Venture into the great outdoors and experience the beauty of two of America’s most awe-inspiring national parks: Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park. Both parks are unique in their own way, offering a wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenic views. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to choose which one to visit first.
Imagine yourself kayaking through the pristine waters of Voyageurs National Park, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of lapping waves. Or, picture yourself hiking through the stunning red rock formations of Zion National Park, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and canyons.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, these two national parks have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the wonders of Voyageurs and Zion National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park
Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park are two popular parks with plenty of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of trails, from easy hikes to strenuous backpacking trips.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota offers a mix of easy and moderate hikes, as well as a few challenging backpacking trips. Some of the most popular easy hikes are the Rainy Lake Trail and the Kabetogama Lake Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the parks many lakes and waterways. On the other hand, the park’s hardest hike is the Border Route Trail, a 65-mile backpacking trip that takes several days to complete and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
In contrast, Zion National Park in Utah is known for its strenuous hikes, including the famous Angels Landing hike and the Narrows hike. Both hikes offer unique challenges, including steep inclines and narrow paths along cliff edges. However, for those seeking an easier hike, the park also has several trails, such as the Riverside Walk and the Pa’rus Trail, which are flat and provide easy access to the park’s stunning scenery.
Ultimately, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, both Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a challenging backpacking trip, these parks have you covered.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 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 Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park
Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering a unique experience for nature lovers. When it comes to wildlife, both parks offer a wide variety of species, but there are some differences to consider.
At Voyageurs National Park, visitors can expect to see a diverse range of animals, including beavers, otters, and moose. In addition to these mammals, the park is also home to a variety of birds, such as bald eagles and ospreys, and a number of fish species, including muskellunge and northern pike.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique plant life and the opportunities it provides for bird watching. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of bird species, including the endangered California Condor, as well as a diverse range of plants, including cacti and wildflowers. In addition to these, visitors may also encounter desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and other mammals that are native to the region.
In terms of plant life, both parks offer unique experiences, with Voyageurs being known for its dense forests and Zion being known for its desert landscape. Whether you’re interested in birds or mammals, both parks offer a variety of species to observe and appreciate.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Voyageurs 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
| Voyageurs 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 |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Plains Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | American Badger |
| Snowshoe Hare | Ermine |
| River Otter | California Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Fringed Myotis |
Amphibians
| Voyageurs National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Voyageurs National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brown Trout |
| Bluegill | Speckled Dace |
| Fathead Minnow | Channel Catfish |
| Golden Shiner | Goldfish |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Voyageurs National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| 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 |
Beautiful Landscapes in Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah and is known for its towering cliffs, steep canyons, and unique rock formations. The most famous landscape in Zion is the Zion Canyon, which is a narrow, 15-mile-long canyon that is surrounded by towering cliffs and is home to the Virgin River. Another popular spot in the park is Angel’s Landing, a steep hike that offers breathtaking views of the Zion Canyon.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its vast network of lakes, forests, and wetlands. The most famous landscape in Voyageurs is the Kabetogama Peninsula, a chain of interconnected lakes that offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Another popular spot in the park is the Ellsworth Rock Gardens, which is a series of interconnected rock formations that are surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and lush forests. Both Zion and Voyageurs offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are perfect for anyone looking to escape into nature and experience the beauty of the great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park
Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer unique experiences and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Voyageurs National Park is known for its water-based recreation, such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park is home to over 400 lakes, making it a popular destination for boaters and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the park’s backcountry by boat or on foot, taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife along the way.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is popular for its hiking and rock climbing opportunities. The park is home to a number of challenging trails, including the famous Angels Landing and The Narrows. Visitors can also explore the park’s canyons and diverse landscapes on horseback or by taking a scenic drive through the park.
In conclusion, both Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park offer unique experiences and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a water-based adventure or a challenging hike, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park
Both Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but their seasonal weather can greatly impact the experience of visiting each park.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, experiences long, cold winters and short, warm summers. Winter temperatures can reach below 0°F, making outdoor activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing popular. Summer temperatures average around 70°F, making it ideal for water-based activities like boating and fishing.
Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making hiking and other outdoor activities best done during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Winter temperatures average around 50°F, providing mild and pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
When deciding when to visit either park, it is important to consider the weather and what activities you want to do. If you are looking for cold weather outdoor activities, Voyageurs National Park is best visited during the winter. For those who prefer warm weather outdoor activities, summer is the best time to visit. Zion National Park, on the other hand, is best visited during the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park
Voyageurs National Park and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for families, but each offers a unique experience. Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its stunning water-based recreation opportunities, including boating, fishing, and kayaking. It’s a great place for families who love the outdoors and want to spend time on the water.
Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and is known for its stunning canyons and hikes. It’s a great place for families who love to hike and explore the great outdoors. There are several trails that are suitable for families with children, including the Riverside Walk and the Pa’rus Trail.
In terms of accessibility and convenience, Zion National Park is more family-friendly. There are several shuttle services that run through the park, making it easy for families with small children to get around. Additionally, there are several campgrounds and picnic areas in the park, making it a great place to spend the night.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, has limited facilities and services, making it a bit more challenging for families with young children. However, if your family loves the water and is looking for a more remote, wilderness experience, then Voyageurs National Park might be the better choice.