When it comes to choosing a national park to explore, the options can be overwhelming. But what if we pitted two of the most popular parks against each other? Virgin Islands National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most visited parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise located in the Caribbean Sea, offering clear, turquoise waters, lush vegetation and an abundance of wildlife. On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park, located in the Rockies, boasts some of the most iconic geysers, hot springs and wildlife in the world, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.
So, which park is the real winner? Well, that’s up to you to decide. Join us as we take a closer look at Virgin Islands National Park vs. Yellowstone National Park and find out what makes each one special. You may be surprised at what you discover. From crystal clear waters to majestic wildlife, both parks have a lot to offer.
Hiking Trails in Virgin Islands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails with different levels of difficulty.
In the Virgin Islands National Park, the easiest hike is the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, a flat and well-maintained trail that leads through the dense forest to the beach. On the other hand, the hardest hike is the Annaberg Sugar Mill Trail, a strenuous hike that leads to the ruins of a former sugar mill and offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
In Yellowstone National Park, the easiest hike is the boardwalk trail at the geyser basins, which offers a leisurely stroll through the famous geyser basins. The hardest hike is the Mist Trail, which takes hikers to the top of the Nevada Falls, offering panoramic views of the park and a challenging ascent over rough terrain.
Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all experience levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous mountain hikes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a challenging workout, both the Virgin Islands National Park and Yellowstone National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Virgin Islands National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
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 Virgin Islands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.
Yellowstone is located in the western United States and is known for its diverse range of wildlife, including the iconic American Bison, elk, moose, wolves, and bears. In addition to these larger mammals, Yellowstone is also home to over 300 species of birds, including the bald eagle and osprey. Visitors can also spot a variety of reptiles, including snakes and lizards, as well as numerous species of fish in the park’s rivers and lakes.
Virgin Islands National Park, located in the Caribbean, offers a different wildlife experience. The park is home to over 50 species of reptiles, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Visitors can also spot a variety of birds, including the Caribbean parrot and frigate bird. In addition, the park is home to a thriving coral reef ecosystem and offers opportunities to observe a variety of marine life, including starfish, sea urchins, and colorful tropical fish.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and each park’s unique location and environment make for a different wildlife experience. Whether you’re interested in observing large mammals in their natural habitats, or exploring the rich marine life of the Caribbean, both Yellowstone and Virgin Islands National Park have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Virgin Islands National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Virgin Islands 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 |
American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
European Starling | Song Sparrow |
Northern Pintail | European Starling |
American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Virgin Islands 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 |
Porcupine | 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 |
Mink | Mountain Lion |
Mule Deer | Mink |
Gray Wolf | Mule Deer |
Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
Snowshoe Hare | Badger |
North American River Otter | Short Tailed Weasel |
Masked Shrew | California Myotis |
Reptiles
Virgin Islands National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Bullsnake | Racer |
Racer | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Amphibians
Virgin Islands National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
Plains Spadefoot | Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
Virgin Islands National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
---|---|
Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
Bluegill | Brown Trout |
Flathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
Golden Shiner | Lake Trout |
Carp/European Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
Northern Pike | Longnose Dace |
Burbot | Speckled Dace |
Longnose Dace | Arctic Grayling |
Channel Catfish | |
Black Bullhead | |
Creek Chub |
Insects
Virgin Islands National Park | 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 Virgin Islands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is widely known for its geothermal features like geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pots. The most famous of these is Old Faithful, which erupts every hour or so. The park also boasts a diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and lakes, including the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is located in the US Virgin Islands and is known for its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. Visitors can hike through the lush tropical forests, snorkel in the turquoise waters or relax on the sandy beaches. The park is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and the historic Danish town of Charlotte Amalie.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone or the tropical beauty of the Virgin Islands, both parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Virgin Islands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two popular National Parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and activities for visitors.
Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, such as geysers and hot springs. Visitors can also go on wildlife watching tours to see bison, elk and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. Hiking and camping are popular activities, with over 900 miles of trails to explore. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John, is a tropical paradise with white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and lush vegetation. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities, with over 20 dive sites to explore. Hiking and kayaking are also popular, with trails that lead to stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and opportunities to see wildlife such as iguanas and exotic birds.
Both parks offer a diverse range of activities, from exploring geothermal wonders to relaxing on tropical beaches. No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone at Yellowstone and Virgin Islands National Park.
Best Time to Visit Virgin Islands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, located in the northwestern region of the United States, and Virgin Islands National Park, located in the Caribbean, offer vastly different climates and weather patterns.
In Yellowstone, the seasons are distinct with harsh winters and mild summers. The park receives an average of 80 inches of snow per year and temperatures can drop below freezing. While winter offers unique opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and easy access to park attractions.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park experiences a tropical climate with year-round warm temperatures. The park is located in a hurricane-prone area, with the peak season being June through November. The best time to visit is from December to May, when the weather is dry and less humid. The park offers a variety of water-based activities, making it a popular destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing.
When deciding when to visit either park, it is important to consider the weather and what activities you want to participate in. Yellowstone is best visited in the summer for hiking and wildlife viewing, while Virgin Islands National Park is ideal for water sports in the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Virgin Islands National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are both great destinations for families, but each offers a unique experience. Yellowstone is known for its incredible geothermal features such as geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, as well as its diverse wildlife and scenic drives. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, educational exhibits, and kid-friendly hiking trails.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise that offers a different type of family-friendly experience. The park encompasses over 7,000 acres of pristine beaches, snorkeling spots, and hiking trails. Children can learn about the park’s rich history, including the stories of the indigenous Taino people and the colonial sugar plantations. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and educational exhibits, making it a great destination for families who are interested in history and culture.
When it comes to choosing between the two parks, it largely depends on what your family is interested in. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure with a focus on geology and wildlife, then Yellowstone is a great choice. If you’re looking for a tropical getaway with a focus on history and culture, then Virgin Islands National Park is the place to be. Both parks are family-friendly and offer a unique experience, so choose the one that aligns with your family’s interests and preferences.