The Best National Parks For Wildlife Spotting During National Park Week, Data Shows
Did you know 57% of Americans love spotting wildlife? According to the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report, we're a nature-loving bunch, and there's no better time to channel that energy than during National Park Week (April 19 to April 27). With the National Park Service's Fee-Free Day happening on April 19, it's a great excuse to get outside, breathe in that fresh air, and maybe catch a glimpse of a bear, bird, or even a glowing scorpion.
Outdoor apparel brand KÜHL dug into wildlife data across the country to find out which parks are best for spotting animals, from mammals and birds to spiders and snails (yes, really). They ranked parks based on eight wildlife categories and factored in both species diversity and visitor interest.
So, where should you head for the best chance to connect with nature? Here's what the data says:
Top spot for birdwatchers and one of the best for mammals, reptiles, and even spiders.The Grand Canyon isn't just a jaw-dropping natural wonder, it's a biodiversity haven. With 447 bird species (including the rare California condor), it tops the list for birdwatching. Mammal lovers can spot 91 species, from bison to mountain lions. It's also home to 58 reptiles, including Gila monsters, and an impressive 142 species of spiders and scorpions...plus, some of them even glow under UV light, like the Bark Scorpion.
And if you're into the more elusive creatures, this park is a hotspot for hard-to-spot species like the short-horned lizard and the red crossbill. Whether you're peering through binoculars or just enjoying a casual hike, the Grand Canyon is a wild place in more ways than one.
The salamander capital of the world, plus a haven for spiders and black bears.Second on the list, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the place for amphibian enthusiasts, with 52 species, including the mysterious hellbender salamander. It also ranks first for spiders and scorpions (969 species!) and slugs and snails (189 species).
Add in 85 mammal species, including iconic black bears, and it's easy to see why this park draws millions each year. Birders and bug lovers alike will find something to geek out over here. Don't skip a walk through the misty forest trails where Joro spiders are now being discovered.
Top spot for reptile lovers and a paradise for birders.Big Bend takes the bronze, standing out as the #1 park for reptile watching with 59 species, like desert tortoises and Western diamondback rattlesnakes. It's also second for birdwatching with 412 species, from vibrant painted buntings to cheeky Mexican jays.
But Big Bend doesn't stop there, it's also rich in mammal life, ranking fourth with 80 species, including javelinas, bobcats, and even the occasional mountain lion. Its remote, rugged landscape is ideal for nature lovers looking to escape the crowds.
Bat caves by night, reptiles and birds by day.Known for its nightly bat flights, Carlsbad Caverns earns the fourth spot thanks to its thriving population of Brazilian free-tailed bats. And the wildlife magic isn't just underground, it also ranks fourth for birdwatching (362 species) and fifth for reptiles (43 species), including the Texas banded gecko.
Want more? The park is also home to 68 mammal species, like Chihuahuan Desert pocket mice and Rocky Mountain elk. It's a surprising wildlife gem hiding beneath the desert landscape.
Home to giants, both trees and wildlife.Yes, the towering redwoods are the star here, but Redwood National Park is also a standout for animal life. It ranks first for mammal spotting (85 species), including Roosevelt elk, river otters, and Virginia opossums. It also ranks seventh for fish diversity (112 species), featuring creatures like salmon and tidewater goby.
Birdwatchers can spot 288 species, including the elusive Marbled Murrelet, which nests in old-growth forests. It's the kind of place where you feel small, in the best way possible.
Slug central with a side of rattlesnakes and porcupines.Guadalupe Mountains may fly under the radar, but it ranks fourth in the U.S. for slug and snail diversity (47 species), including the Great Basin Mountain snail. Reptile fans can spot around 43 species, like the ever-iconic western diamondback rattlesnake.
The park's 69 mammal species include mule deer and porcupines, making it a perfect spot for those who love quieter trails and unique desert wildlife.
Alligators, crocodiles, and a mix of saltwater and freshwater life.The Everglades rank third for reptiles (57 species), with American alligators and American crocodiles calling it home, one of the only places on Earth where both coexist. It also ranks third for fish (297 species), from tarpon to snook and redfish.
Birdwatchers have plenty to celebrate too, with 358 species to spot, including rare ones like the Roseate Tern and Piping Plover. The Everglades' combination of marsh, mangrove, and coastal habitats creates a one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing experience.
Dry, hot...and surprisingly full of life.It might be the driest place in North America, but Death Valley is alive with unexpected wildlife. It ranks third in birdwatching with 386 species, like the quirky Greater Roadrunner and tiny Rufous Hummingbird.
Reptile lovers will also enjoy the 35 species here, including the elusive Mojave Desert sidewinder. Despite the harsh conditions, this park proves that even the most extreme places can be full of life.
Read next: Beyond the City Lights: Discovering the Beauty of Dark Sky Parks
Insects galore, plus cranes, snails, and scorpions.Yellowstone might be known for geysers and bison, but it's also home to 1,701 insect species, including the wetsalts tiger beetle and brine flies. It ranks seventh for slugs and snails (47 species) and eighth for bird species (289), with sightings like Whooping Cranes and Black Rosy-Finches.
It's also eighth in spider and scorpion diversity (40 species). If you love learning about all the little creatures that keep ecosystems running, Yellowstone offers a truly layered wildlife experience.
Read next: How Many National Parks Are There?
Cactus country meets reptile and mammal diversity.Rounding out the top 10, Saguaro National Park is a must-visit for reptile lovers, with 51 species, including Western coral snakes, Gila monsters, and desert tortoises. Mammal fans can spot 69 species, like javelinas and bobcats among the towering cacti.
Saguaro's desert landscape is teeming with life, even when it feels like the sun might melt your shoes. The contrast of blooming cacti, rocky trails, and scurrying wildlife makes this one unforgettable spot.
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