Big Bend National Park vs Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

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Big Bend National Park vs Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

Big Bend National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are two of the most unique and spectacular national parks in the United States. Both offer visitors the opportunity to experience some of the most rugged and remote wilderness areas in the country, but in very different ways. Big Bend National Park, located in west Texas, is known for its diverse landscape, including mountains, canyons, and deserts, while Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in northern Alaska, is known for its pristine wilderness, including glaciers, tundra, and vast expanses of boreal forest. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, both of these parks offer an adventure of a lifetime. If you’re looking for a desert adventure, Big Bend has it all – from the Rio Grande river to the Chisos Mountains. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an Arctic adventure, Gates of the Arctic is the place to be, where you can explore the Arctic Circle and spot Arctic wildlife. These two parks might seem vastly different, but both offer the chance to experience the natural world in its rawest form, and the memories of your visit will last a lifetime.

Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

Big Bend National Park in Texas and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska are both known for their rugged wilderness and challenging hiking trails. Both parks offer a wide range of hiking options, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks.

At Big Bend National Park, some of the most popular hiking trails include the short and easy Window View Trail, which offers a scenic overlook of the Chisos Mountains, and the strenuous South Rim Trail, which takes hikers on a multi-day trek through the heart of the Chisos Mountains. The park also has several backcountry trails, such as the Marufo Vega Trail and the Dodson Trail, which offer challenging hikes through rugged terrain and stunning views.

At Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, hikers can experience the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness on trails such as the Arrigetch Peaks Trail, which offers spectacular views of the Arrigetch Mountains, and the challenging Boreal Forest Trail, which takes hikers through dense spruce and birch forests. The park also has several backcountry trails, such as the Noatak River Trail and the Chandalar Shelf Trail, which offer rugged and remote hiking experiences.

Both Big Bend National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offer challenging and rewarding hiking experiences for experienced hikers, but it is important to note that the weather and terrain at these two parks can be vastly different and visitors should plan accordingly.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Lost Mine Trail 6759.228 334.9752 Moderate out and back 5
South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail 17702.74 709.8792 Hard loop 5
The Window Trail 8368.568 288.9504 Moderate out and back 4.5
Emory Peak Trail 13679.39 731.8248 Hard out and back 5
Santa Elena Canyon Trail 2414.01 185.928 Easy out and back 4.5
Balanced Rock Trail 3057.746 70.7136 Easy out and back 4.5
Boquillas Canyon Trail 1931.208 69.7992 Moderate out and back 4
Hot Springs Canyon Trail 8851.37 280.7208 Moderate loop 4.5
Outer Mountain Loop 38785.094 1739.7984 Hard loop 4.5
Big Bend Hot Springs Trail 1770.274 38.7096 Easy loop 4

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

Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

Big Bend National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offer vastly different wildlife experiences. Big Bend is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is home to a wide variety of desert animals such as javelina, white-tailed deer, black bear, mountain lions, and a diverse array of reptiles and birds. The park is also home to the Rio Grande, which supports a variety of fish, including the endangered Pecos pupfish.

On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in the Arctic and is home to a wide variety of arctic animals such as grizzly bear, black bear, wolves, caribou, moose, wolverine, and a variety of birds such as the willow ptarmigan and the golden eagle. The park also has a wide variety of plants such as mosses, lichens, and arctic wildflowers.

In summary, Big Bend National Park offers a diverse array of desert wildlife, while Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offers a diverse array of arctic wildlife. Both parks offer unique and captivating wildlife experiences, but the type of wildlife one can expect to see will depend on which park they visit.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Big Bend National Park Gates Of The Arctic 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 Savannah Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow Hermit Thrush
Great Blue Heron American Kestrel
Hermit Thrush Bald Eagle
American Kestrel Northern Pintail
Bald Eagle American Wigeon
Song Sparrow Green-Winged Teal
European Starling American Pipit
Northern Pintail Swainson’s Thrush
American Wigeon Hairy Woodpecker
Green-Winged Teal Red-Breasted Nuthatch

Mammals

Big Bend National Park Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver American Beaver
Muskrat Muskrat
Big Brown Bat Black Bear
Bobcat Porcupine
Striped Skunk Red Fox
Deer Mouse Mink
Raccoon Wolf
Black Bear Short-Tailed Weasel
Porcupine Varying Hare
Silver-Haired Bat River Otter
Hoary Bat Common Shrew
Long-Tailed Weasel Red Squirrel
House Mouse Montane Shrew
Mountain Lion Lynx
Mule Deer Wolverine
Common Gray Fox American Marten
Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear
Long-Legged Myotis Meadow Vole
American Badger Moose
California Myotis Least Weasel
Fringed Myotis Pygmy Shrew
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat Northern Bog Lemming
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat
Western Harvest Mouse

Reptiles

Big Bend National Park Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Sonoran Gophersnake
Prairie Rattlesnake
Ring-Necked Snake
Common Side-Blotched Lizard
Desert Kingsnake
Texas Nightsnake
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard
Mexican Milksnake
Central Texas Whipsnake
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake
Big Bend Tree Lizard
Eastern Collared Lizard
Glossy Snake
Long-Nosed Snake
Desert Spiny Lizard

Amphibians

Big Bend National Park Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Barred Tiger Salamander Wood Frog
American Bullfrog
Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Canyon Treefrog

Fish

Big Bend National Park Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Largemouth Bass Longnose Sucker
Green Sunfish Lake Trout
Bluegill Northern Pike
Fathead Minnow Eelpout
Common Carp King Salmon
Longnose Dace Slimy Sculpin
Yellow Bullhead Chum Salmon
Channel Catfish Dolly Varden
Mosquitofish Arctic Grayling

Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

Big Bend National Park is home to a diverse array of landscapes, from desert to mountain ranges and from canyons to rivers. Some of the most famous landscapes at Big Bend National Park include:

– Santa Elena Canyon: This iconic landmark is located in the western part of the park and is a spectacular sight to behold. The canyon stretches for 1.5 miles and towers over 1,500 feet above the Rio Grande river. Visitors can hike to the canyon rim and enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon walls and the Rio Grande below.

– Chisos Mountains: The Chisos Mountains are the heart of Big Bend National Park and are the only mountain range fully contained within the park’s boundaries. The range includes the park’s highest peak, Emory Peak, which stands at 7,825 feet. Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding desert.

– The Window: The Window is a natural rock arch that provides an incredible view of the Chisos Mountains and the surrounding desert. It’s a short hike, but it’s one of the most popular trails in the park.

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in northern Alaska, is known for its vast wilderness and natural beauty. Some of the most famous landscapes at the park include:

– Brooks Range: The Brooks Range is the northernmost mountain range in North America and it runs through the park. Visitors can enjoy hiking and backpacking in the range and experience the rugged beauty of the Arctic.

– Arctic Circle: The park is located above the Arctic Circle, providing visitors with the unique opportunity to experience the Arctic’s natural beauty and its unique wildlife.

– The Noatak River: The Noatak River is the longest undammed river in the United States and it flows through the park, providing visitors with a chance to canoe or raft through the pristine wilderness.

Both of these parks offer a wide variety of landscapes to explore, from deserts to mountains, and from rivers to glaciers. The natural beauty of these landscapes is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

Big Bend National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both known for their rugged wilderness and unique landscapes. However, the types of activities that visitors can enjoy in these two parks are quite different.

At Big Bend National Park, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, bird watching, and river rafting. The park is home to over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the strenuous South Rim Trail and the scenic Lost Mine Trail. Visitors can also take scenic drives through the park to see the beautiful Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande, and the Chihuahuan Desert.

On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is known for its remote wilderness and is a popular destination for backpacking, camping, and wilderness trekking. The park is also home to some of the most spectacular arctic landscapes in North America, including rugged peaks, glaciers, and pristine rivers. Visitors can also see a wide variety of wildlife in the park, including grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and caribou.

Overall, Big Bend National Park is generally considered more family-friendly and more accessible than Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. However, those looking for a true wilderness adventure and the chance to explore remote landscapes will find the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve to be an ideal destination.

Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

Big Bend National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve have vastly different weather patterns. Big Bend is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas, where temperatures can be quite hot during the day and cool at night, especially during the summer months. The park receives very little rainfall, making it a great destination for those looking to escape the heat. On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in the Arctic region of Alaska, where temperatures are much colder. Summertime temperatures can reach the mid-50s F (around 14 C) during the day, but can drop well below freezing at night. The park receives very little sunlight during the winter months, and the ground is covered in snow and ice.

The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is during the fall, winter, and spring when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. Summertime can be quite hot, and the park can be crowded. On the other hand, the best time to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is during the summer, when temperatures are milder and the park is more accessible. Wintertime is extremely cold, and the park is covered in snow and ice, making it difficult to access.

For those traveling with children, Big Bend National Park may be more suitable, as it has a wider range of activities and more developed infrastructure. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and junior ranger activities that are geared towards children. Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a remote and rugged wilderness, with few amenities and a limited number of developed trails. It is better suited for experienced hikers and backpackers.

Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

Big Bend National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both great places to visit, but they differ greatly in terms of family-friendliness.

Big Bend National Park is more family-friendly than Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. The park has a wide variety of easy to moderate trails, and visitors can also drive through the park to see the various landscapes. Big Bend also has a visitors center and museum where families can learn about the park’s history and geology. Additionally, there are several campgrounds and RV parks within the park where families can stay.

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is not as suitable for families with small children. The park is remote, and there are no roads or designated trails. Visitors must be prepared for wilderness camping and backpacking. There are no facilities such as visitor centers or campgrounds within the park. The park is also not easily accessible by car, and visitors must fly or hike to reach the park. Additionally, the park is located in the Arctic, and the weather can be harsh, with temperatures dropping well below freezing.

In summary, if you’re traveling with children, Big Bend National Park is a better option as it is more accessible, with a variety of easy trails, facilities and campgrounds. On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is for the more adventurous families who are willing to camp in the wilderness and experience the Arctic.

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