Difference between Grand Canyon and Yellowstone
As far as national parks go, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone would have to be among the very best. Drawing crowds of thousands of people every year to this very day, no visit to the United States would be complete without a closer look at either one. Let's see just what makes these two national landmarks so unique.
Profile
The Grand Canyon is the name of the national park in the United States, whose most distinctive feature is a steep canyon carved out by the Colorado River. Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the first national parks in the country.
Yellowstone or the Yellowstone National Park was established by an act of Congress, and was signed into law by then United States President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone is located mostly in Wyoming, although parts of it extend into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone is one of the world’s first national parks, and is famous for its wildlife and geothermal features. Most notable of these is Old Faithful Geyser, which to this very day is one of the park's most popular attractions. Yellowstone is comprised of many different ecosystem types, but the most predominant is sub-alpine forestland.
Why Go?
Grand Canyon is characterized by breathtaking views, and its immense size is one of the most impressive in all the world's national parks. The park offers a wealth of outdoor adventures as you can imagine, and activities such as hiking and sailing attract thousands of people from all over the world.
Yellowstone offers numerous options for accommodations, and it provides just as many opportunities for outdoor activities as the Grand Canyon. It would particularly be worth checking out are the Canyon and Bridge Bay camping grounds. In addition to the aforementioned Old Faithful, which is undoubtedly the most popular geyser in the world, Yellowstone also has a rich plant and animal life. Depending on the season, you can expect to encounter grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, and more, although hopefully not too close up!
Weather/Temperature Conditions
Spring in the Grand Canyon is marked by a variety of weather conditions, and you should be prepared for pleasant weather to suddenly turn cold or for rain to fall. The summer is generally pleasant, although winter weather can be quite harsh.
As for Yellowstone, spring is marked by temperatures that range from 30°F to 60°F, although the nights can be a lot colder, with temperatures that dip into the single digits. Even nights in the summer can be cold, and temperatures below freezing aren't uncommon, particularly higher up. Summer afternoons may also be marked by thunderstorms, and winter months are usually very cold.
Summary
Grand Canyon
- A steep canyon carved out by the Colorado River
- One of the first national parks in the country
Yellowstone
- Established by an act of Congress
- One of the world’s first national parks
- Famous for its wildlife and geothermal features, the most notable of which is Old Faithful Geyser
