North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most stunning and diverse national parks in the United States. While they are located in different parts of the country and have their own unique features, they both offer breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you are looking for rugged mountain peaks, towering cacti, or a scenic drive through a desert landscape, these parks have something for everyone.
In this article, we will take a closer look at North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park, comparing and contrasting their features and what you can expect to see and do in each of these incredible places. From scenic hikes and wildlife sightings, to cultural history and breathtaking views, this article will give you all the information you need to choose which park is right for your next adventure. Whether you are a seasoned national park-goer or a first-time visitor, you won’t want to miss this comparison of two of the most beautiful parks in the country.
Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park
North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. They each offer a unique hiking experience, but both are known for their stunning natural beauty.
The North Cascades National Park has over 300 miles of trails that offer a variety of difficulty levels. Some of the easiest hikes include the Cascade Pass Trail and the Maple Pass Loop Trail. Both offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain scenery. On the other hand, the most challenging hikes at North Cascades National Park include the Sahale Arm Trail and the Eldorado Peak Trail. These hikes are strenuous and take several hours, but offer incredible views of the park’s glaciers and high alpine meadows.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its unique cactus landscapes and offers over 165 miles of trails. The easiest hikes at Saguaro National Park include the Hugh Norris Trail and the Freeman Homestead Trail. Both of these hikes offer stunning views of the park’s towering cacti and panoramic views of the surrounding desert. For the more experienced hikers, the challenging routes include the King Canyon Trail and the Mica View Loop Trail. These hikes are strenuous and take several hours, but reward hikers with breathtaking views of the park’s unique cacti formations and stunning desert vistas.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park
North Cascades National Park in Washington State and Saguaro National Park in Arizona are two vastly different parks that both offer unique wildlife experiences. North Cascades is a temperate rainforest, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. In addition, the park is also home to many species of birds, such as the common raven, the varied thrush, and the bald eagle. You can also see many plant species like Douglas firs, hemlocks, and western red cedars.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is a Sonoran Desert ecosystem, home to a different set of wildlife. The Saguaro cactus, for which the park is named, is the most iconic plant species found in the park. Visitors can also see a wide range of animals, including rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and the endangered lesser long-nosed bat. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with species like the cactus wren and the gilded flicker being commonly seen.
Both parks offer stunning landscapes and unique wildlife experiences, making them both worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in seeing towering cacti or exploring a temperate rainforest, North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park have something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| North Cascades National Park | Saguaro 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 |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Killdeer |
| American Wigeon | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hairy Woodpecker |
| American Pipit | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| North Cascades National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Red Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Gray Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Puma | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mink | Badger |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Californis Myotis |
| Wolf | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Western Long-Eared Bat | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Ermine | Yuma Myotis |
| California Myotis | Bighorn Sheep |
| Snowshoe Hare | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| North Cascades National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| North Cascades National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Western Yellowbelly Racer | Western Rattlesnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Western Fence Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
| North Cascades National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Amphibians
| North Cascades National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park
North Cascades National Park, located in the state of Washington, is a breathtaking destination for nature lovers. The park is home to the North Cascades mountain range, which includes rugged peaks and glaciers. Visitors can hike to the top of popular trails like the Sahale Arm Trail and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Another highlight of the park is Diablo Lake, a turquoise lake surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its towering saguaro cacti, the largest cactus species in the United States. These cacti can grow up to 60 feet tall and are a unique and iconic symbol of the American West. Visitors can hike in the park to see the cacti up close and explore the surrounding desert landscape. Additionally, the park offers scenic drives, picnic areas, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the chance to see desert bighorn sheep and rattlesnakes.
Things To-Do and Activities in North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park
North Cascades National Park in Washington and Saguaro National Park in Arizona are two very distinct national parks with their own unique offerings.
North Cascades is known for its rugged wilderness and outdoor recreational opportunities, including backpacking, rock climbing, and fishing. The park is also a popular destination for bird watching, with over 200 species of birds calling the park home.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is known for its iconic cactus, the Saguaro, and its diverse desert landscapes. Visitors to Saguaro can enjoy scenic drives, ranger-led nature walks, and scenic picnic areas. The park is also a popular destination for stargazing, with its clear night skies and low light pollution.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a peaceful escape, North Cascades and Saguaro National Parks are two must-see destinations for nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park
North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park are both unique and beautiful parks, with different weather patterns. The North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, experiences a wet and snowy climatic condition, with heavy snowfall in winter and rainy springs and falls. This weather makes the park a winter wonderland and a great destination for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. In contrast, Saguaro National Park in Arizona is known for its hot and dry desert climate, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F in summer. The best time to visit Saguaro National Park is in spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is in full bloom.
The North Cascades National Park is most accessible between June and October, when the roads are clear of snow and the weather is dry. On the other hand, the best time to visit Saguaro National Park is from October to May, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. The park is also known for its stunning sunsets, which are best viewed during the winter months.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for the weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and gear. The North Cascades National Park requires warm, waterproof clothing and gear, while Saguaro National Park calls for lightweight clothing and sun protection.
Family Friendliness of North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park
North Cascades National Park and Saguaro National Park are both great places to visit with children. However, they have different strengths when it comes to family-friendliness.
North Cascades National Park is a great place for families who love the outdoors. The park has many trails for hiking and exploring, as well as opportunities for camping and picnicking. The park also has a visitors center where children can learn about the park’s history and the wildlife that lives there.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is better for families who enjoy scenic drives and learning about desert ecosystems. The park has two stunning scenic drives, one through the Rincon Mountain District and the other through the Tucson Mountain District. The park also has several hiking trails, but many of them are strenuous, making them better for older children or adults.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children and want to spend time in the great outdoors, North Cascades National Park is the better choice. If you’re looking for a scenic drive and an educational experience, Saguaro National Park is the better choice.