it’s ultimately up to personal preference.