Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two of the most unique national parks in the United States: Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park. On one hand, Lake Clark offers breathtaking views of glaciers, wild rivers, and untamed wilderness, while on the other, White Sands boasts pristine white sand dunes that stretch for miles. Both parks are unique in their own right and it’s hard to choose just one as the winner.
Imagine yourself kayaking through the turquoise waters of Lake Clark or hiking through its rugged terrain, where you might spot a brown bear or a moose. On the other hand, White Sands is a surreal landscape of white sand, where you can sled down the dunes or stargaze in the night sky. Both parks offer a completely different experience, making it challenging to determine which one is truly the most exceptional.
So, which park will come out on top? Will it be Lake Clark’s rugged beauty or White Sands’ otherworldly landscape? Read on to find out as we compare and contrast these two natural wonders and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are two unique national parks that offer diverse hiking experiences to visitors. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located on the Alaska Peninsula and offers rugged, challenging hikes through the wilderness. The park is known for its stunning scenery, including glaciers, alpine lakes, and wildlife. The hardest hike in the park is the Pioneer Ridge Trail, which is a 12-mile round trip hike that takes about 8 to 10 hours to complete. This trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness, but it is not for the faint of heart.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is located in New Mexico and is known for its expansive gypsum dunes that cover over 275 square miles. The park offers several easy hikes, including the Dune Life Nature Trail, a 0.5-mile round trip hike that takes about 30 minutes to complete. This trail provides a great introduction to the unique landscape of the park. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Alkali Flat Trail is a 4.6-mile round trip hike that takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. This trail takes visitors through the heart of the dune field and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Both Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park offer unique and diverse hiking experiences to visitors. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike or an easy stroll, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.7 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in White Sands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 6 |
Wildlife in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is home to a diverse array of wildlife species. Visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including brown and black bears, moose, caribou, and foxes. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 180 species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and sandhill cranes. Additionally, visitors may be lucky enough to spot sea otters and harbor seals in the park’s many waterways.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is located in New Mexico and is primarily known for its stunning white sand dunes. Despite the seemingly inhospitable environment, the park is home to a variety of unique and adapted plants and animals. Visitors may see pronghorn antelope, kit foxes, and the park’s signature species, the white-tailed jackrabbit. Birdwatchers can spot burrowing owls, roadrunners, and several species of hawks. The park also has a rich variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and several species of lizards.
Both parks offer unique and unforgettable wildlife experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in observing majestic predators, such as bears and eagles, or unique and adapted species, such as jackrabbits and reptiles, both Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | White Sands 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 |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Gray Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Snowshoe Hare | Porcupine |
| Northern River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Water Shrew | Red Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
| Lynx | Mountain Lion |
| Wolverine | Mink |
| American Marten | Common Gray Fox |
| Brown Bear | Plains Wolf |
| Meadow Vole | American Badger |
| Moose | Ermine |
| Least Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Pygmy Shrew | River Otter |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | Largemouth Bass |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Burbot | Fathead Minnow |
| Silver Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| King Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Slimy Sculpin | Northern Pike |
| Threespine Stickleback | Ellpout |
| Sockeye Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Pink Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Dolly Varden | Black Crappie |
| Arctic Grayling | Black Bullhead |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in southwestern Alaska and is known for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. The park is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, including the Chigmit Mountains, which offer breathtaking views of glaciers, forests, and wildlife. One of the most famous landscapes in Lake Clark is the turquoise blue waters of Lake Clark itself, which is surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. Visitors can take scenic boat tours to see the lake and its surrounding beauty.
White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico and is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The park’s famous landscape is the white, waving dunes that stretch for miles. Visitors can hike along the dunes and take in the stunning views of the surrounding desert. The park also offers scenic drives, including a scenic loop that takes visitors through the heart of the dune field. The park is also home to unique wildlife, including the threatened sand gopher and the nocturnal kangaroo rat.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are two unique destinations, each offering its own array of popular activities. In Lake Clark, visitors enjoy fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park is known for its abundant salmon and rainbow trout, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The park’s waterways offer opportunities for boating, kayaking, and canoeing, while its vast wilderness provides a habitat for brown bears, moose, and caribou, making it a prime destination for wildlife viewing.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is a unique landscape of white sand dunes, offering opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and stargazing. The park’s dunes provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor recreation, including hiking and picnicking. The park also offers guided ranger programs and stargazing events, allowing visitors to learn about the night sky and enjoy the stunning view of the stars above the white sands. Both parks offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse oneself in nature. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are great destinations to explore.
Best Time to Visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are two unique national parks that offer different experiences to visitors. The seasonal weather at these parks affects when is the best time to visit.
At Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, the weather is temperate and rainy in the summer months, with temperatures ranging from 40-70°F. Winters are cold and snowy with temperatures ranging from 5-30°F. The best time to visit Lake Clark is from June to September when the weather is mild, and the park is accessible by road and boat. During this time, visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, has a hot and dry desert climate. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, while winter temperatures can drop to 30°F. The park is best visited from September to May when temperatures are cooler, and the chance of rain is minimal. During this time, visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and sand sledding on the unique white sand dunes.
Both Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park offer unique experiences to visitors, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather and the activities you want to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape to the mountains or an adventure in the desert, these two parks are definitely worth visiting.
Family Friendliness of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering its own unique set of features and advantages for families traveling with children.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve wins hands down. With its diverse range of activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The park also has a number of ranger-led programs and educational activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. In addition, the park has a number of campgrounds and picnic areas, making it easy for families to spend a night or two under the stars.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is a little less family-friendly. While the park offers a number of beautiful hiking trails and picnic areas, the blazing hot temperatures and lack of shade can make it difficult for families with young children to enjoy. In addition, the park’s main attraction, the white sand dunes, can be a little too harsh for children’s delicate skin, and the sand itself can make it difficult to walk or play.
Ultimately, if you’re traveling with children and looking for a family-friendly national park, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is the better choice. With its diverse range of activities, educational programs, and comfortable camping options, families are sure to have a great time exploring this beautiful park.