New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, and Rocky Mountain National Park, located in the Rockies of Colorado, are two of America’s most magnificent natural wonders. Both of these parks offer breathtaking scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation, but they are vastly different in terms of their geography, climate, and natural resources.
In this article, we will take a closer look at these two national parks and compare them on various aspects. Whether you’re an avid hiker, nature lover, or just enjoy exploring new places, this article will give you a better understanding of what each park has to offer and help you make an informed decision on which one to visit.
Get ready to journey from the rolling hills of West Virginia to the towering peaks of Colorado as we explore the unique beauty and adventures that await in both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a range of hiking trails, but the hiking experiences are quite different.
At New River Gorge, visitors can enjoy shorter, easier hikes that offer stunning views of the New River and surrounding mountains. One of the most popular trails is the Endless Wall Trail, a 2.5-mile hike that takes visitors along the rim of the New River Gorge and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Another popular trail is the Arrowhead Trail, a 1.5-mile hike that takes visitors through a lush forest and offers several overlooks of the New River.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, offers longer and more challenging hikes that reward visitors with stunning views of the park’s towering mountain peaks. One of the most popular trails is the Keyhole Route, a strenuous 11-mile hike that takes visitors up to the summit of Longs Peak, the park’s highest mountain. Another popular trail is the Sky Pond Trail, a 8.5-mile hike that takes visitors through subalpine forests and offers views of several alpine lakes and the surrounding mountains.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous hike, you’re sure to find a trail that suits your needs at either New River Gorge National Park and Preserve or Rocky Mountain National Park.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.6 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their diverse wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants you will see at each park are very different.
At New River Gorge National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, raccoons, and turkeys. Additionally, the park is home to a large number of bird species, such as the Baltimore Oriole and the Wood Thrush. The park also has a diverse array of plant life, including deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as a variety of wildflowers and ferns.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a wider variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and marmots. The park is also a popular destination for bird-watching, with species such as the American Dipper and the Mountain Bluebird commonly seen. Visitors to the park can also expect to see a variety of plants, including alpine meadows, subalpine forests, and high-elevation tundra.
Overall, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park offer visitors a chance to see diverse and unique wildlife. Whether you’re interested in observing large mammals or bird-watching, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Rocky Mountain 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 |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | American Robin |
| Barn Swallow | Great Horned Owl |
| Savannah Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Flicker |
| Hermit Thrush | Merlin |
| European Starling | Barn Swallow |
| Northern Pintail | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Wigeon | Great Blue Heron |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hermit Thrush |
| American Pipit | American Kestrel |
| Killdeer | Bald Eagle |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Song Sparrow |
| Hairy Woodpecker | European Starling |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Northern Pintail |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | American Wigeon |
| Northern Shoveler | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Rocky Mountain 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 |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Mink |
| Wolf | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| Ermine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| California Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Badger |
| North American River Otter | Ermine |
| Masked Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Coho Salmon | Western Longnose Sucker |
| Chinook Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Mottled Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Slimy Sculpin | Cutthroat Trout |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Rubber Boa | Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | Orange Sulphur |
| Cabbage White | Painted Lady |
| Silvery Blue | Monarch |
| Purplish Copper | American Lady |
| Anise Swallowtail | Red Admiral |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of America’s most famous natural wonders. Both parks boast stunning landscapes and breathtaking vistas, making them popular destinations for tourists and nature lovers alike.
New River Gorge is known for its dramatic cliffs and gorges, especially the eponymous New River Gorge Bridge, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also features a variety of hiking trails, including the Endless Wall Trail, which takes visitors along the rim of the gorgeous New River Gorge.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its towering peaks and majestic mountain ranges, including Longs Peak, which is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The park also features a variety of scenic drives, such as the Trail Ridge Road, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park offer unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Each park offers unique opportunities for adventure, recreation, and relaxation.
At New River Gorge, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including rock climbing, hiking, and camping. The park features over 1,400 climbing routes and is considered to be one of the best climbing destinations in the country. The New River Gorge Bridge is also a popular spot for base jumpers and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and backcountry adventures. Visitors can explore the park on horseback, mountain bike, or by foot. The park is home to over 300 miles of trails, including the popular Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an elevation of over 12,000 feet and provides breathtaking views of the park’s alpine tundra. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity in Rocky Mountain National Park, with visitors often spotting elk, bighorn sheep, and moose.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a peaceful escape, both New River Gorge and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a range of activities to suit any taste. So, whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner hiker, you’re sure to find something to love at these two amazing parks.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado have vastly different seasonal weather patterns. New River Gorge is characterized by warm summers and cool, mild winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach the mid-80s while winter temperatures range from the mid-30s to low 40s. On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park has a more extreme climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, mild summers. Winter temperatures can drop below zero while summer temperatures can reach the mid-70s.
These differences in weather patterns greatly affect the best time to visit each park. New River Gorge is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts all year round, with activities like hiking, camping, and white-water rafting available throughout the seasons. Rocky Mountain National Park is best visited in the summer as the snow melts, offering visitors opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. Winter is a popular time to visit for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Visitors should also keep in mind that both parks can experience severe weather patterns such as snowstorms, flash floods, and thunderstorms. It is important to check the weather forecast and pack appropriately for any trip to either park.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both parks offer a diverse range of outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes, but they differ greatly in terms of their family-friendliness.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great choice for families with older children who are looking for an adventurous outdoor experience. The park offers hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting, making it the perfect destination for families seeking an adrenaline rush. The park’s stunning scenery, including the New River Gorge Bridge, is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is a more family-friendly destination with a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. The park offers scenic drives, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park’s many trails, including the Bear Lake Trail, are perfect for families with young children and are easy to navigate. The park’s breathtaking scenery, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, is sure to leave visitors in awe.
In conclusion, both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are excellent destinations for families seeking a scenic and adventurous outdoor experience. However, if you’re traveling with young children, Rocky Mountain National Park is the better choice, offering a more family-friendly atmosphere and a wider range of activities for all ages.