Are you torn between visiting Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park on your next outdoor adventure? Both destinations offer breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. But how do the two national parks compare?
Imagine hiking through the tallest trees on earth in Sequoia & Kings Canyon, or feeling the rush of excitement as you navigate the narrowest part of Zion’s famous “The Narrows” hike. The possibilities for adventure, exploration, and awe-inspiring moments are endless in both parks.
In this article, we will take a closer look at both Sequoia & Kings Canyon and Zion National Park, comparing their most popular attractions, scenic drives, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing picnic spot, you’ll find something to love in both parks. But which one is right for you? Join us as we explore the pros and cons of each park, helping you make an informed decision on your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States, known for their breathtaking scenic beauty and challenging hiking trails. Both parks offer a variety of trails, ranging from easy hikes to strenuous backcountry excursions. In this section, we will compare the hiking trails at these two parks.
One of the easiest hikes at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is the Big Trees Trail, which is a one-mile loop that takes visitors through a grove of giant sequoias. On the other hand, one of the hardest hikes in the park is the Rae Lakes Loop, a strenuous backpacking trip that covers 41 miles and takes several days to complete.
Zion National Park is also known for its challenging hikes, including the Angel’s Landing hike, which is a strenuous 5.4-mile hike that includes steep drop-offs and narrow paths. On the other hand, the Riverside Walk is a leisurely 2.2-mile hike along the Virgin River that is accessible to all visitors.
In conclusion, both Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy hikes to strenuous backcountry expeditions. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, both parks offer 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 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park
Kings Canyon & Sequoia and Zion National Parks are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they each offer a unique experience in terms of wildlife. Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and coyotes. Bird-watchers may also spot species like the American dipper, the mountain chickadee, and the Steller’s jay. The parks are also rich in plant life, with towering sequoia trees, lush forests, and wildflowers.
In contrast, Zion National Park is known for its mammals like bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lions, as well as its bird life, including the American kestrel, the peregrine falcon, and the turkey vulture. Zion is also home to a variety of plants, such as the Joshua tree and the yucca.
Despite the differences in wildlife, both Kings Canyon & Sequoia and Zion offer breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, both parks offer trails for all skill levels and opportunities to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Whether you’re interested in observing majestic mammals or bird-watching, both parks offer an unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all ages.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | 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 |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | 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 |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Wolf | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Ermine |
| Badger | California Myotis |
| Ermine | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout Charr Salter | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Speckled Dace |
| Golden Shiner | Channel Catfish |
| European Carp | Goldfish |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gophersnake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Racer | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Rubber Boa | Nightsnake |
| Nightsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Western Whiptail | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Western Skink | Tree Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Western Whiptail |
| Western Fence Lizard | Western Skink |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in California and are known for their giant sequoias, the largest trees in the world. The parks are home to the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest known single-stem tree on Earth. Visitors can also hike to Moro Rock, a granite dome that provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Another popular destination is Cedar Grove, a valley surrounded by towering cliffs and offering views of the Kings River.
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs and dramatic canyons. The most famous landscape in the park is the Narrows, a narrow canyon with towering walls on either side. The Virgin River runs through the center of the canyon, and visitors can hike up the river to explore its beauty. Another popular destination is Angel’s Landing, a rocky promontory with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to the Emerald Pools, a series of waterfalls and swimming holes surrounded by lush vegetation.
Things To-Do and Activities in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are well known for their towering trees and scenic vistas. Visitors to these parks can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. The parks feature numerous scenic drives, including the Generals Highway, which offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the giant sequoias. In addition, the parks are home to several popular picnic areas, including the Grant Grove and Cedar Grove, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its spectacular canyons and towering cliffs. The park features a variety of scenic drives, including the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In addition, the park is a popular destination for rock climbing, with routes ranging from beginner to expert. Visitors can also explore the park on foot, with several popular trails, including the Angels Landing and The Narrows, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, each of these parks offers a unique set of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are looking for towering trees, scenic vistas, or towering cliffs, there is something for everyone at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Zion National Park.
Best Time to Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and feature towering trees, rugged terrain and scenic vistas. On the other hand, Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah and boasts towering cliffs, deep canyons and unique rock formations. Both parks are popular destinations, and the weather plays a big role in deciding when is the best time to visit.
During the summer months, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Zion, however, is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching the high 90s and even into the 100s, making it best to visit in the spring or fall when temperatures are more mild.
The winter months bring snow to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon, making it a popular destination for snow sports and winter recreation. However, the roads can be treacherous and snow chains may be required for travel. In Zion, temperatures are mild and snow is rare, making it a great time to hike and explore the park.
In conclusion, the weather in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park varies greatly, and visitors should consider the weather conditions before planning their trip. Whether it’s for warm summer hikes, beautiful fall foliage, or snowy winter recreation, each park has its own unique weather patterns that make it a great destination year-round.
Family Friendliness of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning natural beauty and opportunities for adventure, but they differ in their family-friendliness.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon are ideal for families with children due to the variety of activities available. The parks offer easy hikes through giant sequoia groves, scenic drives with plenty of picnic areas, and ranger-led programs for kids. The parks also have several family-friendly campgrounds and a variety of accommodations, including lodges and cabins.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging for families with young children. While the park is filled with stunning vistas and unique geologic formations, many of the trails are steep and strenuous. Additionally, accommodations within the park are limited, and the park can get crowded, making it a bit overwhelming for families with small children.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are a better choice than Zion National Park. The parks offer a variety of family-friendly activities and accommodations, making it an easier and more enjoyable experience for families with young children.