“Nature lovers, get ready for a showdown between two of America’s most unique and captivating national parks: Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park. These two parks offer completely different experiences, from the warm and relaxing hot springs in Hot Springs to the sparkling white sands of White Sands.
Imagine soaking in the therapeutic hot water of Hot Springs, surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains. On the other hand, imagine walking on an endless sea of white sand dunes that seem to stretch out forever. Both parks offer breathtaking beauty and adventure, but which one will reign supreme?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at each park, comparing everything from the landscape and attractions to the activities and accommodations. Whether you’re a seasoned national park traveler or just looking for your next adventure, this article is sure to leave you deciding between Hot Springs and White Sands. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to explore the best that nature has to offer!”
Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park
Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park both offer unique hiking experiences, but with different terrains. Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and boasts over 26 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest trails include the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail and the Grand Promenade, both of which offer breathtaking views of the park’s scenic beauty. On the other hand, the toughest trails in Hot Springs include the Goat Rock Trail, which is a steep and challenging hike, and the Sunset Trail, which is a strenuous hike along a steep mountain ridge.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, offers a completely different hiking experience. With its vast expanse of white sand dunes, hiking trails in White Sands are unlike any other. Some of the easiest trails include the Interdune Boardwalk, which provides a short and easy hike through the park’s unique landscape, and the Alkali Flat Trail, which is a flat and easy trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding dunes. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Backcountry Camping Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors through the remote and rugged backcountry of the park.
Overall, both Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park offer a diverse range of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a challenging workout, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in White Sands 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 | 6 |
Wildlife in Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park
Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park are two unique parks that provide different experiences. In Hot Springs National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, skunks, and squirrels. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the American Goldfinch, Eastern Bluebird, and Northern Cardinal.
In contrast, White Sands National Park is known for its unique landscape and diverse desert environment. Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals, including rattlesnakes, desert tortoises, and kit foxes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the roadrunner, Gambel’s quail, and the American Kestrel.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of plant species, including cacti and Joshua trees in White Sands National Park and oak and pine trees in Hot Springs National Park. Regardless of which park you visit, both provide a unique and diverse wildlife experience for visitors to enjoy.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hot Springs National Park | White Sands 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 |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Hot Springs National Park | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mink | House Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| North American River Otter | Mink |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Common Gray Fox |
| White-Tailed Deer | Plains Wolf |
| Virginia Opossum | American Badger |
| Eastern Red Bat | Ermine |
| White-Footed Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Norway Rat | River Otter |
| Eastern Cottontail | Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Hot Springs National Park | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Fish
| Hot Springs National Park | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Green Sunfish |
| Fathead Minnow | Bluegill |
| Golden Shiner | Fathead Minnow |
| European Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Yellow Bullhead | Lake Trout |
| Graceful Catfish | Northern Pike |
| Black Crappie | Ellpout |
| Black Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Mosquitofish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Creek Chub | Longnose Dace |
| Brown Bullhead | Black Crappie |
| Goldfish | Black Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass | Creek Chub |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is famous for its beautiful hot springs that flow from the Ouachita Mountains. The park’s bathhouses offer visitors the opportunity to soak in the thermal waters, which are known for their therapeutic properties. The park also offers scenic drives and hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park’s trails provide access to scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and several historic sites, including the Grand Promenade, a brick-paved walkway that runs through the park’s downtown district.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is famous for its large sand dunes made of gypsum sand. The park’s landscape is unique and otherworldly, with stunning views of the white dunes and surrounding mountains. The park’s trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the dunes on foot, and ranger-led tours are available to provide more information about the park’s ecology and geology. In addition to the dunes, the park is home to several species of wildlife, including pronghorns, rattlesnakes, and roadrunners. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park to enjoy the views of the dunes and surrounding mountains.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park
Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park offer a range of outdoor recreation activities for visitors to enjoy.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its thermal hot springs, hence its name. The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. Additionally, the park features a historic bathhouse row where visitors can take a dip in the hot springs and relax.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is famous for its white sand dunes that cover over 275 square miles. Visitors can enjoy sand sledding, hiking, and picnicking in the park. The park also offers ranger-led programs and stargazing opportunities at night. The park’s unique landscape and beautiful white sand dunes make it a popular destination for photographers and sightseers.
Overall, both Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park offer unique experiences for visitors. Whether you prefer relaxing in hot springs, hiking, or playing in sand dunes, both parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park
Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park are two unique national parks located in the United States. The seasonal weather at these two parks is vastly different and can greatly affect the best time to visit.
Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and has a humid subtropical climate. Summer temperatures average in the high 80s to low 90s with high humidity levels, making it a popular time for visitors to enjoy the park’s natural hot springs. Winter temperatures average in the mid-50s with occasional snow and rain, making it a good time for outdoor activities.
On the other hand, White Sands National Park is located in New Mexico and has a hot desert climate. Summer temperatures average in the 90s and can be extremely hot, making it a less popular time to visit. Winter temperatures average in the 50s and are mild, making it a prime time for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
The seasonal weather at each park greatly affects the best time to visit. Hot Springs National Park is best visited during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are abundant. White Sands National Park is best visited during the winter months when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are in full swing.
Overall, both Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park offer unique experiences for visitors, but the seasonal weather should be taken into consideration when planning a trip.
Family Friendliness of Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park
Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States, both offering a unique outdoor experience. When it comes to family-friendly activities, both parks offer a variety of options, but they differ in their approach.
Hot Springs National Park is a great option for families with children who enjoy natural hot springs and hiking. The park has several easy trails that are suitable for families, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. In addition, the park has a variety of picnic areas and campgrounds that are perfect for families.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is better suited for families with children who love the sand and sun. The park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field, and visitors can explore the area by hiking, sand sledding, and even stargazing. The park also has several picnic areas, but camping is not available.
In conclusion, both Hot Springs National Park and White Sands National Park offer a unique and family-friendly outdoor experience, but the best park to visit with children depends on the family’s interests. If your family loves nature and hiking, then Hot Springs National Park is the perfect option. If your family loves the sand and sun, then White Sands National Park is the place to be.