Welcome nature lovers, adventure seekers and all those who are passionate about exploring the great outdoors! Have you ever wondered which of the two most famous National Parks in the United States is better? Do you want to know the difference between Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park? If so, then you’re in the right place!
Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most iconic and well-known national parks in the US. Both are home to unique and breathtaking landscapes, wildlife and have a rich history that dates back centuries. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing hot spring experience or an adventurous wildlife encounter, these two parks have something for everyone.
So, let’s take a deep dive and compare these two national parks to help you decide which one is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure! We’ll explore the history, geography, attractions, and activities that each park has to offer. Get ready for an exciting ride as we compare two of America’s most beloved national parks!
Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States, and both are great destinations for nature lovers and hikers. Both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes.
In Hot Springs National Park, the easiest hike is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, which is a 0.6-mile round trip hike that leads to a tower with views of the surrounding mountains and hot springs. For a slightly longer hike, the Sunset Trail is a 2.7-mile loop that offers scenic views of the park’s hot springs and valleys.
In Yellowstone National Park, the easiest hike is the Geyser Hill Loop, which is a 0.5-mile boardwalk trail that takes you past several geysers and hot springs. For a more challenging hike, the Mount Washburn Trail is a 6.2-mile round trip hike that leads to the summit of Mount Washburn and offers panoramic views of the park.
Both parks also offer several backcountry hikes for experienced hikers. In Hot Springs National Park, the most challenging hike is the Little Missouri Falls Trail, which is a 7.5-mile round trip hike that leads to a waterfall in the park’s backcountry. In Yellowstone National Park, the most challenging hike is the Mount Washburn Trail, which is a 6.2-mile round trip hike that leads to the summit of Mount Washburn and offers panoramic views of the park.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, both Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a variety of hiking trails that will suit your needs.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular tourist destinations that offer unique experiences. When it comes to wildlife, both parks have their distinct features.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is home to a variety of wildlife species including white-tailed deer, raccoons, beavers, and a large variety of birds like the Wood Duck, Eastern Bluebird, and the Carolina Chickadee. Visitors to the park can also see a variety of reptiles like the Eastern Collared Lizard and the Eastern Box Turtle.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is known for its large herds of bison, elk, and pronghorns. Visitors to the park can also see wolves, grizzly bears, coyotes, and black bears. Bird-watchers can spot species like the Trumpeter Swan, the Bald Eagle, and the Northern Pygmy Owl.
In addition to the mammals and birds, both parks are also home to a variety of plant life, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, including geysers and hot springs, while Hot Springs National Park is known for its thermal waters, which are believed to have healing properties.
Visitors to both parks can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities, making them both great destinations for nature lovers. Whether you’re interested in hot springs or geysers, bison or beavers, both parks offer unique experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hot Springs National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| White-Tailed Deer | Wolf |
| Virginia Opossum | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Eastern Red Bat | Long-Eared Myotis |
| White-Footed Mouse | Badger |
| Norway Rat | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Eastern Cottontail | California Myotis |
Amphibians
| Hot Springs National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Hot Springs National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Golden Shiner | Lake Trout |
| European Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Graceful Catfish | Speckled Dace |
| Black Crappie | Arctic Grayling |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Hot Springs National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Hot Springs National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages.
Hot Springs National Park is situated in Arkansas and is a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing soak in the hot springs. The park features 47 hot springs that can be found along the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One of the most popular hot springs in the park is the Fordyce Bathhouse, which was once used as a spa and is now a museum.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is known for its geothermal wonders, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. The park is also home to a vast array of other natural wonders, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Yellowstone River, and numerous waterfalls. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Upper Geyser Basin, which is home to over 150 geysers and hot springs. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park to view the vast landscapes, including the Lamar Valley, which is known as the American Serengeti for its abundant wildlife.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a wide range of activities, from hiking and wildlife watching to geothermal features and scenic drives. However, each park has its own unique set of activities that draw visitors.
Hot Springs National Park is known for its hot springs and bathhouses, which were once used for therapeutic purposes. Visitors can still enjoy soaking in the hot springs at the Buckstaff Bathhouse or the Quapaw Baths & Spa. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the scenic Hot Springs Mountain Drive, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. Visitors can also take scenic drives, such as the Grand Loop Road, which offers views of the park’s diverse landscapes, including geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. Yellowstone is also known for its wildlife, including bison, elk, and wolves, which can often be seen from the road or on guided wildlife tours.
In conclusion, both Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer unique and diverse activities that appeal to a wide range of visitors. Whether you are interested in soaking in hot springs, wildlife watching, or exploring geothermal features, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks have unique seasonal weather patterns, which can greatly impact the best time to visit.
Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and has a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The park is open year-round and is a popular destination during the summer months when temperatures are warm and the hot springs are a refreshing escape from the heat. Winter months can be mild, but occasional snow or ice storms can make roads and trails impassable.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in Wyoming and has a subarctic climate. The park is known for its long, harsh winters and short, mild summers. Winter months in Yellowstone can be extremely cold, with heavy snowfall and temperatures well below freezing. Despite this, the park is a popular winter destination for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports. Summer months are much milder, but the park can still experience occasional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
In conclusion, both Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park have unique weather patterns that can greatly impact the best time to visit. Those looking for a warm escape from the heat may prefer to visit Hot Springs National Park during the summer, while those seeking winter sports and activities may prefer Yellowstone National Park during the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences for families traveling with children.
Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and is known for its natural hot springs and bathhouses. The park has several trails that are suitable for families and children of all ages, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is also a museum on the history of the hot springs, which is educational and engaging for children.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and is famous for its geothermal features such as geysers and hot springs. The park has a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. However, some of the park’s attractions, such as the geysers, can be dangerous for young children, and the park’s vast size may make it overwhelming for some families.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Hot Springs National Park may be a better option for families traveling with young children, due to its smaller size and more accessible attractions. Yellowstone National Park is more suitable for families with older children who are interested in outdoor adventures and wildlife.