Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most diverse and breathtaking national parks in the United States. While both parks offer a unique and awe-inspiring experience, they are vastly different in terms of landscape, wildlife, and activities. Imagine standing on a towering mesa in Canyonlands, overlooking a seemingly endless sea of sandstone formations, and then being transported to the rugged and pristine wilderness of Lake Clark where glaciers, bears, and salmon are a part of daily life. These two parks are a testament to the diversity of America’s natural beauty and a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery. Get ready to compare and contrast, as we delve into the wonders of Canyonlands and Lake Clark, two of America’s most iconic national parks.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both located in the United States and offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Canyonlands National Park:
– Easy Hikes: The Mesa Arch trail is a popular and easy hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding canyons. The Upheaval Dome trail is another easy hike that takes visitors to an impact crater.
– Difficult Hikes: The Chesler Park loop is a strenuous 11-mile hike that takes visitors through a unique landscape of sandstone fins and towers. The Confluence Overlook trail is a challenging hike that requires visitors to climb steep switchbacks to reach the overlook.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve:
– Easy Hikes: The Tanalian Falls trail is a short and easy hike that takes visitors to a scenic waterfall. The Port Alsworth Nature Trail is a leisurely hike that winds through the park’s lush forests.
– Difficult Hikes: The Skilak Lake loop is a strenuous and challenging hike that takes visitors through rugged terrain and along the shore of Skilak Lake. The Twin Lakes trail is a difficult hike that takes visitors to two remote alpine lakes surrounded by glaciers and peaks.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer a range of hiking trails for visitors, with easy hikes for those looking for a leisurely experience and challenging hikes for those seeking a more strenuous adventure.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mesa Arch Trail | 965.604 | 18.8976 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Grand View Point Trail | 2896.812 | 52.7304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Chesler Park Loop Trail | 18668.344 | 589.788 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
False Kiva Trail | 3057.746 | 136.8552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail | 2414.01 | 91.7448 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Aztec Butte Trail | 2092.142 | 66.7512 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Druid Arch Trail | 15288.73 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Shafer Trail | 30899.328 | 949.7568 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
White Rim Overlook Trail | 2896.812 | 48.768 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Syncline Loop | 13840.324 | 496.824 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.7 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both home to diverse wildlife, but the species found in each park differ.
At Canyonlands, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals such as pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and various species of owls. Additionally, the park’s diverse landscape supports a variety of plant species, including cacti, shrubs, and wildflowers.
At Lake Clark, visitors can expect to see a wider range of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park is also known for its abundant birdlife, including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and various species of waterfowl. Additionally, the park’s diverse landscapes, including glaciers, forests, and tundra, support a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, shrubs, and mosses.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique wildlife experiences, but Lake Clark may offer a wider variety of species for visitors to observe.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Canyonlands National Park | Lake Clark 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 | Northern Pintail |
Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
Canyonlands National Park | Lake Clark 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 | Mink |
Raccoon | Gray Wolf |
Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
Porcupine | Snowshoe Hare |
Silver-Haired Bat | Northern River Otter |
Hoary Bat | Masked Shrew |
Red Fox | Water Shrew |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
House Mouse | Montane Shrew |
Mountain Lion | Lynx |
American Mink | Wolverine |
Mule Deer | American Marten |
Common Gray Fox | Brown Bear |
Long-Legged Myotis | Meadow Vole |
Long-Eared Myotis | Moose |
American Badger | Least Weasel |
Ermine | Pygmy Shrew |
California Myotis | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Fish
Canyonlands National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Steelhead |
Brown Trout | Longnose Sucker |
Largemouth Bass | Lake Trout |
Green Sunfish | Northern Pike |
Bluegill | Burbot |
Fathead Minnow | Silver Salmon |
Common Carp | King Salmon |
Northern Pike | Slimy Sculpin |
Speckled Dace | Threespine Stickleback |
Yellow Bullhead | Sockeye Salmon |
Channel Catfish | Pink Salmon |
Kokanee Salmon | Chum Salmon |
Black Crappie | Dolly Varden |
Black Bullhead | Arctic Grayling |
Mosquitofish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
Canyonlands National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Gophersnake | |
Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
Eastern Racer | |
Prairie Rattlesnake | |
Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
Side-Blotched Lizard | |
Common Kingsnake | |
Nightsnake | |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
Tree Lizard | |
Western Whiptail | |
Eastern Collared Lizard | |
Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
Canyonlands National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
Tiger Salamander | |
American Bullfrog | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both known for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
At Canyonlands, one of the most famous landscapes is the Island in the Sky mesa, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons and mesas. Another popular destination is the Needles district, where visitors can explore towering sandstone spires and unique rock formations. The park also features several scenic overlooks, including Grand View Point, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
In Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, visitors can experience the rugged beauty of the Alaska Range, including the iconic Mount Redoubt, an active volcano. The park is also home to numerous glaciers, including the Tanalian Glacier, which can be viewed from a scenic overlook. Visitors can also witness the incredible salmon runs in the park’s rivers, and observe the diverse wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and caribou.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, from towering mesas and sandstone formations to glaciers, rivers, and diverse wildlife. These parks are a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the beauty of America’s natural landscapes.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different experiences and activities.
At Canyonlands, the most popular activities include scenic drives, hiking, camping, and backpacking. The park is home to several iconic trails, including the Island in the Sky and The Needles, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also popular for its backcountry camping opportunities, which allow visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s rugged wilderness.
At Lake Clark, the most popular activities include fishing, bear viewing, and backpacking. The park is known for its abundant fishing opportunities, with several species of salmon and other fish found in its rivers and lakes. Bear viewing is also a popular activity, with visitors able to observe brown bears fishing for salmon in the park’s rivers. The park is also home to several backcountry trails, which offer opportunities for backpacking and wilderness exploration.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, but Lake Clark may be more popular for fishing and bear viewing, while Canyonlands is more popular for hiking and backpacking.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both located in the United States and experience different seasonal weather patterns.
Canyonlands National Park:
– Summer: The park experiences warm temperatures with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons. This is a popular time for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
– Winter: The park experiences cold temperatures with occasional snowfall. This is a quieter time for visitors, with fewer crowds and opportunities for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
– Spring and Fall: The park experiences moderate temperatures with occasional rain. This is a good time for visitors to enjoy the park’s scenic drives and scenic overlooks.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve:
– Summer: The park experiences warm temperatures with occasional rain. This is a popular time for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.
– Winter: The park experiences cold temperatures with heavy snowfall. This is a quieter time for visitors, with fewer crowds and opportunities for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
– Spring and Fall: The park experiences moderate temperatures with occasional rain. This is a good time for visitors to enjoy the park’s scenic drives and scenic overlooks.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve will depend on the type of activities visitors are interested in and their tolerance for various weather conditions. Summer is a popular time for outdoor activities, while winter offers quieter crowds and opportunities for winter sports. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and fewer crowds.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Canyonlands National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve both offer unique experiences for families, but one may be more suitable for families traveling with children depending on their interests and abilities.
Canyonlands National Park is a great option for families with older children who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring. The park has several trails that are suitable for families, including the easy and accessible Grand View Point Trail. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs and educational activities that can be fun for kids.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is more suitable for families with children who are comfortable with rugged wilderness environments and have a strong interest in wildlife and nature. The park offers opportunities for bear viewing and fishing, but these activities can be physically demanding and may not be suitable for younger children. Additionally, the park’s remote location and limited facilities may not be ideal for families with young children.
In conclusion, Canyonlands National Park is a better option for families with older children who enjoy outdoor activities, while Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is more suitable for families with children who have a strong interest in wildlife and nature and are comfortable with rugged wilderness environments. Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences for families, but it’s important to consider the age and interests of your children when deciding which park to visit.