Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most iconic and beautiful national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking scenic views, a rich history and an abundance of wildlife. But which park is the better one to visit? In this article, we will put these two parks head to head and compare everything from the landscapes to the activities and attractions they offer. So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for your next adventure, or a family planning a summer vacation, this article will help you decide which park is right for you.
Yellowstone is known for its geysers and hot springs, while Rocky Mountain is famous for its majestic peaks and alpine lakes. Both parks offer a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else. From the vibrant colors of the hot springs in Yellowstone to the crystal clear waters of the mountain lakes in Rocky Mountain, these parks will leave you in awe. With so many things to see and do, it can be hard to decide which one to visit first. But don’t worry, we have you covered. In this article, we will break down the pros and cons of each park and help you choose the one that’s perfect for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in both parks, and each park offers a unique set of trails.
Rocky Mountain National Park features over 350 miles of trails. Some of the easiest hikes include the Sprague Lake Loop and the Bear Lake Loop, both of which offer stunning views of the park’s mountains and alpine lakes. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the park offers several strenuous trails, such as the Keyhole Route to Longs Peak. This hike is a strenuous 14-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of Longs Peak, which is one of the park’s most iconic peaks.
Yellowstone National Park has over 900 miles of trails, making it one of the largest national parks in the United States. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the boardwalk trails in the geyser basins, such as the Upper Geyser Basin and the Lower Geyser Basin. These trails are accessible to all visitors and offer unique views of the park’s geysers and hot springs. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the park offers several strenuous trails, such as the Mount Washburn Trail. This hike is a strenuous 7-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of Mount Washburn, which offers panoramic views of the park and its surrounding wilderness.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each with its own unique set of wildlife. In Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and the American dipper. In addition to these animals, the park is also home to a variety of plant species, including aspen, spruce, and fir trees.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is known for its large herds of bison and elk, as well as its grizzly bears and wolves. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the trumpeter swan, the common loon, and the osprey. In addition to these animals, Yellowstone National Park is known for its thermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, but each park has its own unique set of species. If you’re interested in seeing large herds of bison and elk, then Yellowstone National Park is the park for you. If you’re interested in seeing a variety of bird species and plant species, then Rocky Mountain National Park is the park for you. Regardless of which park you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable experience and see some amazing wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| Gray Wolf | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Badger | Badger |
| Ermine | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | California Myotis |
Fish
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Western Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Mottled Sculpin | Lake Trout |
| Speckled Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Longnose Dace |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Wood Frog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch |
| American Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Red Admiral |
| Mourning Cloak | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | Silvery Blue |
| Silvery Blue | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Common Sulphur |
| Clouded Sulphur | Variegated Fritillary |
| Variegated Fritillary | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Buckeye | Purplish Copper |
| Commom Wood Nymph | Anise Swallowtail |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most beautiful and well-known national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that are sure to take your breath away.
Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Continental Divide and Longs Peak. Visitors can take scenic drives or hike to some of the most breathtaking overlooks in the park, such as the Alpine Visitor Center or the summit of Longs Peak. The park is also home to numerous waterfalls, including the Alberta Falls and the Ouzel Falls.
Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, including Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves. Yellowstone is also famous for its beautiful mountain ranges, including the Teton Range, which can be seen from various overlooks within the park.
Both Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer unique and awe-inspiring landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you are looking for breathtaking mountain ranges, stunning waterfalls, or unique geothermal features, both parks have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Parks are two of the most popular national parks in the United States and both offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful Geyser, and its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk. In addition to these natural wonders, visitors can also enjoy fishing, camping, and scenic drives throughout the park.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its stunning mountain scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, including the famous Trail Ridge Road, which crosses the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Other popular activities include camping, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing, with a variety of challenging routes for climbers of all levels.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, but the type of activities available will depend on the individual’s interests and the time of year. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, which are best viewed in the summer months, while Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular destination for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Whether you are looking for a chance to explore the great outdoors or simply want to relax and take in the stunning natural scenery, both parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer unique natural beauty, but their seasonal weather patterns are quite different.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, the weather can be unpredictable, with average temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to over 80 degrees in the summer. Snow can fall any time of year, so visitors should be prepared for winter conditions even in the summer months. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is in the summer, when the weather is warm and the wildflowers are in bloom, or in the fall, when the aspens turn golden.
In contrast, Yellowstone National Park has a more consistent climate, with average temperatures ranging from the 40s in the winter to the 70s in the summer. Snow is heavy in the winter, with many roads closed, but visitors can still enjoy the park’s natural hot springs and geysers. The best time to visit Yellowstone is in the summer, when the snow has melted and the roads are open, or in the fall, when the elk are in their mating season and the park is ablaze with color.
Both parks offer unique experiences throughout the year, but visitors should be mindful of the seasonal weather patterns when planning their trips. Whether they want to experience the beauty of the mountains in summer or witness the natural wonders of Yellowstone in winter, both parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Family Friendliness of Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular family destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of recreational activities and stunning natural beauty, but there are some key differences that set them apart when it comes to family-friendliness.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a great option for families with young children. It offers a variety of easy, kid-friendly hikes and scenic drives, making it easy to explore the park’s stunning landscapes. The park also has multiple picnic areas and campgrounds, providing ample opportunities for families to enjoy meals and relax together.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more demanding for families with young children. While the park is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, it also requires more effort to access it. Hikes can be longer and more strenuous, and many of the park’s famous geysers and hot springs are not easily accessible to families with young children. The park also has a limited number of picnic areas, which can make it difficult for families to find a place to have a meal.
Despite these differences, both parks offer incredible experiences for families. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, easy hikes, or opportunities to learn about the natural world, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park are excellent choices for families. Ultimately, the best park for your family will depend on your specific needs, interests, and the ages of your children.