There’s perhaps nothing more exciting than coming across wildlife in our National Parks. Tara and I have had a number of wildlife-viewing experiences in the parks we have visited so far. This post will rank the Top 10 National Parks based on wildlife viewing opportunities we have had in each one.
NOTE: of course, this list is limited to the experiences that Tara and I have had. There is no guarantee of what animals you will see in each park (but you can pretty much bet 100% that you will see at least one bison in Yellowstone...it’s practically inevitable) 😁
NOTE: keep in mind that our National Parks are not petting zoos. DO NOT APPROACH WILDLIFE! Keep a safe and healthy distance. Every year, thousands and thousands of tourists are injured (some even killed) by wildlife. Use caution, pack bear spray, educate yourself, and be smart!
Links to some of my other Top 10 lists:
Top 10 Waterfalls: https://paulnationalparks.blogspot.com/2019/10/top-10-waterfalls.html
Top 10 National Park gateway cities: https://paulnationalparks.blogspot.com/2019/06/top-10-national-park-cities.html
And now, our Top 10 National Parks for wildlife experiences:
10. Saguaro National Park
While driving in the eastern section of the park, the Rincon Mountain District, I saw what looked like a big rock in the middle of the road. But then, the rock started to move! It was a desert tortoise, according to the rangers, a sighting of one of these creatures is relatively rare. It was the highlight of our tour of this park.
9. Dry Tortugas National Park
This remote key has lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. There is great snorkeling here, particularly along the moat of the old fort. The day we went, the visibility was pretty low, but we did get to see lots of fish. There were also lots of pelicans (pictured above) flying around and making themselves at home.
8. Zion National Park
Zion always seems to pop up on my Top 10 lists...but it really is one of the best parks of the NPS. On our hike to the Emerald Pools, we happened upon these deer right next to the trail, calmly eating in the early morning sun. We also got to see some wild turkeys shoot across the road while going down the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
7. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
On our trip to the North Unit of this rugged National Park, we were treated with herds of these stoic, majestic beasts. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great place for buffalo (bison) sighting. Almost hunted to extinction in the late 1800s, bison have made a great comeback, thanks in part to conservation efforts by the NPS.
On our way out of the park, we got snarled in a bison traffic jam! Just go slow, and enjoy the experience. These guys were huge, as big as the car! 😀
6. Shenandoah National Park
Before our visit to Shenandoah NP last September, the only bear I have seen in the wild was a small black bear in Yellowstone years ago (I was like 16) and was very far away.
So, imagine our surprise and delight when we crossed paths with this black bear as we were driving to our room at Skyland Lodge.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
As we traversed the spine-tingling Trail Ridge Road, we came across this beautiful, proud elk. The antlers were incredibly impressive. As we got above the tree line, there were many herds of these amazing elk. Simply spectacular.
4. Pinnacles National Park
Another success story of our National Parks, is the preservation and rehabilitation of the California Condor, which have been saved from near extinction. In fact, the California Condor did go extinct (in the wild) but have now been re-introduced in Pinnacles, Grand Canyon, Zion and a few other places. They are flourishing in Pinnacles. Along our hike of the High Peaks loop, we were lucky to espy this juvenile condor right along the trail. A small group had gathered to gawk at this rare species.
As we stood there enjoying the show, it became even more exhilarating. Two adults flew down from high in the sky and perched on the rocks right next to the juvenile. It was incredible and awe-inspiring. Getting up close and personal with these impressive birds was an unforgettable moment and one of the highlights of our quest to visit every national park. We are very grateful to have had this experience.
3. Channel Islands National Park
The Channel Islands off the coast of California is a treasure trove of wildlife. The islands themselves are home to a number of endemic species, including the Channel Island Fox.
But the real highlight of a visit here is the ferry ride over. We were super lucky on our ride over to Santa Cruz Island. We saw pelicans, harbor seals, dolphins playing in the wake of the ferry boat, and three humpback whales! It was awesome.
2. Everglades National Park
Simply put...Everglades exceeded our expectations immensely. Everglades is a bird-watchers paradise, we saw herons, egrets, anhinga (snakebird), ibis, wood storks, and the stunning roseate spoonbill with it’s brilliant pink feathers.
But the big daddy and real prize here...are the alligators. They...are...everywhere! Wow, I never would have imagined that we would have seen so many. Alligators are yet another success story of our national parks, and have bounced back incredibly strong. If you come across a natural body of water in Florida...you can pretty much bet there’s going to be a gator in it. They are fierce, so keep your distance, but they are not very aggressive. They won’t bug you as long as you don’t bug them. They are definitely menacing though, kind of scary. Crocodiles are relatively rare here (we didn’t spot any), they live in saltwater, or brackish, water so they are near the ocean. Crocodiles are incredibly aggressive and territorial. Don’t go anywhere near them.
Best wildlife viewing opportunities are in Shark Valley (take the tram tour...well worth it) and the Anhinga Trail, near the Ernest F. Coe visitors center. Our tour guide at Shark Valley told us that the novelty of seeing an alligator on the tour would wear off, I can’t believe he was right! 😀 Maybe, if you’re super lucky, you’ll have a chance to see a Florida panther (they are incredibly rare, though). Everglades is a wildlife observer’s dream.
1. Yellowstone National Park
No doubt about it, Yellowstone is THE national park when it comes to wildlife. There’s a multitude of bison, elk, deer. You also have a good chance to see moose, black bears, and even grizzly bears. Yellowstone is the premier destination for wildlife viewing. Tara and I have had so many experiences with wildlife here. Love it.
Last October, Tara and I experienced winter in Yellowstone for the first time. It was incredible, it was almost like visiting a new park.
As we started the Fairy Falls Trail to get to the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook, we were blessed with a rare treat. We saw two wolves walking through the slow. We kept our distance, but it was an amazing and unique experience to see these wolves.
If you don’t get a chance to see any bears or wolves in the wild, stop by the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. It’s a very fun stop.
What are some of your wildlife experiences in our National Parks?
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