Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most breathtakingly beautiful and diverse natural parks in the United States. Both offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a chance to immerse oneself in the majesty of nature. But which one is better for your next outdoor adventure? In this article, we will compare and contrast these two national parks, highlighting their unique features and attractions. Get ready for a journey through rolling hills, towering peaks, serene streams, and stunning vistas. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, this comparison will help you decide which park is best for your next outdoor excursion. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and let’s explore the great outdoors!
Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular US National Parks that offer breathtaking views, scenic drives, and thrilling hikes. Let’s take a closer look at the hiking trails in each of these parks.
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its challenging hikes with stunning views of the Rockies. Some popular hikes include the 14-mile round trip hike to Longs Peak and the 8.5-mile round trip hike to Sky Pond. Both of these hikes are considered difficult and require a full day of hiking, but the views at the top are worth it. For those looking for an easier option, the 1.8-mile round trip hike to Alberta Falls is a great choice.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and is known for its rolling hills and scenic drives. The park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some popular hikes include the 4-mile round trip hike to Old Rag Mountain, which is considered one of the hardest hikes in the park, and the 2.6-mile round trip hike to Jones Run Falls, which is considered one of the easiest. For those looking for a moderate hike, the 8-mile round trip hike to Hawksbill Mountain is a great option and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
In conclusion, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels and interests. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views or an easy walk in nature, these parks have something for everyone.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers, but the wildlife you’ll see at each park is quite different.
Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a wide variety of large mammals, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears. In addition to these larger creatures, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park may also see smaller mammals such as marmots, pikas, and squirrels.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse population of birds. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl, as well as more unusual species such as the scarlet tanager and the wood thrush. In addition to birds, Shenandoah National Park is also home to a number of mammals, including deer, black bears, and foxes.
Both parks also offer a wealth of plant life, including wildflowers, ferns, and trees. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a number of high-altitude plant species, such as the alpine forget-me-not and the mountain avens, while Shenandoah National Park is known for its lush forests, which are home to a variety of hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and hickory.
In conclusion, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer unique wildlife experiences. Whether you’re interested in large mammals, birds, or plant life, each park has something to offer, and both are well worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Shenandoah 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
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Shenandoah 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Gray Fox |
| Mule Deer | River Otter |
| Gray Fox | Masked Shrew |
| Gray Wolf | Water Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
| Badger | Virginia Opossum |
| Ermine | Marten |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Western Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Mottled Sculpin | Green Sunfish |
| Speckled Dace | Bluegill |
| Cutthroat Trout | Common Carp |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Black Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch |
| American Lady | American Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Mourning Cloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Cabbage White |
| Silvery Blue | Silvery Blue |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Clouded Sulphur | Clouded Sulphur |
| Variegated Fritillary | Variegated Fritillary |
| Buckeye | Buckeye |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Purplish Copper | Gray Hairstreak |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) in Colorado is renowned for its majestic peaks and stunning alpine vistas. The park boasts of more than 60 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and its famous Trail Ridge Road that winds through the park and reaches elevations of over 12,000 feet. RMNP is also known for its diverse wildlife and scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of its many valleys, lakes, and rivers.
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is a different type of natural wonder, with its rolling hills, scenic drives, and breathtaking overlooks. The park’s famous Skyline Drive offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. The park is also home to over 40 waterfalls, including the popular Dark Hollow Falls, which is a must-see for visitors. The park’s lush hardwood forests and scenic trails are perfect for hiking and camping, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Both parks offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors, but RMNP is known for its towering peaks and stunning alpine vistas, while Shenandoah National Park is known for its rolling hills, scenic drives, and breathtaking overlooks. Both parks are truly a natural wonder and are a must-visit for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.
In Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors love to explore the park’s stunning mountain scenery by driving the scenic Trail Ridge Road or taking a scenic drive in the park. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with visitors often spotting elk, bighorn sheep, and other animals. In the summer, visitors can also enjoy fishing, horseback riding, and camping.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, offers a different type of outdoor experience. The park is known for its scenic drives and beautiful waterfalls, and visitors often enjoy taking a leisurely drive on Skyline Drive to take in the views. Hiking and camping are also popular activities, with over 500 miles of trails available for visitors to explore. In addition, visitors can enjoy bird watching, fishing, and picnicking in the park.
Both parks offer unique experiences, with Rocky Mountain National Park offering stunning mountain scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing, while Shenandoah National Park offers beautiful drives and scenic waterfalls. Whether you are looking for a peaceful outdoor experience or an adventurous outdoor adventure, both parks are well worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations in the United States, but the seasonal weather between them can be quite different. In Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, the weather can be quite cold and snowy in the winter, with average temperatures ranging from 0°F to 20°F. In the summer, temperatures can be mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. This weather can make it ideal for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. However, the park is at its busiest during the summer months due to the mild weather.
In contrast, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures in the park can reach up to 90°F, and winter temperatures can drop to as low as 20°F. The park is known for its beautiful fall foliage, with the fall season being the most popular time to visit. The cool weather in the fall makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and wildlife viewing, and the vibrant autumn leaves provide stunning scenic views.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique seasonal weather that can affect the best time of year to visit. Rocky Mountain National Park is ideal for outdoor activities in the summer, while Shenandoah National Park is perfect for fall foliage viewing and outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Rocky Mountain National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is a popular destination for families. The park offers several easy hikes, including the Bear Lake trail, which is a 0.6-mile loop and the perfect hike for families with young children. There are also many scenic drives, including the famous Trail Ridge Road, which offers stunning views of the park and its wildlife. Additionally, the park offers several ranger-led activities and educational programs for families.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is also a great destination for families. The park offers a Skyline Drive, a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park also has several easy hikes, including the Limberlost Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that is perfect for families with young children. Additionally, the park offers several ranger-led activities and educational programs for families.
In terms of which park is better for families, it really depends on personal preference. Both parks offer a range of family-friendly activities and both have beautiful scenery. However, Rocky Mountain National Park may have a slight edge for families with young children due to the shorter hike options and scenic drives. Shenandoah National Park is a great option for families who want to explore a different type of landscape, however, and is definitely worth considering.