Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park are two of America’s most beloved national parks. Both offer breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences, but they are quite different from each other. In this article, we’ll compare these two amazing parks and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its sand dunes, forests, wetlands and prairies. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, fishing, and boating.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Utah and is known for its towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and stunning vistas. This park is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks. From exploring the famous Narrows to climbing to the top of Angels Landing, Zion National Park offers a variety of unforgettable experiences.
So, which park is right for you? That depends on your interests and the type of adventure you’re looking for. Join us as we dive into the details of Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park and discover the best of what each has to offer.
Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different levels of difficulty and skill.
At Indiana Dunes, you will find a number of easy hikes that are ideal for families and beginners. One of the most popular is the Dunes Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the dunes and the surrounding landscape. Another option is the Cowles Bog Trail, a flat and easy hike that takes you through the unique and delicate ecosystem of the sand dunes.
Zion National Park is known for its more challenging hikes, but it also has some easier trails for beginners. One of the easiest hikes is the Pa’rus Trail, a 3-mile trail that follows the Virgin River and offers great views of the park. Another option is the Riverside Walk, a 2-mile trail that takes you to the mouth of the Narrows, one of the most famous hikes in the park.
If you’re looking for a more strenuous hike, both parks offer plenty of options. At Indiana Dunes, the West Beach Trail is a popular choice, taking you along the lakefront and through the dunes for a distance of about 4 miles. In Zion National Park, the Angels Landing Trail is one of the most famous and challenging hikes, featuring steep switchbacks, narrow ledges, and breathtaking views of the canyon.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowles Bog Trail | 6920.162 | 64.9224 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Little Calumet River Trail Loop | 6276.426 | 50.9016 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| West Beach Loop with Scallop Dunes and Long Lake Trail | 5471.756 | 78.9432 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dune Succession and West Beach Walk | 4345.218 | 43.8912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| West Beach Loop | 1770.274 | 28.956 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Miller Woods Trail | 6115.492 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dune Ridge Trail | 1448.406 | 26.8224 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Tolleston Dunes | 5149.888 | 52.7304 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beach Trail to Waverly Beach | 1609.34 | 5.7912 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Indiana’s Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive | 35083.612 | 84.7344 | Moderate | point to point | 3.5 |
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 Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including foxes, raccoons, and deer, as well as many bird species, such as the red-tailed hawk and the woodpecker. Visitors can also spot many species of turtles and frogs in the park’s wetlands and streams.
Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is also known for its diverse wildlife. Some of the most common animal species found in the park include mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species, including the peregrine falcon, the red-tailed hawk, and the great horned owl. The park is also home to many types of reptiles, including the western rattlesnake and the desert tortoise. Additionally, the park is known for its unique and diverse vegetation, including yucca, Joshua trees, and prickly pear cactus.
While both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its diverse range of mammals and birds, while Zion National Park is known for its unique species of reptiles and vegetation. Regardless of which park you choose, visitors can be sure to spot a variety of fascinating wildlife and plant species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Indiana Dunes 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 |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Gray Fox |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Eastern Red Bat | American Badger |
| White-Footed Mouse | Ermine |
| Norway Rat | California Myotis |
| Eastern Cottontail | Fringed Myotis |
Amphibians
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Speckled Dace |
| Golden Shiner | Channel Catfish |
| European Carp | Goldfish |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers scenic views of sand dunes, diverse ecosystems, and beaches. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is Mount Baldy, a large sand dune that stands over 120 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Another must-see landscape is the West Beach, where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy sunsets over the lake.
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah and boasts stunning landscapes, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, and waterfalls. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Narrows, a narrow, deep canyon that is carved by the Virgin River. Hiking through the Narrows is a popular activity and offers spectacular views of the towering cliffs and the river below. Another must-see landscape is the Angel’s Landing, a narrow rock ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon and valley.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are well worth visiting. Whether you’re looking for sand dunes and beaches or towering cliffs and canyons, these parks offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors.
At Indiana Dunes, visitors can enjoy over 15,000 acres of sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, beach activities, and birdwatching. The park also has several campgrounds if you want to stay overnight.
Zion National Park is known for its stunning red rock cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls. Visitors enjoy hiking and canyoneering, but also scenic drives and exploring the historic sites. Rock climbing is also a popular activity in Zion.
Both parks offer ranger-led programs for visitors to learn about the unique ecosystems and geology. In addition, both parks have several picnic areas for visitors to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or a challenging hike, Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers. The weather in these two parks, however, is very different.
Indiana Dunes National Park has a temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, while winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. Rain is common in the spring and fall, making these seasons the wettest in the park.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F, while winter temperatures are usually in the 40s and 50s. Snow is rare in the park, but flash floods can occur in the narrow canyons, especially during the monsoon season in the summer.
The best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. In the summer, temperatures can be too hot for some visitors, and the park can be crowded with tourists. Winter can be cold, but the park is less crowded and snow can make for beautiful views.
The best time to visit Zion National Park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. In the summer, temperatures can be too hot for some visitors, and thunderstorms and flash floods can be a concern. Winter is a good time to visit if you enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Family Friendliness of Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and Zion National Park are two popular destinations for families. While both parks offer unique experiences, they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a great choice for families. With over 15,000 acres of sand dunes, wetlands, forests, and prairies, there is something for everyone. The park has many trails that are easy to hike and are suitable for children, including the boardwalk trail that takes visitors through a wetland area. Additionally, the park has a large beach area, perfect for families with children who love to play in the sand and water.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is more challenging for families. The park, located in southwestern Utah, is known for its towering red cliffs and narrow canyons. While the scenery is breathtaking, the park is not as easy to navigate for families with young children. There are many steep trails and narrow paths that may be difficult for young children and strollers. However, there are a few easier trails that families can enjoy, such as the Riverside Walk, which is a flat trail along the Virgin River.
Overall, Indiana Dunes National Park is a better choice for families with young children. The park’s wide variety of trails and beach area make it a great place for families to explore and play together. While Zion National Park is also a beautiful destination, it may be too challenging for families with young children.