Are you torn between visiting Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park? Both parks offer unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. But which one should you visit?
In this article, we will compare the two parks and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure. From the rugged wilderness of Isle Royale to the majestic cliffs of Zion, each park offers its own unique charm and character.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful, serene escape or an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled adventure, we’ve got you covered. We’ll delve into the history, geology, and ecology of each park, and highlight the must-see sights and activities. So, grab your hiking boots and let’s explore two of America’s most stunning natural wonders!
Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park
Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, offers a range of hiking opportunities for visitors, with 40 miles of trails that traverse the remote wilderness of this island park. The Island was formed from volcanic activity and is surrounded by Lake Superior. Some of the easiest hikes include the Minong Ridge Trail, a 3.5-mile trek that takes visitors along a scenic ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding lake and forest.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and stunning landscape. The park offers trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous multi-day backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Riverside Walk, a 2.2-mile trail along the Virgin River and the Pa’rus Trail, a 3-mile trail that takes visitors through the scenic canyon bottom. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes include the Angels Landing, a 5.4-mile trek that takes visitors to the top of a 1,500-foot cliff with steep and narrow sections, and the Narrows, a 16-mile hike that takes visitors through the narrowest part of the Zion Canyon.
Both Isle Royale and Zion offer unique hiking experiences, but the variety of trails at Zion make it a more diverse destination for hikers. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely nature walk or a strenuous backcountry adventure, Zion has something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
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 Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park
Isle Royale National Park is located in Michigan and is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including moose, wolves, beavers, and foxes. The park is also home to many species of birds, including the common loon, the bald eagle, and the peregrine falcon. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the park’s pristine lakes and forested areas while observing the wildlife in their natural habitats.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in Utah and features a unique landscape of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and lush forests. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and a variety of bird species, including the graceful American swallow-tailed kite, the beautiful western tanager, and the majestic golden eagle. In addition to the wildlife, Zion National Park is also known for its diverse plant life, including cacti, wildflowers, and towering pines.
Whether you’re interested in observing wildlife or simply exploring the natural beauty of these parks, both Isle Royale and Zion offer unique experiences for visitors. Each park offers its own unique blend of wildlife, plants, and scenic beauty, making them both worth exploring for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Isle Royale 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
| Isle Royale National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Bobcat |
| Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Hoary Bat | Raccoon |
| Red Fox | Black Bear |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| Mink | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Hoary Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| North American River Otter | House Mouse |
| Canada Lynx | Mountain Lion |
| Marten | Mule Deer |
| Moose | Gray Fox |
| Red Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Norway Rat | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Southern Red-Backed Vole | American Badger |
| Northern Long-Eared Bat | Ermine |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Isle Royale National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Coaster Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Speckled Dace |
| Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow | Channel Catfish |
| Golden Shiner | Goldfish |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Isle Royale National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Isle Royale 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 Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park
Isle Royale National Park is a remote island park located in Lake Superior. It is famous for its rugged wilderness, scenic hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, including moose, wolves, and foxes. The park’s interior is covered by boreal forests and surrounded by pristine lakes and rivers. Visitors can explore the island on foot, by boat, or by kayak, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding water and the rugged landscape.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Utah and is famous for its towering red rock cliffs, canyons, and scenic hikes. The park’s most famous landmark is the Zion Canyon, a deep, narrow canyon with towering cliffs that rise more than 2,000 feet above the valley floor. Visitors can also explore the park’s other natural wonders, such as the Emerald Pools and the Weeping Rock, both of which are popular hiking destinations. The park also offers scenic drives, including the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park are two popular national parks in the United States, but they offer different experiences for visitors. Isle Royale is known for its wilderness and isolation, with opportunities for backpacking, kayaking, and fishing. On the other hand, Zion is known for its dramatic red rock formations, offering a diverse range of activities such as hiking, canyoneering, and scenic drives.
At Isle Royale, visitors can take a ferry to the park and explore its rugged and remote terrain on foot. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose and wolves, and offers a unique wilderness experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Backpacking and camping are popular activities, and visitors can also kayak and fish in the park’s many lakes and streams.
At Zion, visitors can enjoy scenic drives through the park, taking in the towering red rock formations, and hike to stunning vistas such as Angel’s Landing. Canyoneering, where visitors explore narrow slot canyons, is also popular, as are guided horseback tours. The park also offers opportunities for rock climbing and bird watching.
Both Isle Royale and Zion offer a range of activities for visitors, from backpacking and kayaking to scenic drives and canyoneering. Whether you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience or a chance to explore dramatic red rock formations, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. They each have their own unique climates and weather patterns that dramatically affect the best time of year to visit.
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and is known for its cold, harsh weather. The summer months are short and cool, with average temperatures in the mid-50s to low-60s. Winter temperatures can be brutal, with average temperatures in the low-teens and frequent snow and ice storms. Because of the harsh weather, the best time to visit Isle Royale is in the summer months of June through August.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Utah and has a much milder climate. The summer temperatures are hot, with average temperatures in the high-80s to low-90s. Winter temperatures are mild, with average temperatures in the mid-40s to low-50s. Because of the mild weather, the best time to visit Zion is in the spring and fall months of March through May and September through November.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking experiences, but the best time to visit each park is greatly impacted by the weather. Visitors should take into consideration the climate and weather patterns when planning their trips to these amazing parks.
Family Friendliness of Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park are two American national parks that offer different experiences to visitors. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their own unique advantages.
Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness island in Lake Superior and less crowded than Zion. It offers opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, making it a great place for families who are looking for a peaceful, natural escape. Children can explore the island, learn about its ecosystems and wildlife, and participate in educational ranger activities. While the park may not have many of the amenities that families with young children are used to, it provides a chance for kids to unplug, experience the outdoors, and maybe even challenge themselves with a backpacking trip.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is a popular destination that offers a mix of scenic drives, easy hikes, and more challenging trails. It is a great place for families with young children, as there are many educational programs, ranger-led activities, and short, accessible trails. The park’s stunning scenery, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, and waterfalls, is sure to captivate kids of all ages. In addition, there are many family-friendly facilities in the park, including picnic areas, campgrounds, and visitor centers.
In conclusion, both Isle Royale National Park and Zion National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they offer different experiences. If you’re looking for a peaceful, natural escape, Isle Royale may be the better choice. But if you’re looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and educational opportunities, Zion is the perfect place for a family vacation.