If you’re a fan of breathtaking views and outdoor adventure, you might be torn between visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park. Both parks are known for their stunning landscapes and exciting activities, but which one is the better choice for your next trip?
In this article, we’ll compare the two parks, highlighting the unique features and experiences each one has to offer. We’ll cover everything from hiking trails and scenic drives to wildlife and camping options. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, you’ll find plenty of information to help you make your decision.
So, pack your bags and get ready to explore two of America’s most beautiful national parks. Whether you ultimately choose Rocky Mountain National Park or Zion National Park, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable adventure.
Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park
Zion National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US and offer some of the best hiking trails in the country.
Zion National Park has a diverse range of trails, from easy walks to strenuous day hikes. The trail to Angel’s Landing is one of the most challenging hikes in the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon. On the other hand, the Riverside Walk is a gentle hike along the Virgin River and is suitable for families with children.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, has a wide range of trails that vary in difficulty, with something for everyone. For those seeking a challenge, the Keyhole Route on Longs Peak is a demanding hike that requires technical climbing skills. For those looking for a more leisurely hike, the Bear Lake Trail is a popular option that offers stunning views of the park’s alpine lakes and mountains.
In conclusion, both Zion and Rocky Mountain National Parks offer a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these parks have something to offer 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 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 Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their incredible wildlife, but each park has its own unique set of animals and plants that you can see.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, you can expect to see a variety of large mammals like elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain lions. Additionally, you may spot black bears, marmots, and ground squirrels. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the American bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the spotted owl.
At Zion National Park, you can see a different set of wildlife. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a diverse range of bird species, including the American golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the turkey vulture. In addition to animals, Zion is known for its unique and diverse plant life, including cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees.
Both Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in large mammals, birds, or unique plant life, both parks offer a truly unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Rocky Mountain 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 |
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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
Gray Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
Long-Eared Myotis | American Badger |
Badger | Ermine |
Ermine | California Myotis |
Snowshoe Hare | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
Rocky Mountain National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
Western Longnose Sucker | Speckled Dace |
Mottled Sculpin | Channel Catfish |
Speckled Dace | Goldfish |
Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
Rocky Mountain National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
Wood Frog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
Rocky Mountain National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gophersnake |
Western Rattlesnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
Eastern Fence Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
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 |
Insects
Rocky Mountain National Park | Zion 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 Zion National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and is known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Continental Divide, which runs through the park. Visitors can drive Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an elevation of more than 12,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are also numerous trails for hiking, including the popular Bear Lake trail.
Zion National Park is located in Utah and is famous for its towering red rock cliffs and canyons. The most popular hike in the park is the Narrows, a 16-mile round-trip hike through the Virgin River and between the towering cliffs. Other popular hikes in the park include Angels Landing, which takes visitors to the top of a steep and narrow rock formation, and the Watchman Trail, which offers views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes for visitors to enjoy. Whether you prefer the rugged mountain ranges of Rocky Mountain National Park or the towering red rock cliffs of Zion National Park, there is something for everyone in these stunning natural wonders.
Things To-Do and Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and Zion National Park (ZNP) are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States. Both offer an array of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
RMNP is located in Colorado and is known for its stunning mountain landscapes. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, fishing, and camping. RMNP is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with many opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing.
In contrast, ZNP is located in southern Utah and is famous for its towering red rock cliffs and canyons. Visitors to ZNP can enjoy scenic drives, river rafting, and hiking. The park is also home to several popular slot canyons, which are narrow canyons with towering walls that can only be accessed by hiking.
Both RMNP and ZNP offer amazing opportunities for visitors to experience the beauty of nature. However, the main difference between these two parks is the type of landscape and activities available. RMNP is a great destination for those looking for mountains and outdoor adventures, while ZNP is ideal for those seeking a unique desert landscape and a different type of adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a thrilling hike, or a peaceful camping experience, RMNP and ZNP both have something to offer. Both parks are popular destinations for tourists, and both are sure to leave you with lasting memories of your time in the great outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most spectacular and popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and breathtaking natural beauty, but they also have some differences in terms of seasonal weather.
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in the Rockies, and it experiences a wide range of temperatures, with cold and snowy winters and warm and dry summers. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months of June to September, when the weather is warm and the wildflowers are in full bloom. Winter is also a popular time to visit the park, especially for skiing and snowboarding.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Utah and it experiences hot and dry summers, with occasional monsoon storms, and mild and wet winters. The best time to visit the park is during the spring months of March to May, when the weather is mild and the waterfalls and streams are flowing. Autumn is also a great time to visit the park, when the temperatures are cooler and the foliage is changing colors.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at both parks plays a significant role in determining when is the best time of year to visit. Whether you are looking for warm and sunny weather, or cold and snowy conditions, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park have something to offer, depending on the time of year.
Family Friendliness of Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences and attractions. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have a lot to offer, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With over 300 miles of trails, there are plenty of opportunities for families to explore the park’s natural beauty and scenic vistas. Additionally, the park has a variety of easy and accessible trails that are suitable for families with young children.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is a more strenuous park, but it is especially well-suited for families who enjoy adventure and exploring canyons. Zion offers a variety of challenging hikes, including the famous Narrows hike, which takes visitors through a narrow, deep canyon with crystal-clear water. However, hiking in Zion can be strenuous and dangerous, so it may not be the best choice for families with small children.
In conclusion, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Zion National Park are excellent choices for families who enjoy outdoor recreation and adventure. However, families with young children may find Rocky Mountain National Park to be a better option, while families with older children and a sense of adventure may prefer Zion National Park.