Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. But which is the better park to visit? In this article, we’ll compare the two parks and weigh the pros and cons of each, giving you all the information you need to decide which is right for you. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned hiker, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with these incredible parks. So grab your hiking boots and pack your camping gear, because we’re about to embark on a journey through two of America’s most beautiful national parks!
Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and covers over 200,000 acres of land. It has over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The park offers a variety of hikes, ranging from easy scenic walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Some of the easiest hikes in Shenandoah include the Limberlost Trail, which is a 1.4-mile loop that winds through a forest, and the Fox Hollow Trail, a 1.8-mile hike that takes you through a meadow and offers views of the park’s rolling hills.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Old Rag Mountain hike is a popular 8.8-mile loop that takes you to the summit of Old Rag Mountain and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Another challenging hike is the Stony Man hike, which is a 4.5-mile hike that takes you to the second highest peak in the park.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and stunning vistas. The park has over 160 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures.
Some of the easiest hikes in Zion include the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile hike along the Virgin River, and the Pa’rus Trail, a 3-mile hike that takes you through the heart of the park.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, Angels Landing is a 5.4-mile hike that takes you to the top of a towering sandstone peak and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Another challenging hike is the Narrows, a 16-mile hike that takes you through a narrow slot canyon and requires wading through the Virgin River.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Shenandoah National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 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 Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and gray squirrels. Birdwatchers will also have plenty to see, with species like the red-tailed hawk, the American goldfinch, and the blue jay commonly found in the park.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is known for its diverse wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and desert tortoises. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the American kestrel, the great horned owl, and the western tanager. In addition to its rich wildlife, Zion is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including yucca, Joshua trees, and prickly pear cactus.
While both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, Shenandoah may be the better choice for those interested in birdwatching, while Zion is a great destination for those looking to see a variety of desert wildlife. Both parks also offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, making them popular destinations for nature lovers of all kinds.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Shenandoah 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
Shenandoah 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 |
Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
River Otter | Mule Deer |
Masked Shrew | Gray Fox |
Water Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
Red Squirrel | Long-Eared Myotis |
White-Tailed Deer | American Badger |
Virginia Opossum | Ermine |
Marten | California Myotis |
Northern Flying Squirrel | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
Shenandoah National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
Largemouth Bass | Speckled Dace |
Green Sunfish | Channel Catfish |
Bluegill | Goldfish |
Common Carp | |
Mottled Sculpin | |
Longnose Dace | |
Yellow Bullhead | |
Creek Chub | |
Brown Bullhead | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
Shenandoah National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
Shenandoah National Park | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Black Racer | Gophersnake |
Ringneck Snake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
Common Garter Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
Common Kingsnake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
Milksnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
Eastern Fence 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
Shenandoah 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 | |
Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia, USA and covers over 200,000 acres of protected land. The park features rolling hills, forested valleys, and the famous Skyline Drive, a scenic byway that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Hiking trails like the Appalachian Trail and the Old Rag Mountain trail offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic overlooks.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, USA, is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, including the famous Zion Canyon, which is over 15 miles long and over 2,000 feet deep. Hiking trails like the Angels Landing and The Narrows provide visitors with stunning views of the park’s towering cliffs and offer the chance to explore the park’s unique landscape. The Virgin River, which runs through the park, is also a popular spot for visitors looking to cool off during the summer months.
Both Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty of the great outdoors and explore some of the most famous landscapes in the USA. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic drive, both parks offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, but the types of activities available are different. Shenandoah is known for its scenic drives and picnic areas, while Zion is known for its challenging hikes and stunning rock formations.
Shenandoah is a perfect destination for those who enjoy scenic drives and picnics. Skyline Drive is a popular scenic drive that runs the length of the park and offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. There are also a number of picnic areas and scenic overlooks along the way. In addition to scenic drives, Shenandoah is also popular for its camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Zion, on the other hand, is a top destination for hikers and rock climbers. The park features challenging trails, including the famous Angel’s Landing and the Narrows, which are two of the most popular hikes in the park. Rock climbers also flock to Zion to scale its towering cliffs and rock formations. In addition to hiking and rock climbing, Zion is also popular for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing opportunities, and camping.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful scenic drive or an adrenaline-pumping hike, both Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking scenery, but the weather can greatly impact a visitor’s experience.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are both pleasant with cool to mild temperatures and abundant wildflowers and fall foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, but the park’s elevation provides relief from the heat. Winter brings cold temperatures, but also offers stunning views of snow-covered landscapes.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Spring and fall provide the best weather for outdoor activities, with comfortable temperatures and mild humidity. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it less ideal for outdoor activities. Winter can bring snow and cold temperatures, but also offers unique opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Visitors to Shenandoah National Park can enjoy scenic drives and outdoor activities year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the park is at its most beautiful. Zion National Park is best visited in the spring or fall when the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities. During the summer, visitors can still enjoy scenic drives and indoor activities, but may want to avoid intense heat and sun exposure.
Family Friendliness of Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park
Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning landscapes and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages, but when it comes to being family-friendly, there are some differences to consider.
Shenandoah National Park is known for its scenic drive, scenic hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park also offers several campgrounds and picnic areas for families to enjoy. Zion National Park is also known for its beautiful vistas and outdoor recreational opportunities, but it is more challenging for young children. The park features steep cliffs and narrow canyons that can be difficult for children to navigate. Additionally, some of the hiking trails in Zion National Park are strenuous and not recommended for young children.
If you are traveling with children, Shenandoah National Park is likely the better choice. The park is more accessible for young children and has more amenities for families, such as picnic areas and campsites. Zion National Park is still worth a visit, but it may not be the best choice for families with young children. If you have older children or teenagers who are up for a challenge, they may enjoy exploring the trails in Zion National Park.
In conclusion, when it comes to family-friendly national parks, Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park both offer unique experiences for visitors. However, if you are traveling with young children, Shenandoah National Park is likely the better choice.