Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the United States’ most stunning national parks, each offering its own unique adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic drive, these parks have something for everyone. In this article, we will be comparing these two parks, highlighting their similarities and differences.
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its towering peaks, glistening lakes, and diverse wildlife. Hikers can explore over 300 miles of trails and take in breathtaking views from the top of Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain. Meanwhile, Voyageurs National Park offers a different kind of beauty, with its network of interconnected waterways and abundant wildlife. Visitors can kayak through the park’s pristine lakes and bays and catch a glimpse of the park’s famous moose population.
Whether you prefer the towering peaks of the Rockies or the calm waters of Voyageurs, both of these parks offer a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. So, buckle up and let’s take a journey through these two incredible parks, and see which one will reign supreme as your next outdoor adventure destination.
Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer stunning views and challenging hikes, but their hiking trails differ in terms of difficulty and accessibility.
In Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the easiest hikes is the Bear Lake Loop Trail, a 0.7-mile trail that provides breathtaking views of the park’s glistening lakes and towering peaks. On the other hand, one of the park’s hardest hikes is the Longs Peak Trail, a 14.5-mile trail that takes you to the summit of Longs Peak, which rises to an elevation of 14,259 feet.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, offers a different type of hiking experience. The park is centered around a series of interconnected lakes and waterways, and its hiking trails are more focused on water-based activities. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Kettle Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that takes you to a breathtaking waterfall. The park’s hardest hike is the Rainy Lake Overlook Trail, a 10-mile trail that takes you to the top of a mountain for panoramic views of Rainy Lake.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, and visitors can choose from a range of difficulties, from easy nature walks to strenuous mountain summits. Whether you are looking for a relaxing hike or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park have something to offer.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors. RMNP is located in Colorado and is known for its large herds of elk and mule deer, as well as moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears. In addition to these large mammals, visitors may also see smaller animals such as marmots, squirrels, and chipmunks. RMNP is also home to a variety of bird species, including the iconic bald eagle and the colorful Steller’s Jay.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is a prime location for observing aquatic life. The park is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Visitors may also see beavers, muskrats, and river otters. In addition to aquatic life, Voyageurs is also a great place to see birds, such as loons, pelicans, and bald eagles. The park is also home to a number of plant species, including alder, aspen, and balsam fir.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but RMNP is known for its large mammals, whereas Voyageurs is known for its aquatic life. Whether you are looking for large mammals or aquatic creatures, these parks are sure to provide a memorable wildlife viewing experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mink | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Common Gray Fox |
| Gray Wolf | Plains Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Ermine |
| Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| Ermine | River Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Western Longnose Sucker | Bluegill |
| Mottled Sculpin | Fathead Minnow |
| Speckled Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Cutthroat Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Voyageurs 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 Voyageurs National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and its diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore over 400 miles of trails, including the famous Trail Ridge Road, which offers panoramic views of the peaks. The park is also home to several popular landmarks, including Longs Peak and the Continental Divide.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is a water-based park that features over 500 lakes and four major rivers. Visitors can explore the park by boat, canoe, or kayak and take in the scenic beauty of the waterways and surrounding forests. The park’s most famous landscape is Rainy Lake, which is surrounded by towering cliffs and dense forests. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the Kettle Falls Dam, which was built in the early 20th century to harness the power of the Rainy River.
Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Whether you prefer the towering peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park or the tranquil waters of Voyageurs National Park, these parks offer a chance to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Things To-Do and Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular activities at Rocky Mountain National Park is wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot elk, moose, black bears, and bighorn sheep in their natural habitats. Additionally, there are over 300 miles of trails for visitors to explore, including scenic drives and hikes through alpine tundras.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park. Canoeing and kayaking are very popular activities here. Visitors can explore the interconnected network of lakes and bays and see wildlife such as bald eagles and loons. Fishing is also a popular activity, with visitors able to fish for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Other popular activities include camping, hiking, and stargazing.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors. Rocky Mountain National Park offers scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and hiking opportunities, while Voyageurs National Park offers water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. No matter what kind of outdoor activity you enjoy, both parks provide a chance for visitors to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the great outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular National Parks in the United States. While both parks are known for their stunning natural beauty, the weather in each park can vary greatly.
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the Colorado Rockies, and is known for its cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when temperatures are warm and the snow has melted, making it easier to access the park’s many hiking trails and scenic drives. The park’s high altitude can make it quite chilly, even in the summer, so visitors should come prepared with warm clothing.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Minnesota, and is known for its cool, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park’s many lakes and waterways are accessible by boat. Visitors should also be prepared for rain, as the park can be quite wet during the summer months.
In conclusion, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park are beautiful and unique destinations, but the weather in each park can greatly affect when is the best time to visit. While Rocky Mountain National Park is best visited in the summer, Voyageurs National Park is best visited during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park’s waterways are accessible.
Family Friendliness of Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Each park offers unique experiences and attractions, but they differ when it comes to family-friendliness.
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its scenic drives and breathtaking vistas, making it a popular destination for families. The park offers educational programs for children, as well as family-friendly hiking trails and picnic areas. For those traveling with young children, the park’s Junior Ranger program is a great way to keep them engaged and entertained.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park that is perfect for families who enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities. The park’s scenic canoe routes, fishing opportunities, and well-maintained campgrounds make it an ideal destination for families who want to spend quality time in nature. The park also offers ranger-led programs and activities that are fun and educational for children.
In conclusion, both parks are great options for families, but the choice between Rocky Mountain National Park and Voyageurs National Park ultimately depends on personal preferences and interests. If you’re looking for a park with scenic drives and breathtaking vistas, Rocky Mountain National Park is the way to go. If you’re looking for a water-based park with opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, Voyageurs National Park is the better choice.