The United States is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the world, and two of the most popular are Olympic National Park and Zion National Park. These two parks are both breathtaking, but they offer very different experiences. In this article, we will compare and contrast Olympic and Zion, so you can decide which one is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure.
Olympic National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged coastline to temperate rainforests to snow-capped peaks. Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in Utah and is famous for its towering red cliffs and soaring canyons.
Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or just looking for a peaceful place to escape, Olympic and Zion have something to offer. So, buckle up and get ready to discover which park is the ultimate destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park and Zion National Park
Olympic National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking trails, but there are some key differences between the two.
In Olympic National Park, the easiest hikes include the Lake Crescent trail, which is a 2.6-mile out-and-back trail that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Another easy hike is the Hurricane Ridge trail, which is a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.
In Zion National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail that follows the Virgin River and offers views of the surrounding cliffs and canyons. Another easy hike is the Weeping Rock trail, which is a 0.4-mile out-and-back trail that takes you to a beautiful waterfall.
For those looking for more challenging hikes, Olympic National Park offers the Seven Lakes Basin trail, which is a 7-mile round trip hike that takes you through dense forests, past several stunning mountain lakes, and offers views of the Olympic Mountains. Another challenging hike is the Hoh River trail, which is a 17.4-mile trail that takes you through the lush Hoh Rain Forest and offers views of glaciers and the Olympic Mountains.
In Zion National Park, some of the hardest hikes include the Angels Landing trail, which is a 5.4-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of a narrow rock spire and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Another challenging hike is the Observation Point trail, which is a 8-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of a cliff, offering panoramic views of the iconic Zion Canyon.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge | 4988.954 | 242.9256 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Mount Storm King | 6276.426 | 638.8608 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail | 2574.944 | 77.724 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss | 1609.34 | 23.7744 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Marymere Falls Trail | 2735.878 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Hoh River Trail | 52786.352 | 1558.7472 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop | 30577.46 | 1617.8784 | Hard | loop | 5 |
Ruby Beach | 2253.076 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Staircase Rapids Loop | 3379.614 | 64.9224 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent | 18024.608 | 131.9784 | Easy | out and back | 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 Olympic National Park and Zion National Park
Olympic National Park and Zion National Park are two of America’s most beautiful natural parks. Both parks have distinct ecosystems and different types of wildlife. Olympic National Park is known for its temperate rainforest, while Zion National Park is a desert environment. These two parks have a different set of wildlife, birds, and plants that visitors can observe.
In Olympic National Park, visitors can expect to see black bears, elk, mountain lions, and river otters. It is also home to a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, the great horned owl, and the northern spotted owl. Additionally, visitors can admire the diverse plant life in the park, including mosses, ferns, and giant conifers.
In Zion National Park, visitors may encounter bighorn sheep, mule deer, and a variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and lizards. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the red-tailed hawk, the American kestrel, and the peregrine falcon. Additionally, visitors can admire the unique plant life in the park, including cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to observe diverse and unique wildlife. Whether you’re interested in observing majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, or you’re simply excited to see a variety of different species of plants and birds, Olympic National Park and Zion National Park are both must-visit destinations.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Olympic National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Olympic 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 |
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 | Bald Eagle |
European Starling | Song Sparrow |
Northern Pintail | European Starling |
American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Olympic 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 |
Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
Black Bear | Raccoon |
Porcupine | Black Bear |
Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
Red Fox | Silver-Haired Bat |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
House Mouse | Red Fox |
Wolf | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Long-Legged Myotis | House Mouse |
Long-Eared Myotis | Mountain Lion |
California Myotis | Mule Deer |
Snowshoe Rabbit | Gray Fox |
North American River Otter | Long-Legged Myotis |
Fringe-Tailed Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
Masked Shrew | American Badger |
Water Shrew | Ermine |
Western Big-Eared Bat | California Myotis |
Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
Olympic National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
Salish Sucker | Speckled Dace |
Coho Salmon | Channel Catfish |
Chinook Salmon | Goldfish |
Longnose Dace | |
Speckled Dace | |
Threespine Stickleback | |
Sockeye Salmon | |
Pink Salmon | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
Olympic National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gophersnake |
Common Garter Snake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
Rubber Boa | Ring-Necked Snake |
Western Fence Lizard | 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 |
Amphibians
Olympic National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
Olympic National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Olympic National Park and Zion National Park
Olympic National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its diverse landscapes, including forests, beaches, and mountain ranges. The most famous landscapes in this park include the Hoh Rainforest, which is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world, and the Hurricane Ridge, which offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can hike to the top of Mount Olympus, the tallest peak in the park, or visit the Sol Duc Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
Zion National Park is located in Utah and is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs and canyons. The most famous landscapes in this park include the Zion Canyon, which is a deep, narrow canyon carved by the Virgin River, and the Angels Landing, a narrow rock formation with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike the Narrows, a slot canyon with towering walls, or take a scenic drive along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, which offers stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations.
Both parks offer unique and stunning landscapes, making them both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you’re interested in exploring lush rainforests or towering canyons, Olympic National Park and Zion National Park have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Olympic National Park and Zion National Park
Olympic National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique experience for visitors and offer a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels.
In Olympic National Park, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pacific coastline, the rugged wilderness of the Olympic Mountains, and the lush temperate rainforest. Popular activities include camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors also enjoy kayaking, beachcombing, and scenic drives along the park’s roads.
At Zion National Park, visitors are drawn to the park’s stunning red rock formations, deep canyons, and scenic vistas. Popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering. Visitors also enjoy scenic drives, camping, and wildlife viewing, especially in the park’s Kolob Canyons area. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and campfire programs.
Overall, both parks offer a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you prefer scenic drives, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Olympic National Park and Zion National Park are both exceptional destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park and Zion National Park
Olympic National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, scenic views, and breathtaking landscapes. However, the seasonal weather in each park can be vastly different, affecting when is the best time of year to visit.
Olympic National Park is located in Washington State and has a temperate maritime climate. The park experiences a lot of rainfall, especially during the winter months, when snowfall can also be common. Summer months are typically drier, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to mid-70s. This makes it a great time to visit for hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor activities.
Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and has a vastly different climate. The park experiences hot, dry summers, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Winter months are mild, with occasional rain and snow, but temperatures still reach the mid-50s. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with milder temperatures and less crowds. These seasons also offer stunning views of the park’s iconic red rock formations.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather in Olympic National Park and Zion National Park greatly affects when is the best time of year to visit. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly, taking into consideration the weather and the activities they hope to participate in. Whether exploring the lush forests of Olympic National Park or the red rock formations of Zion National Park, there’s no better time to visit than during the perfect weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Olympic National Park and Zion National Park
Olympic National Park and Zion National Park are both popular tourist destinations known for their natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some differences to consider.
Olympic National Park offers a variety of easy to moderate trails that are suitable for families with children. The park is also home to several beaches, including Kalaloch Beach, which is a great spot for families to play in the sand and swim in the ocean. Additionally, the park has several ranger-led programs that are specifically designed for families to learn about the park’s history, flora, and fauna.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is a bit more challenging for families with young children. The park is known for its steep hikes and narrow canyons, which can be difficult for young children to navigate. However, the park does offer several ranger-led programs that are suitable for families, such as the Junior Ranger program. Additionally, the park has several shuttle buses that can help families get around the park and avoid the strenuous hiking.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with young children, Olympic National Park may be a better option as it offers easier trails and a variety of ranger-led programs specifically designed for families. However, if you are looking for a more challenging outdoor experience, Zion National Park is still a great option and offers its own unique opportunities for families.