Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park offer two completely different outdoor experiences for nature enthusiasts. While one is a volcanic wonderland, the other is a canyon paradise. Both parks are unique and awe-inspiring, but which one is the better destination for your next adventure?
At Lassen Volcanic National Park, visitors are transported to a world of explosive geothermal activity. From steaming vents and bubbling mud pots, to the occasional eruption, there’s never a dull moment. Hiking trails wind through a landscape of volcanic domes, craters, and pumice fields, providing a one-of-a-kind experience.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is a breathtaking destination for those who love canyons. The park is home to towering sandstone cliffs and deep, narrow canyons that offer a dramatic landscape unlike anything else in the world. With trails ranging from easy scenic walks to challenging backcountry adventures, there’s something for everyone in Zion National Park.
So, which park is right for you? If you’re looking for a volcanic adventure, Lassen is your destination. But if you’re after breathtaking vistas, Zion is the place to be. In this article, we’ll compare the two parks and help you decide which one to visit on your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking views and unique hiking trails, but they differ in their landscape and type of hikes.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes, including hot springs and geysers. Hikes in this park range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some popular easy hikes include the Bumpass Hell trail, a 3-mile loop that takes visitors through a spectacular hydrothermal area, and the Devastated Area trail, a 1.5-mile hike through a landscape that was destroyed by the 1915 eruption of Lassen Peak. For a more challenging hike, visitors can tackle the Summit Lake North trail, a 7-mile trail that provides stunning views of Lassen Peak and the surrounding landscape.
Zion National Park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons. Hikes in this park range from easy walks along the Virgin River to challenging backcountry adventures. Some popular easy hikes include the Riverside Walk, a 2.2-mile trail that takes visitors along the Virgin River, and the Pa’rus trail, a 3-mile trail that provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For a more challenging hike, visitors can tackle Angels Landing, a 5.4-mile trail that takes visitors to the top of a towering sandstone cliff with stunning views of the surrounding canyons. Another challenging hike is the Narrows, a 9.4-mile trail that takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering walls.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
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 Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park are two iconic national parks in the United States, each offering unique wildlife experiences. While Lassen is known for its volcanic landscapes and high-altitude wildlife, Zion is famous for its towering cliffs and abundant desert wildlife.
Lassen is home to a variety of mammals, including black bears, coyotes, and mountain lions. Visitors may also see mule deer, golden-mantled ground squirrels and pikas. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 150 species of birds, including the American dipper, mountain bluebird, and white-headed woodpecker.
Zion, on the other hand, is known for its diverse desert wildlife, including rattlesnakes, bighorn sheep, and the desert tortoise. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel, and various species of hawks and eagles. In addition, visitors may see a variety of plants, including the Joshua tree, yucca, and prickly pear cactus.
Both parks offer unique and exciting wildlife experiences for visitors. Lassen is a great destination for those interested in high-altitude wildlife and birdwatching, while Zion is a must-visit for those interested in desert wildlife and plant life. Whether you’re an avid nature lover or simply looking to escape the city, these parks are sure to impress.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lassen Volcanic 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
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| American Beaver | Coyote |
| Muskrat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Striped Skunk | Big Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Bobcat |
| Black Bear | Striped Skunk |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Mountain Lion | Black Bear |
| Mink | Porcupine |
| Mule Deer | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Wolf | Red Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | House Mouse |
| Fringed Myotis | Mountain Lion |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Mule Deer |
| Yuma Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Bighorn Sheep | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Tailed Vole | American Badger |
| Ringtail | Ermine |
| Virginia Opossum | California Myotis |
| Wolverine | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Speckled Dace |
| Golden Shiner | Channel Catfish |
| Silver Salmon | Goldfish |
| King Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Reptiles
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gophersnake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Racer | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | Common Kingsnake |
| Common Kingsnake | Nightsnake |
| Rubber Boa | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Western Whiptail | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Western Skink | Tree Lizard |
| Western Fence Lizard | Western Whiptail |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park are two iconic national parks in the United States. Both offer unique landscapes and breathtaking scenery that make them perfect destinations for nature lovers.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is famous for its active volcanic landscapes that include steam vents, boiling mud pots, and hot springs. The park’s main attraction is the Lassen Peak, a beautifully symmetrical volcano that rises 10,457 feet above sea level. Visitors can explore the peak by hiking the Lassen Peak Trail, a strenuous hike that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its towering cliffs, deep canyons, and striking rock formations. The park’s most popular feature is the Zion Canyon, a 16-mile-long canyon that features towering walls of Navajo Sandstone. Visitors can explore the canyon by hiking the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or by taking one of the many trails that traverse the canyon’s floor. The most famous of these trails is the Angels Landing Trail, a strenuous hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park offer unique landscapes that are sure to impress visitors. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or simply admire the natural beauty of the park, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different experiences. Lassen is known for its volcanic landscapes and geothermal features, including boiling mud pots, steam vents and fumaroles. Visitors can hike to the top of Lassen Peak, the park’s dominant volcano, or explore the park’s numerous lakes and meadows. In contrast, Zion is famous for its sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and unique rock formations. Hiking is a popular activity in Zion, but visitors also enjoy scenic drives, canyoneering, and rock climbing.
Lassen is a great place for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, deer, and marmots. In addition, the park offers a range of ranger-led programs and interpretive walks, including stargazing and snowshoeing in the winter. Zion, on the other hand, is known for its diverse range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take a shuttle or hike to the famous Angels Landing and The Narrows, two of the park’s most popular destinations.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park offer visitors a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in hiking, camping, wildlife watching, or scenic drives, both parks have something to offer. The choice between the two may come down to personal preference, but either way, you’re sure to have a memorable adventure.
Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park are both stunning natural areas with unique and diverse seasons. The weather in these parks, however, can greatly affect the time of year when they are most enjoyable to visit.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California and has a very diverse climate, with warm and dry summers, and cold and snowy winters. Summer temperatures average in the high 70s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The best time to visit the park is typically in the summer, when the weather is warm and the roads are clear, making it easier to access the park’s many hiking trails and scenic drives.
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, has a much milder climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average in the high 90s, while winter temperatures are usually in the 40s to 60s. The best time to visit the park is typically in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. The spring is also a good time to see the park’s many wildflowers in bloom.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking experiences for visitors, but the weather and seasonal conditions can greatly affect the best time to visit. Whether you prefer warm and dry summers or mild and milder climates, either of these parks is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Family Friendliness of Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park are two iconic national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, but they differ when it comes to being friendly for families with kids.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is filled with geothermal wonders, such as boiling mud pots, steam vents and hot springs, making it an exciting destination for families with kids who are interested in science and geology. The park offers a variety of easy hikes, such as the popular Bumpass Hell trail, as well as educational ranger-led programs during the summer months.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and stunning vistas. Although it is not as geologically focused as Lassen, it offers more family-friendly amenities and a wider range of activities. For example, the park has several scenic drives and shuttle services that allow visitors to experience the park’s beauty without having to hike. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and campgrounds, making it a great destination for families who want to spend time outdoors.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Zion National Park are great destinations for families with kids, but Zion is a more family-friendly option due to its wider range of activities and amenities.