Biscayne National Park vs Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

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Biscayne National Park vs Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve

Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two vastly different national parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. Biscayne National Park is located in the southernmost tip of Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters and marine life. Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is one of the largest national parks in the country. It is known for its rugged wilderness and abundant wildlife. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore and discover the beauty of nature, but in very different ways. If you’re looking for a tropical paradise or a rugged wilderness adventure, these parks have something for you. Come explore the contrasts and similarities of Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve.

Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Biscayne National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the types of trails and the difficulty level can vary greatly between the two parks.

Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, offers a variety of short, easy hikes through the park’s mangrove forests and seagrass beds. The park’s most popular trail is the Biscayne Nature Center Trail, a half-mile boardwalk trail that takes visitors through the mangrove forest and provides a chance to see a variety of wildlife. Another easy hike is the Bear Cut Preserve Trail, a one-mile trail that winds through the mangroves, providing views of the bay and the Miami skyline. The park also offers a few moderate hikes, such as the Elliott Key Trail, which is a 2.5-mile trail that provides views of the island and the bay.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. The park’s most popular trail is the Root Glacier Trail, which is a relatively easy hike that takes visitors to the edge of the glacier and provides a chance to see the stunning ice formations. Another easy hike is the Nizina Glacier Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that takes visitors to the edge of the glacier and provides views of the surrounding mountains. The park also offers a number of strenuous hikes, such as the 8-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Mount Wrangell, which offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding mountains.

In summary, Biscayne National Park offers a variety of easy and moderate hikes through the mangrove forests and seagrass beds, while Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Both parks offer the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area, but the types of trails and the difficulty level will be quite different depending on which park you visit.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Biscayne National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Biscayne National Park Walk 15932.466 0.9144 Easy out and back 4
Black Creek Canal Trail 2735.878 0.9144 Easy out and back 4
Jetty Trail 1448.406 0 Easy out and back 4
Boca Chita Trail 1287.472 0.9144 Easy loop 3

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 Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both diverse and unique national parks, with different types of wildlife.

Biscayne National Park is located on the southeastern coast of Florida and is home to a wide variety of marine life, including manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and over 500 species of fish. The park’s coral reefs are also home to a diverse array of colorful fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Visitors can also see a variety of bird species, such as brown pelicans, double-crested cormorants, and various species of herons and egrets. The park is also home to small mammals like raccoons, opossums, and armadillos, as well as many species of reptiles, such as American crocodiles and various species of snakes.

Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and various species of waterfowl. Visitors can also see a variety of fish in the park’s rivers and streams, such as salmon and grayling. The park is also home to many species of mammals, such as marten, wolverines, and lynx.

In conclusion, Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both unique national parks with different types of wildlife. Biscayne National Park is home to a wide variety of marine life, while Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is home to a wide variety of land animals and bird species. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife and enjoy nature at its finest.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Biscayne 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
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Mallard
American Robin Canada Goose
Red-Tailed Hawk Lincoln’s Sparrow
Northern Flicker Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Merlin American Robin
Barn Swallow Great Horned Owl
Savannah Sparrow Red-Tailed Hawk
Great Blue Heron Northern Flicker
American Kestrel Merlin
Bald Eagle Barn Swallow
Song Sparrow Savannah Sparrow
European Starling Great Blue Heron
Northern Pintail Hermit Thrush
American Wigeon American Kestrel
American Pipit Bald Eagle
Swainson’s Thrush Song Sparrow
Killdeer European Starling
Brown-Headed Cowbird Northern Pintail
Red-Winged Blackbird American Wigeon
Blue-Winged Teal Green-Winged Teal

Mammals

Biscayne National Park Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Bobcat Coyote
Striped Skunk American Beaver
Raccoon Muskrat
House Mouse Little Brown Bat
Common Gray Fox Black Bear
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat Porcupine
White-Tailed Deer Red Fox
Virginia Opossum Puma
Black Rat Mink
Eastern Gray Squirrel Mule Deer
Least Shrew Wolf
Short-Tailed Weasel
Snowshoe Hare
Land Otter
Common Shrew
Water Shrew
Red Squirrel
Montane Shrew
Long-Tailed Vole
Lynx
Wolverine
American Marten
Northern Flying Squirrel
Grizzly Bear
Meadow Vole

Fish

Biscayne National Park Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Largemouth Bass Steelhead
Bluegill Longnose Sucker
Golden Shiner Lake Trout
Common Carp Northern Pike
Yellow Bullhead Burbot
Black Crappie Silver Salmon
Brown Bullhead King Salmon
Slimy Sculpin
Threespine Stickleback
Sockeye Salmon
Pink Salmon
Chum Salmon
Dolly Varden
Cutthroat Trout
Arctic Grayling

Insects

Biscayne National Park Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Honey Bee Silvery Blue
Clouded Sulphur

Amphibians

Biscayne National Park Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wood Frog

Beautiful Landscapes in Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two incredibly unique national parks that offer visitors a wide range of natural wonders to explore. Biscayne National Park is known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and mangrove forests, while Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is home to glaciers, rugged mountains, and vast wilderness.

One of the most famous landscapes at Biscayne National Park is the Biscayne Bay, which is home to a variety of marine life including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and boat tours to explore the bay and its coral reefs. Another famous landscape at Biscayne National Park is the Elliott Key, the park’s largest island and home to an array of plants and animals, including the endangered West Indian manatee.

On the other hand, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is home to some of the most majestic landscapes in the country. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Wrangell Mountains, which are home to the second highest peak in the United States, Mount Blackburn. The park also features the Kennicott Glacier, one of the most easily accessible glaciers in the world, and visitors can take guided tours to explore the glacier and its surroundings. Another famous landscape at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is the Nabesna Road, a 60-mile long road that winds through the rugged mountains and offers visitors incredible views of the park’s wild landscapes.

Both Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer visitors a truly unique and unforgettable experience, but the landscapes and natural features at these two parks are vastly different. Biscayne National Park offers an underwater wonderland of coral reefs and marine life, while Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is a true wilderness adventure with glaciers, rugged mountains, and vast wilderness.

Things To-Do and Activities in Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both diverse and unique national parks, with different types of activities to offer visitors.

Biscayne National Park is located on the southeastern coast of Florida and is known for its water-based activities. Visitors can go snorkeling, diving, and fishing in the park’s waters, which are home to a wide variety of marine life, including manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and over 500 species of fish. The park’s coral reefs are also a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. Visitors can also take a guided boat tour of the park’s waters, which offer a chance to see the park’s wildlife and natural beauty from a different perspective. Additionally, the park offers visitors the opportunity to camp, hike and bike on the park’s trails.

Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska, and is known for its wilderness and backcountry activities. Visitors can go hiking, backpacking, and camping in the park’s vast wilderness, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to go fishing, rafting, and kayaking in the park’s rivers and streams, which are home to a variety of fish species. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park and stop at various overlooks to take in the park’s breathtaking views. Additionally, the park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the park by air, by taking a flightseeing tour.

In conclusion, Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both unique national parks with different types of activities to offer visitors. Biscayne National Park is known for its water-based activities, while Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its wilderness and backcountry activities. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature, and a diverse array of activities.

Best Time to Visit Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Biscayne National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are located in very different regions of the country, and as a result, the seasonal weather can vary greatly between the two parks.

Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Summer is the hottest and most humid season, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). Winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (around 20 degrees Celsius). The park receives most of its rainfall during the summer months, with occasional thunderstorms. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the park, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Winter temperatures can drop to well below freezing, and the park receives heavy snowfall. Summer temperatures range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 7 to 20 degrees Celsius) and the park receives most of its rainfall during this season. The park is accessible by car only during the summer months, and the best time to visit is between late May and mid-September, when the park’s facilities and services are open, and the weather is more favorable.

In summary, Biscayne National Park offers warm weather year-round, with the best seasons to visit being spring and fall, while Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a subarctic climate with long, cold winters, and the best time to visit is between late May and mid-September. The weather in each park greatly affects the accessibility and comfort of the activities and experiences offered, so it’s important to take it into consideration when planning a trip.

Family Friendliness of Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Biscayne National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both fantastic national parks that offer a variety of natural wonders to explore. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, the two parks couldn’t be more different.

Biscayne National Park is known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, making it a great destination for families that love to snorkel and swim. The park offers a variety of boat tours, which take visitors to the park’s most popular spots, including the beautiful coral reefs and the historic shipwrecks. The park also has a few hiking trails, but they are generally short and easy, making them perfect for families with young children.

Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a true wilderness park that offers a remote and rugged adventure. The park is home to some of the highest peaks in North America, as well as glaciers, rivers, and forests. While the park does offer a few short and easy hiking trails, many of the park’s best features require a more strenuous hike or even a backpacking trip. The park also offers many opportunities for backcountry camping, which can be challenging for families with young children.

Overall, Biscayne National Park is the better choice for families with young children who want a more relaxed and easy-going vacation. Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is better suited for families with older children or teenagers who are looking for a more adventurous and challenging vacation.

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