Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two of America’s most treasured destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer breathtaking vistas, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. But which one is the best fit for your next vacation?
Imagine standing on top of a snow-capped mountain surrounded by rugged peaks, or feeling the warm sun on your face as you hike through lush tropical rainforests. These are just a few of the experiences that await you at Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park.
In this article, we’ll dive into the unique features and attractions of each park, and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Whether you’re a hiker, birdwatcher, or beachcomber, there’s something for everyone in these incredible parks. So grab your hiking boots and sunscreen, and get ready to explore the best of what America’s national parks have to offer!
Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. They both offer a diverse range of hiking trails, each with its own unique challenges, scenic views and wildlife.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and is known for its towering peaks, crystal-clear streams and breathtaking mountain vistas. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Bear Lake Trail and the Emerald Lake Trail. Both of these trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and are great for families or those looking for a leisurely hike. On the other hand, the park also offers some of the most challenging hikes in the country, such as the Longs Peak Trail. This trail is a 14-mile round trip hike with a 4,000-foot elevation gain and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
The Virgin Islands National Park is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests and crystal-clear waters. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Salt Pond Bay Trail and the Reef Bay Trail. Both of these trails offer stunning views of the surrounding waters and are great for families or those looking for a leisurely hike. On the other hand, the park also offers some of the most challenging hikes in the country, such as the Ram Head Trail. This trail is a 4-mile round trip hike with a 1,500-foot elevation gain and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, USA, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, moose, black bears, and mountain lions. Visitors may also see a variety of bird species, such as the American bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. The park is also home to an array of wildflowers, including columbine and Indian paintbrush.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park, located in the US Virgin Islands, is known for its stunning beaches and unique wildlife. Visitors to the park may see a variety of tropical birds, including the bananaquit, the Caribbean elaenia, and the green-throated Carib. The park is also home to several species of reptiles, including iguanas and the Virgin Islands boa constrictor. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of tropical plants, such as mangroves, sea grapes, and divi-divi trees.
In conclusion, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors. While Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its diverse array of wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep, Virgin Islands National Park is known for its tropical birds and reptiles, as well as its stunning beaches. Both parks are must-visit destinations for anyone interested in wildlife and the great outdoors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Porcupine |
| 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 | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Gray Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Gray Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| Ermine | North American River Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Brown Trout | Bluegill |
| Western Longnose Sucker | Flathead Minnow |
| Mottled Sculpin | Golden Shiner |
| Speckled Dace | Carp/European Carp |
| Cutthroat Trout | Northern Pike |
| Burbot | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Wood Frog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Bullsnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Racer |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Rattlesnake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Insects
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| 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 Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado, USA and is famous for its majestic mountain ranges and breathtaking overlooks. Visitors can drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road, which reaches elevations over 12,000 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Additionally, the park is home to several popular hikes, including the climb to the top of Longs Peak, which towers over 14,000 feet.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the US Virgin Islands and is known for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters. The park covers over two-thirds of the island of St. John and visitors can snorkel or dive to explore the park’s vibrant coral reefs. One of the most popular attractions in the park is Trunk Bay, a stunning beach that is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. The park also offers an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through lush tropical forests and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.
Things To-Do and Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer visitors a diverse range of experiences, from scenic hikes to water activities.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is popular for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing opportunities, and fishing in its many alpine lakes and streams. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, camping, and rock climbing. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands, offers a tropical getaway. Popular activities include snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can also enjoy beachcombing, sunbathing, and bird watching. The park also has several historic sites, including the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins, that visitors can explore.
Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience, with stunning natural beauty and plenty of recreational activities. Whether you are looking for a rugged adventure in the mountains or a relaxing escape in the tropics, these parks have something to offer everyone.
Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado, USA and is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, pine forests, and alpine tundra. The park experiences four seasons with cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers. Winter months in the park are characterized by heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands, experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, from December to May, when temperatures are relatively mild and there is minimal rainfall. During the rainy season from June to November, the park can experience heavy rainfall, which can make some trails impassable and limit outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique weather experiences, with Rocky Mountain National Park providing a cold and snowy winter experience, and Virgin Islands National Park offering a warm and tropical climate. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly, taking into account the seasonal weather patterns, to ensure they have the best possible experience at each park.
Family Friendliness of Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two beautiful parks that are perfect for families. The parks offer different experiences for families but both are great options for families with children.
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The park has a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives, and camping areas that are perfect for families. Children will love exploring the park’s many trails and learning about the local wildlife. The park also has several educational programs available for families, making it a great place for children to learn about the natural world.
Virgin Islands National Park is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is known for its stunning beaches and snorkeling opportunities. The park is perfect for families with children who love the water. Children can swim, snorkel, and explore the park’s many beaches. The park also has several educational programs available, making it a great place for children to learn about the local ecosystem.
If you’re traveling with children, both parks are great options. However, if your children love the outdoors and are interested in learning about the natural world, Rocky Mountain National Park might be the better option. If your children love the water and enjoy swimming and snorkeling, Virgin Islands National Park might be the better choice. Regardless of which park you choose, both are sure to provide your family with a memorable and enjoyable experience.