Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of America’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring national parks. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore rugged and diverse landscapes, see an array of wildlife, and experience the natural and cultural history of the area. However, these two parks are vastly different in size and scope, and offer a unique set of experiences for visitors. Badlands National Park is a 244,000-acre park that is located in the heart of the Great Plains, and is known for its unique landscapes, including layered rock formations, deep canyons, and rugged badlands. Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is one of the largest national parks in the country, at over 13 million acres, and is located in Alaska, it is known for its rugged mountains, glaciers, and the pristine wilderness. If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you to the heart of America’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring national parks, then Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are the places for you!
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Badlands National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer vastly different hiking experiences for visitors. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged, otherworldly landscapes filled with layered rock formations, deep canyons, and prairie grasslands. The park’s hiking trails range from easy, paved paths to more strenuous, backcountry treks. Some popular hikes in the park include the Badlands Loop Road, which offers a scenic drive through the park’s most iconic landscapes, and the Castle Trail, which takes hikers to the top of a rock formation for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a wilderness lover’s paradise, offering some of the most remote and rugged hiking in Alaska. The park is home to several active volcanoes, glaciers, and alpine tundra, and is the largest national park in the United States. The park’s hiking trails vary in difficulty, with some being relatively easy and well-maintained, and others being extremely challenging and requiring backcountry camping. Some popular hikes in the park include the Root Glacier Trail, which takes hikers to the edge of a massive glacier, and the McCarthy Road, which offers a scenic drive through the heart of the park.
In summary, if you’re looking for a more family-friendly and easy-to-access hiking experience, Badlands National Park is the better choice, but if you’re looking for a challenging and remote wilderness experience, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the better option.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and is known for its unique geologic formations and diverse wildlife. Common animals that can be seen in the park include bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and prairie dogs. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the American kestrel, the burrowing owl, and the ferruginous hawk.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse wildlife. Some of the animals commonly seen in the park include grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, the golden eagle, and the gyrfalcon.
In terms of plants, Badlands National Park is home to a variety of species, including cactus, sagebrush, and prickly pear. Meanwhile, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is home to a variety of species of moss, lichens, and wildflowers.
In summary, Badlands National Park has a variety of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and prairie dogs, and birds such as American kestrel, burrowing owl, and ferruginous hawk. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, has bears, moose, caribou, and wolves, and birds such as bald eagle, golden eagle and gyrfalcon. Badlands National Park is home to cactus, sagebrush, and prickly pear while Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve has moss, lichens, and wildflowers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Badlands National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Puma |
| Raccoon | Mink |
| Porcupine | Mule Deer |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Wolf |
| Hoary Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | Snowshoe Hare |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Land Otter |
| House | Common Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Water Shrew |
| Mule Deer | Red Squirrel |
| Gray Fox | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Northern Myotis | Lynx |
| Badger | Wolverine |
| Weasel | American Marten |
| North American River Otter | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Common Shrew | Grizzly Bear |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Meadow Vole |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Silvery Blue |
| Painted Lady | Clouded Sulphur |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Morning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Steelhead |
| Golden Shiner | Longnose Sucker |
| European Carp | Lake Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Northern Pike |
| Yellow Bullhead | Burbot |
| Channel Catfish | Silver Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | King Salmon |
| Creek Chub | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both known for their unique and awe-inspiring landscapes. Here is a comparison of some of the most famous landscapes at each park:
Badlands National Park:
– Pinnacles Overlook: This overlook offers a panoramic view of the park’s layered rock formations and deep canyons. Visitors can see the Badlands Loop Road winding through the landscape below.
– Badlands Loop Road: This scenic drive takes visitors through the heart of the park, offering views of the park’s rugged badlands and diverse landscapes.
– Fossil Exhibit Trail: This short hike takes visitors through a scenic area where they can see fossilized animals and plants that lived in the area millions of years ago.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve:
– Root Glacier: This glacier is one of the most popular features in the park, and visitors can take guided hikes and ice climbing excursions on the glacier.
– Kennicott Glacier: This is the largest glacier in the park and visitors can take guided hikes and ice climbing excursions on the glacier, as well as take in stunning views from the nearby overlooks.
– Mount Wrangell: This 14,163-foot volcano is the third highest peak in the United States and is visible from many parts of the park. Visitors can take guided hikes to the summit, but it requires technical climbing.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer visitors a wide range of landscapes to explore. Badlands National Park is known for its unique rock formations and rugged badlands, while Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its glaciers, rugged mountains, and pristine wilderness. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore unique and diverse landscapes and to experience the natural and cultural history of the area.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy. Here is a comparison of some of the most popular activities at each park:
Badlands National Park:
– Scenic driving: The Badlands Loop Road is a popular scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park, offering views of the park’s rugged badlands and diverse landscapes.
– Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the park, including the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which takes visitors through a scenic area where they can see fossilized animals and plants that lived in the area millions of years ago.
– Wildlife viewing: The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn, and visitors can often see these animals from the park’s scenic drives and hiking trails.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve:
– Glacier hiking and ice climbing: The park is home to several glaciers, including the Root Glacier and Kennicott Glacier, which are popular for guided hikes and ice climbing excursions.
– Backpacking: The park has several backcountry trails, including the Stairway Icefield and the Nizina River, that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s rugged wilderness.
– Fishing: Visitors can fish for salmon and other fish in the park’s rivers and streams. A permit is required to fish in the park.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy. Badlands National Park is known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities, while Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its glaciers, backpacking, and fishing opportunities. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore unique and diverse landscapes and to experience the natural and cultural history of the area.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of the United States, and the weather can be quite variable depending on the season. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. The park receives very little precipitation, with most of it falling in the form of snow in the winter.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in the subarctic region of Alaska, and the weather can be quite different from that of Badlands National Park. Summer temperatures in the park tend to be cool, with average highs in the 60s and 70s, while winter temperatures can drop well below freezing. The park receives a significant amount of precipitation, with most of it falling in the form of snow in the winter.
The best time to visit Badlands National Park is generally considered to be from May to September, when the weather is warm and the park is most accessible. Visitors can hike, bike, and drive through the park and take in the unique geologic formations. On the other hand, the best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is generally considered to be from June to September, when the weather is milder and the park is most accessible. Visitors can hike, fish, and take in the beautiful wilderness and wildlife.
In summary, the weather at Badlands National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is quite different, with Badlands National Park having hot summers and cold winters with little precipitation while Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve has cool summers and freezing winters with more precipitation. The best time to visit Badlands National Park is from May to September, when the weather is warm and park is most accessible, and the best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is from June to September, when the weather is milder and the park is most accessible.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Badlands National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are both great options for families, but they offer very different experiences.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for families. The park has a number of short, easy hiking trails that are suitable for children of all ages, such as the Fossil Exhibit Trail and the Door Trail. Families can also take a scenic drive through the park and see the unique geologic formations, as well as wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. The park also offers ranger-led activities such as guided walks, campfire talks, and stargazing programs that are great for families.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and offers a more rugged wilderness experience. The park is the largest national park in the United States, and its size and remote location means that it is less developed and more challenging for families to visit. However, the park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking, as well as fishing and river rafting. Visitors can see wildlife such as bears, moose, wolves, and caribou, as well as glaciers and beautiful mountain landscapes.
Both parks offer a great family-friendly experience, but depending on your family’s preference, Badlands National Park might be a better option for a more developed and easier to access destination, while Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a great option for families looking for a more remote and wild experience.