Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and a chance to connect with nature. But which one is the best for your next adventure? In this article, we’ll compare the two parks and help you decide which one is the better choice for your next trip.
From the towering trees of Sequoia & Kings Canyon to the geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone, each park offers a different type of beauty. And while both parks are known for their natural wonders, they each offer a unique set of activities and attractions that set them apart. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or wildlife enthusiast, both parks have something special to offer.
So, pack your bags and get ready for a journey through two of America’s most stunning national parks. In this article, we’ll compare the two parks and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, but there are some notable differences between the two.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their towering sequoia trees, which can be seen on many of the park’s hiking trails. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Big Trees Trail and the Congress Trail, both of which are wheelchair accessible and offer breathtaking views of the park’s famous sequoias. The park also boasts some of the hardest hikes in the country, such as the Rae Lakes Loop, which is a 41-mile backpacking trail that takes several days to complete.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal features, such as geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. Hiking in Yellowstone can be challenging, as many of the trails are steep and rocky. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Geyser Hill Loop and the Fairy Falls Trail, which offer views of the park’s famous geothermal features. The park’s hardest hike is the Thorofare Trail, which is a remote backpacking trail that spans over 50 miles and takes several days to complete.
In conclusion, both Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, but the parks have different focuses and challenges. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll through a forest of towering trees or a challenging backpacking trip through a unique geothermal landscape, these two parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer an abundance of natural beauty and scenic landscapes, but there are some differences in terms of the wildlife that can be seen in each park.
At Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. There are also many species of birds, including the California quail and the spotted owl. In addition, the parks are home to a number of unique plant species, including the giant sequoia trees and the Sierra Nevada wildflowers.
In contrast, Yellowstone National Park is known for its abundant wildlife, including the iconic bison, elk, and grizzly bears. Visitors to the park can also see wolves, pronghorns, and coyotes. Bird enthusiasts will love observing the many species of birds that call Yellowstone home, including the bald eagle and the osprey. The park is also home to a number of native plant species, including the lodgepole pine and the wildflowers of the high country.
While both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, Yellowstone National Park is the clear winner for those looking to see a wider variety of animals. However, those interested in seeing unique plant species and birdwatching may prefer Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Regardless of which park you choose, both are sure to provide a truly memorable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | 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 |
Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | 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 |
House Mouse | House Mouse |
Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
Mink | Mink |
Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
Gray Fox | Wolf |
Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
Badger | Short Tailed Weasel |
Ermine | California Myotis |
Fish
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout Charr Salter | Brook Trout |
Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
Golden Shiner | Lake Trout |
European Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
Black Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
Brown Bullhead | Speckled Dace |
Goldfish | Arctic Grayling |
Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | Racer |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
Racer | Rubber Boa |
Ring-Necked Snake | |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Common Kingsnake | |
Rubber Boa | |
Nightsnake | |
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Bullfrog | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Monarch | |
American Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Mourning Cloak | |
Silvery Blue | |
Common Checkered Skipper | |
Common Sulphur | |
Variegated Fritillary | |
Commom Wood Nymph | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and a chance to experience nature at its finest.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their towering sequoias, including the famous General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree in the world by volume. The parks also offer scenic drives through the mountains, including the winding road to Kings Canyon and the scenic drive through the Giant Forest. Visitors can also hike to stunning overlooks and waterfalls, such as the Mist Falls and the Roaring River Falls.
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser and the colorful hot springs in the Upper Geyser Basin. The park also offers incredible landscapes, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is a deep and colorful canyon with a waterfall. Additionally, Yellowstone is also known for its wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk.
Both Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in towering trees, geothermal wonders, or breathtaking landscapes, both parks are a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks offer a range of recreational activities, each has its own unique offerings.
In Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, visitors can enjoy scenic drives through the towering Giant Sequoia trees, as well as exploring crystal-clear streams and waterfalls. The parks also offer a variety of ranger-led programs, including campfire talks, nature walks, and guided hikes.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and steam vents. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife watching, particularly for the park’s famous bison, elk, and grey wolves. In addition, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided walks, snowshoe walks, and wildlife watching trips.
Both parks offer a range of camping and lodging options, including rustic cabins, modern lodges, and backcountry campsites. In both parks, visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and boating. However, Yellowstone National Park has an advantage over Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in that it also offers snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
In conclusion, both Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park offer a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. While Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their scenic drives and natural beauty, Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geothermal features and wildlife watching opportunities. Regardless of what you choose, both parks offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Best Time to Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers. The seasonal weather at these parks is different, affecting the best time to visit each park.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit is during the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the landscapes are abundant with wildflowers or fall foliage.
Yellowstone National Park experiences harsh winters with average temperatures below freezing. Summer temperatures are mild, making it a popular time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and wildlife viewing. Snow can linger in the park as late as June, making spring a less popular time to visit.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather greatly affects the best time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly to make the most of their visit.
Family Friendliness of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yellowstone National Park both offer breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences for visitors, but they differ when it comes to family-friendliness.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are well-suited for families with children. The parks offer many kid-friendly activities, including short and easy hikes, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs. The parks also have several campgrounds where families can stay and enjoy the beauty of the parks.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, can be a bit more challenging for families with young children. The park is much larger and has more strenuous hikes and activities, which may not be suitable for young kids. Additionally, the park’s famous geysers and hot springs can be dangerous for children to approach. However, the park offers several ranger-led programs and educational activities that can be enjoyed by families.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are a better choice. The parks offer a more manageable size, easier hikes, and more opportunities for family-friendly activities. However, if your family is up for a more challenging adventure, Yellowstone National Park is still a great option with its unique geysers and hot springs, and educational activities.