Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. They each have their own special features, from the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the towering cliffs of Zion. If you’re trying to decide which park to visit, you’re in for a treat. This article will take you on a journey through these two incredible destinations, highlighting the best that each has to offer.
Whether you’re a seasoned national park traveler or just starting out, Yellowstone and Zion are sure to leave a lasting impression. With stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure, these two parks have something for everyone. So, which park will you choose? Will it be the geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone, or the towering canyons and stunning vistas of Zion? The choice is yours, but either way, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer great hiking opportunities, but they are quite different in the type of hikes they offer.
At Yellowstone National Park, the hikes range from easy boardwalks to strenuous backcountry treks. One of the easiest hikes is the boardwalk to the Lower Geyser Basin, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike on a flat, well-maintained trail. On the other hand, the most strenuous hike in the park is the nearly 22-mile round trip to the summit of Mount Washburn.
In Zion National Park, the hikes range from easy nature walks to strenuous canyons. One of the easiest hikes is the Riverside Walk, a 2.2-mile round trip hike along the Virgin River. One of the most strenuous hikes in the park is the strenuous 16-mile round trip hike of the West Rim Trail. The trail takes you to the top of Angels Landing, which provides a panoramic view of the park’s landscape.
Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking opportunities for all levels of hikers, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. So, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, you’re sure to find a hike that’s perfect for you at either Yellowstone National Park or Zion National Park.
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 |
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 Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park
Yellowstone National Park is known for its diverse wildlife including the gray wolves, elk, bison, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can also spot black and grizzly bears, coyotes, foxes, and moose. The park is also home to several species of birds, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the common raven.
Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is home to a unique and diverse array of wildlife. Visitors to the park can spot animals such as the desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and the threatened California condor. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as the American dipper, white-throated swift, and the peregrine falcon commonly seen. Zion is also home to a variety of plants and flowers, including the Joshua tree and the prickly pear cactus.
In conclusion, both Yellowstone and Zion National Parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. While Yellowstone is known for its large mammals such as bison and elk, Zion is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the threatened California condor and the unique desert bighorn sheep. Visitors to both parks have the chance to see a variety of bird species and plants, making both parks must-see destinations for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Yellowstone 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
| Yellowstone 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 |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | American Badger |
| Badger | Ermine |
| Short Tailed Weasel | California Myotis |
| California Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Yellowstone National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Speckled Dace |
| Lake Trout | Channel Catfish |
| Mottled Sculpin | Goldfish |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Yellowstone National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Yellowstone National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Gophersnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Rubber Boa | 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 |
Insects
| Yellowstone National Park | Zion 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 Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States, each offering its own unique landscapes and natural wonders. Yellowstone, established in 1872, is the first national park in the world and is famous for its geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful. The park also boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Lamar Valley to the towering peaks of the Absaroka Range.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning red rock formations, including the towering cliffs of Angels Landing and the narrow slot canyons of The Narrows. Hiking is a popular activity in the park, with trails ranging from easy walks along the Virgin River to challenging ascents up to the park’s highest peaks. The park also features several beautiful waterfalls, including the cascading falls of the Emerald Pools.
Both parks offer breathtaking views and the chance to experience some of the most amazing natural wonders in the country. Whether you prefer the geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone or the towering cliffs and slot canyons of Zion, both parks are must-visit destinations for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Things To-Do and Activities in Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States and both offer a unique range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Yellowstone, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, geyser watching, and scenic drives. The park is home to many species of wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears, and visitors can often spot them from the many scenic overlooks throughout the park. In addition, Yellowstone is famous for its geysers, including Old Faithful, which erupts every hour or so, and visitors can also explore the park’s hot springs and mudpots.
Zion, on the other hand, is a hiker’s paradise with many popular trails leading to stunning views of the park’s towering cliffs, canyons, and valleys. In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy climbing, canyoneering, and scenic drives through the park’s beautiful landscapes. The park also offers horseback rides, ranger-led programs, and even a shuttle service to help visitors get around and explore the park.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, and the choice between Yellowstone and Zion comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, or the stunning landscapes of canyons and cliffs, both parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. The seasonal weather patterns at each park are quite different, affecting when is the best time of year to visit.
Yellowstone National Park is situated at a higher elevation and has a more severe climate, with cold winters and mild summers. During the winter, the park is covered in snow and temperatures can drop below 0°F. This makes it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, who come to enjoy the snow and ice. However, the roads in the park are not always accessible during the winter, so visitors should plan accordingly. Summer is milder, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F, making it a good time to visit for hiking and camping.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in the southwestern desert and has a warmer climate. Summers are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, making it a less desirable time to visit. However, spring and fall offer milder weather and are popular times to visit for hiking and sightseeing. Winter temperatures are cooler, but still mild, making it a good time to visit for those who prefer milder weather.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather patterns at Yellowstone and Zion National Parks are quite different, affecting when is the best time of year to visit. Yellowstone is best visited during the summer for hiking and camping, or during the winter for winter sports. Zion is best visited during spring or fall for hiking and sightseeing, or during the winter for milder temperatures.
Family Friendliness of Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique landscapes and breathtaking views, but they vary in how family-friendly they are.
Yellowstone National Park is a great destination for families because of the variety of activities that are available. From geyser watching to hiking, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, the park offers educational programs for children, such as Junior Ranger activities, which help them learn about the park and its wildlife. The park also has several picnic areas, restaurants, and lodges that are perfect for families.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is a more strenuous park to visit with children, as it is known for its challenging hikes and steep trails. However, the park does offer several shorter and easier hikes, such as the Riverside Walk, which follows the Virgin River and is suitable for families. For those who are up for a challenge, the park also provides guided hikes and rock climbing opportunities.
In conclusion, both Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park offer unique experiences for families, but Yellowstone is more family-friendly overall due to the variety of activities and facilities available. However, if you’re looking for a more challenging adventure, Zion is a great option for families who are up for a hike.