Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both of these parks are unique in their own way and offer visitors a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. If you are planning a trip and are trying to decide which park to visit, this article is for you.
In this article, we will compare Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park, highlighting the best things to see and do in each park. From outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and fishing, to exploring the rich history and culture of the area, we will give you the best tips on how to make the most of your trip. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor, this article will help you plan your next adventure.
So buckle up and get ready to explore two of the most incredible national parks in the United States. From towering peaks to serene lakes, and everything in between, Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park are waiting to be discovered.
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota both offer scenic hikes for visitors. Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts over 80 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backpacking trips. The park’s signature hike is the 8.5-mile round-trip hike to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. This strenuous hike includes steep elevation gain and rocky terrain, but rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota features water-based recreation, but also offers over 20 miles of hiking trails. The park’s most popular hike is the Kabetogama Peninsula Trail, a 2.7-mile loop that offers views of the lake and surrounding forests. The park also offers more strenuous hikes, including the Rainy Lake Trail, a 7-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a dense forest and along the shores of Rainy Lake.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, but for those seeking challenging hikes with stunning views, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the clear winner. For those looking for a more relaxed and scenic hike, Voyageurs National Park is a great option.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is known for its diverse wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, and black bears. The park also supports a large population of bird species, including the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon. The park’s vegetation consists of a mix of desert and forest landscapes, with a variety of cacti and wildflowers.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is a water-based park with a focus on aquatic wildlife. Commonly seen animals include beavers, otters, and moose. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the common loon and the bald eagle. In addition to wildlife, the park is known for its lush forests and diverse plant life, including wildflowers, ferns, and mosses.
While both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, the key difference lies in their environments. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in a desert landscape and is known for its arid climate, while Voyageurs National Park is located in a more temperate region with a focus on aquatic wildlife. Regardless of the park you choose, both offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of nature.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Mountain Lion |
| California Myotis | Mink |
| Fringed Myotis | Common Gray Fox |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Plains Wolf |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | American Badger |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Ermine |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| Bighorn Sheep | River Otter |
| White-Tailed Deer | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Voyageurs 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 Voyageurs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is known for its towering peaks and scenic views. The park’s star attraction is the Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to the majestic peaks, visitors can also enjoy hiking through the scenic canyons, exploring the numerous caves, and observing the diverse array of wildlife that call the park home.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is famous for its diverse water-based landscapes. The park is dotted with numerous interconnected lakes and waterways, making it an ideal destination for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the park’s scenic forests and wetlands, which are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bald eagles. In addition to its natural beauty, Voyageurs National Park is also notable for its historical significance, as it was once a hub of fur trading activity during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is known for its scenic beauty and rich history. Visitors can hike through the park and explore its diverse landscapes, including the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. The park is also popular for its rich bird-watching opportunities, with over 240 species of birds that call it home. In addition, visitors can take scenic drives through the park, camp and picnic, and participate in ranger-led programs to learn more about the park’s history and natural features.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is a water-based park, known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the park by boat, kayak, or canoe, and enjoy fishing and swimming in its many lakes and rivers. The park is also popular for its abundant wildlife, including moose, wolves, and beavers. Visitors can take guided boat tours to learn about the park’s history and wildlife, or participate in ranger-led programs to learn more about the park’s natural features.
In conclusion, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and diverse opportunities for visitors to experience and enjoy the natural beauty of the parks. Whether you prefer to hike, boat, or simply relax and take in the scenery, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, but their seasonal weather patterns differ greatly.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in West Texas, the weather is hot and arid in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to over 100°F. Winter weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-60s. The park is located at a high elevation, so snow and ice are possible in the winter.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, experiences a much different climate. Summer temperatures can range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s, with occasional thunderstorms. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, and the park is known for its heavy snowfall, which can make it difficult to access certain areas.
The best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. At Voyageurs National Park, the summer months are the most popular time to visit, but winter can also be a magical time, with opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
Both parks offer unique opportunities and experiences, and the seasonal weather patterns play a big role in determining when is the best time to visit. Whether you prefer hot and arid landscapes or snow-covered forests, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park have something to offer.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is a great option for families looking for an adventure. With over 80 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks, there’s something for everyone. The park’s most popular attraction, the Guadalupe Peak Trail, offers stunning views from the highest point in Texas. In addition, the park offers ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities to keep kids engaged and learning.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is also a great option for families. With over 40 miles of water-based recreation, including canoeing and kayaking, it’s a perfect destination for families who love the outdoors. The park also offers family-friendly ranger-led programs, including boat tours, hikes and campfire programs. Additionally, kids will love exploring the park’s many bays and inlets, and seeing the abundant wildlife, including beavers, otters and loons.
Both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Voyageurs National Park are family-friendly destinations, but the type of outdoor activities they offer is different. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is ideal for families who enjoy hiking and scenic vistas, while Voyageurs National Park is better for families who love water activities. Both parks offer ranger-led programs and activities for kids, so whichever park you choose, your family is sure to have a memorable experience.