Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park are two of the most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. These two parks are a perfect example of the diverse beauty that the country has to offer, with one showcasing the rugged wilderness of the Arctic and the other showcasing the majestic peaks of the Teton Range.
Do you prefer the rugged and isolated wilderness of the Arctic or the towering peaks of the Teton Range? That’s the question that you’ll be answering when you choose between these two magnificent parks. Gates of the Arctic is a remote and wild park located in Alaska, where visitors can experience the true beauty of the Arctic tundra. On the other hand, Grand Teton is a park that’s located in Wyoming and is surrounded by the towering peaks of the Teton Range.
In this article, we’ll be comparing these two parks and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure. From the unique wildlife and stunning landscapes to the various activities and accommodations, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. So, grab your hiking boots, pack your camping gear, and let’s get ready for an adventure!
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Gates of the Arctic and Grand Teton National Parks offer vastly different hiking experiences. Gates of the Arctic, located in Alaska, is the northernmost national park in the United States and is known for its remote wilderness, rugged terrain, and abundant wildlife. Hiking trails in this park are limited and often unmarked, making it ideal for experienced hikers and backcountry enthusiasts. Some of the most popular and strenuous hikes in the park include the Arrigetch Peaks hike, which takes visitors to the top of the Arrigetch Mountains, and the Kobuk River hike, which provides stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and valleys.
In contrast, Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming, offers a wide range of hikes for visitors of all skill levels. The park boasts well-marked trails, ranging from easy, scenic walks to challenging mountain climbs. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the String Lake Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Teton Range, and the Jenny Lake Trail, which takes visitors to the base of the Grand Teton. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Grand Teton climb, which takes visitors to the summit of the Grand Teton, is one of the most popular and challenging hikes in the park.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cascade Canyon Trail | 15610.598 | 343.8144 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Jenny Lake Trail | 12391.918 | 221.8944 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Taggart Lake Loop | 6598.294 | 130.7592 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Delta Lake via Amphitheater Lake Trail | 14484.06 | 709.8792 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail | 14323.126 | 896.7216 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
Hidden Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 179.832 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Phelps Lake Trail | 11265.38 | 220.98 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Lake Solitude Trail | 25749.44 | 803.7576 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
String Lake Trail | 5954.558 | 79.8576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop | 9656.04 | 231.9528 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming both offer unique wildlife experiences. In Gates of the Arctic, visitors can observe grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and arctic foxes. The park is also home to numerous bird species such as the ptarmigan, gyrfalcon, and the snowy owl. There is also a rich diversity of flora including dwarf birch, willows, and tundra plants.
Grand Teton National Park is known for its large herds of elk and bison, as well as other mammals like black bears, moose, and pronghorns. The park is also a popular destination for bird watchers, as it hosts over 300 species of birds including the sandhill crane, bald eagle, and the American white pelican. Additionally, the park is known for its diverse flora including wildflowers, grasses, and aspen groves.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe and appreciate the natural beauty of the wilderness. However, Gates of the Arctic provides a more remote and rugged experience for those seeking a true wilderness adventure, while Grand Teton offers a more accessible and developed park with various amenities for visitors to enjoy.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Grand Teton 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 |
Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
American Pipit | European Starling |
Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Grand Teton National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
Porcupine | Bobcat |
Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
Mink | Little Brown Bat |
Wolf | Deer Mouse |
Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
Varying Hare | Black Bear |
River Otter | Porcupine |
Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
Montane Shrew | Red Fox |
Lynx | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Wolverine | Mountain Lion |
American Marten | Mink |
Grizzly Bear | Mule Deer |
Meadow Vole | Wolf |
Moose | Long-Legged Myotis |
Least Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
Pygmy Shrew | Badger |
Northern Bog Lemming | Ermine |
California Myotis | |
Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Grand Teton National Park |
---|---|
Longnose Sucker | Redband Trout |
Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
Eelpout | Lake Trout |
King Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
Slimy Sculpin | Longnose Dace |
Chum Salmon | Speckled Dace |
Dolly Varden | Arctic Grayling |
Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Grand Teton National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Reptiles
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Grand Teton National Park |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | |
Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its rugged and remote wilderness. This park is a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its vastness and scenic beauty. The Brooks Range, which is the northernmost mountain range in the United States, runs through the park and provides a stunning backdrop for the park’s many landscapes. Visitors can hike through the valleys of the Brooks Range, cross the Noatak River, and explore the tundra and glaciers.
On the other hand, Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming, is famous for its beautiful mountain range, the Teton Range. This range is home to the Grand Teton Mountain, which is the tallest mountain in the range at 13,770 feet. The Teton Range is a popular destination for climbers and hikers, and visitors can also take scenic drives, boat tours, and horseback rides to see the range from different perspectives. The park’s nearby lakes, such as Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake, are also popular for boating and fishing. Additionally, the park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk, bison, moose, and bears.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park are both popular national parks in the United States. While they might have some similarities, there are also some differences when it comes to the activities that visitors enjoy.
Gates of the Arctic is known for its remote wilderness, making it a popular destination for backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is also known for its stunning beauty, which can be seen from the scenic flightseeing tours that are offered in the region. Visitors who are interested in learning about the local culture and history can also attend ranger-led programs, which cover topics such as the park’s history and the land’s traditional use by local indigenous peoples.
Grand Teton National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning mountains and high-altitude lakes. Visitors come here to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the mountains through scenic drives and scenic picnic areas. Visitors can also attend ranger-led programs, which cover topics such as the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. Additionally, the park is known for its winter sports, including skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the natural world and participate in a variety of outdoor activities. However, the activities that are most popular at each park may differ, depending on the park’s unique features and the time of year.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Grand Teton National Park are two stunning national parks located in the United States. While both parks offer unique opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, the seasonal weather patterns can greatly affect when is the best time to visit each park.
Gates of the Arctic is located in northern Alaska and experiences long, harsh winter months with temperatures averaging -20°F. Summer months are milder with temperatures averaging 50°F. Due to the extreme weather, the best time to visit Gates of the Arctic is during the summer months of July and August when visitors can take advantage of the long daylight hours for hiking and exploring.
Grand Teton National Park, on the other hand, is located in Wyoming and experiences a milder climate with winter temperatures averaging 20°F and summer temperatures averaging 70°F. The park is popular for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, making December to February the best time to visit for those activities. However, the summer months of June to September are also popular for visitors looking to hike and enjoy the scenic views.
Both Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Grand Teton National Park offer unique experiences for visitors, but the seasonal weather patterns greatly affect when is the best time to visit each park. Whether you’re looking for winter sports or summer hikes, be sure to consider the weather when planning your trip.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Grand Teton National Park are both popular destinations for families, but they offer vastly different experiences.
Grand Teton National Park is the better choice for families who prefer a more developed park experience. There are many family-friendly activities available, including ranger-led programs, scenic drives, and easy hikes. There are also a variety of accommodations, ranging from campgrounds to lodges, that cater to families. Visitors can also take guided wildlife tours, horseback rides, or boat rides on Jackson Lake.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a more rugged and remote experience, but it is also a great option for families who enjoy adventure and exploring. This park is ideal for families who want to get away from the crowds and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Alaska. While there are no roads or developed facilities within the park, visitors can still explore the wilderness on foot, by raft, or by air. The park offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the arctic tundra in a way that is not possible in more developed parks.
In conclusion, both Grand Teton National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve are family-friendly, but they offer different experiences. Grand Teton is better for families who prefer a more developed park experience, while Gates of the Arctic is better for families who enjoy adventure and exploring.