Both Yellowstone and Zion National Parks offer unique experiences. Yellowstone is ideal for those interested in geothermal features and diverse wildlife, while Zion is better suited for those seeking accessible trails and family-friendly activities in a warmer climate. Both parks face challenges with crowding and parking, particularly during peak season.
| Attribute | Yellowstone National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Yellowstone National Park | Zion National Park |
| Annual Visitors | 4,744,353 visitors in 2024 | 5 million visitors in 2023; 5,039,835 visitors in 2021 |
| Park Size (acres) | 2,219,791 acres (8,983.18 km2) | 146,597 acres or 229 square miles; another source says 148,733 acres |
| Entrance Fee | A 7-day pass for a private, non-commercial vehicle is $35. An annual Yellowstone pass is $70. The "America the Beautiful" pass, valid for all national parks, is $80. | Private Vehicle: $35 (valid for 1-7 days); Motorcycle: $30 (valid for 1-7 days); Per Person (no car): $20 (valid for 1-7 days, for bicyclists, hikers, pedestrians; youth 15 and under are free) |
| Number of Hiking Trails | Over 1,100 miles (1,800 km) of blazed and mapped hiking trails | Various day hiking trails in Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons, and Kolob Terrace |
| Availability of Lodging | Yellowstone National Park Lodges operates 9 lodges in the summer and 2 in the winter. Lodging inside the park often books several months in advance. | Zion Lodge is the only lodging located inside the park. It has hotel rooms and historic cabins. Lodging is also available in the nearby town of Springdale. |
| Camping Options | 11 campgrounds with over 2,000 established campsites. Reservations are required for most campsites. | Watchman Campground: Open year-round. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance; South Campground: Open early March to late October; Lava Point Campground: Typically open May through September. It has limited amenities; Backcountry camping is allowed with a permit. |
| Wildlife Viewing Opportunities | Home to diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, wolves, moose, and various bird species. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are known for wildlife viewing. | Mule deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species can be spotted along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Bighorn sheep are commonly seen in the Kolob Canyons area. Spring and fall are the best times for wildlife viewing. Common animals include mule deer, foxes, bats, bighorn sheep and rock squirrels. |
| Geothermal Features (e.g., geysers, hot springs) | Over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including more than 500 geysers. | There are no geothermal features like geysers or hot springs in Zion National Park. |
| Accessibility (e.g., paved roads, shuttle service) | ADA-compliant facilities, trails, and viewing areas. Many visitor centers have accessible entrances and restrooms. | The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is fully accessible; Shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible; Pa'rus Trail and Riverside Walk are accessible trails; Zion Lodge is accessible via shuttle from mid-February through late November. |
| Kid-Friendly Activities | Offers various kid-friendly activities, though specific details were not found in the search results. | Junior Ranger Program; Easy family hikes like the Pa'rus Trail and Riverside Walk; Zion Canyon Shuttle tour. |
| Ranger Programs Offered | Yellowstone Today lists accessible Ranger-Led Programs and Activities. | The park offers a variety of free ranger programs and activities. These include ranger-led talks, hikes, and shuttle tours. |
| Average Temperature (Summer) | Daily high temperatures increase from 60 ```json, | — |