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.