The American Southwest is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. Two of the most popular parks in the region are Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park. Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, but which one is the better choice for your next adventure?
If you’re looking for a park that offers rugged and challenging hiking trails, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the place for you. With its towering peaks, deep canyons, and scenic vistas, this park is the perfect destination for experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is a wonderland of towering sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and meandering streams. This park is a great choice for families, as well as for those who are looking for a more relaxed and less strenuous outdoor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Zion National Park is sure to impress.
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for hikers. However, they offer different hiking experiences. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its challenging trails, which are steep and rocky. The highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, is located here and requires a strenuous 8.4-mile round trip hike to reach the summit. On the other hand, Zion National Park offers a wider range of hiking options, from easy walks along the Virgin River to strenuous backcountry adventures.
One of the most popular hikes in Zion is the Angels Landing Trail, a 5.4-mile round trip hike that takes you to a narrow sandstone ridge with stunning views of the surrounding canyons. For those looking for an easier hike, the Riverside Walk is a great option. This 2.2-mile round trip hike follows the Virgin River and offers a gentle walk through the heart of the park.
In comparison, the easiest hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the Pinery Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip hike that takes you through a forest of pine trees and provides a peaceful escape from the desert landscape.
Both parks offer a range of hikes to suit different skill levels and interests, so whether you’re looking for a strenuous challenge or a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion 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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and pronghorns. Additionally, birdwatchers will be able to see a variety of species including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and various species of owls. The park is also home to a wide variety of native plants, including cacti, yuccas, and wildflowers.
Zion National Park is also a great place to see wildlife. Common animals in the park include bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and mule deer. Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing species such as the endangered California condor, peregrine falcons, and various species of hawks. Zion is also home to a variety of unique plant species, including the Zion snail, which is only found in the park.
Overall, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park offer visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re interested in seeing large mammals or unique bird species, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Fringed Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Western Harvest Mouse | American Badger |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | Ermine |
| Bighorn Sheep | California Myotis |
| White-Tailed Deer | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Goldfish |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Eastern Racer | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Desert Kingsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Texas Night Snake | Nightsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Desert Striped Whipsnake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Western Whiptail |
| Glossy Snake | Western Skink |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Desert Spiny Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Zion 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 Zion National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most beautiful and visited national parks in the United States. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, in western Texas, and is known for its stunning mountain range, the Guadalupe Mountains, which rise up to 8,749 feet. The park is also home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert.
Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is renowned for its towering sandstone cliffs and stunning canyons, including the famous Zion Canyon. The park boasts several popular hiking trails, including Angels Landing, a strenuous hike to a precarious perch with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Narrows, a narrow slot canyon that offers a unique and memorable hiking experience. Additionally, the park is home to several scenic drives, including the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, which offers stunning views of the park’s towering cliffs and canyons.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, from towering mountain ranges and dramatic canyons to pristine waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking to enjoy the scenery, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. They offer diverse ranges of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Although both parks have a lot to offer, there are some differences in what visitors enjoy most.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors love to explore the park’s diverse range of landscapes, including desert, canyons, and forests. The park is a popular destination for rock climbing and camping, and it has several trails that offer stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Visitors also enjoy bird watching, as the park is home to a variety of bird species.
At Zion National Park, visitors are drawn to the park’s stunning canyons and towering cliffs. Hiking is the most popular activity in the park, with numerous trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, rock climbing, and camping. The park is also well known for its slot canyons, which offer a unique and exciting experience for visitors.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors, from hiking and rock climbing to camping and scenic drives. The choice between Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park will depend on your personal interests and the type of experience you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for a serene, peaceful getaway or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, one of these parks is sure to provide it.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular parks in the US. Both are known for their stunning natural beauty and a range of recreational opportunities. However, the weather at these two parks is quite different, and this affects when is the best time to visit each park.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and experiences hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. With temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s in summer, visitors are advised to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Winter temperatures can drop to the mid-30s, and the park can receive snowfall. 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.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in a temperate climate and experiences warm summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach the high 90s, and visitors are advised to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Winter temperatures in Zion National Park are usually in the mid-40s to mid-50s and the park can receive snowfall. The best time to visit Zion National Park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are more mild and the park is less crowded.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Zion National Park are two popular national parks in the western United States. Both parks offer stunning scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities, but they differ in terms of their family-friendliness.
Zion National Park is a great option for families traveling with children. The park features several easy hikes, including the Riverside Walk, which follows the Virgin River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs. Children will also enjoy the park’s scenic drive, which offers stunning views from the comfort of your car. Additionally, Zion has a Junior Ranger program that allows kids to learn about the park and earn a badge.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a bit more challenging for families traveling with children. The park is known for its rugged terrain and challenging hikes, including the 8.5-mile hike to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. While the park does offer some easier hikes, such as the McKittrick Canyon Trail, it may not be the best option for families with young children. However, families with older kids or teenagers who are up for a challenge may enjoy exploring the park’s backcountry and learning about the unique geological formations.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Zion National Park is the more family-friendly option, with its easy hikes and scenic drive. However, families with older kids or teenagers who are up for a challenge may enjoy exploring the rugged terrain and unique geological formations of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.