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.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offer two vastly different experiences for visitors. While Carlsbad Caverns is a subterranean wonderland filled with massive stalactites and stalagmites, Gates of the Arctic is a rugged wilderness of glaciers, tundra, and pristine wilderness. One is an underground adventure, while the other is a journey into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. Both parks are unique and offer a chance to explore some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. So, whether you’re looking for an underground adventure or a rugged wilderness experience, Carlsbad Caverns and Gates of the Arctic have something for everyone!
Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers several scenic hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include:
1. Natural Entrance Trail: A 1.25-mile trail that takes visitors from the park’s visitor center to the entrance of the Big Room. This trail is relatively easy and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert.
2. Big Room Loop Trail: A 0.75-mile trail that takes visitors through the park’s largest cave room, the Big Room. This trail is relatively easy and offers a unique look at the park’s underground landscape.
Some of the more challenging hikes at Carlsbad Caverns National Park include:
1. Left Hand Tunnel Trail: A 3-mile trail that takes visitors through a series of twisting, narrow passages in the park’s Left Hand Tunnel. This trail is relatively strenuous and is recommended for experienced hikers only.
2. Spider Cave Trail: A 2-mile trail that takes visitors through a series of twisting, narrow passages in the park’s Spider Cave. This trail is relatively strenuous and is recommended for experienced hikers only.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and offers a range of scenic hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length. Some of the easiest hikes at the park include:
1. Arrigetch Peaks Trail: A 1.5-mile trail that takes visitors to the base of the park’s scenic Arrigetch Peaks. This trail is relatively easy and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Alatna River Trail: A 2-mile trail that takes visitors along the park’s scenic Alatna River. This trail is relatively easy and offers a unique look at the park’s beautiful river landscape.
Some of the more challenging hikes at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve include:
1. Anaktuvuk Pass Trail: A 30-mile trail that takes visitors through the heart of the park’s rugged wilderness. This trail is relatively strenuous and is recommended for experienced hikers only.
2. Noatak River Trail: A 60-mile trail that takes visitors along the park’s scenic Noatak River. This trail is relatively strenuous and is recommended for experienced hikers only.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve offer a range of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great destination for those interested in exploring underground landscapes and hiking, while Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is a great destination for those interested in exploring rugged wilderness and scenic landscapes.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 1287.472 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 5 |
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 17863.674 | 469.6968 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 23657.298 | 309.9816 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 3057.746 | 140.8176 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 443.7888 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 1609.34 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 8690.436 | 207.8736 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 482.802 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 2.5 |
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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Bats: The park is home to several species of bats, including the Mexican free-tailed bat, which is one of the most abundant mammals in North America. Visitors can watch thousands of bats emerge from the Carlsbad Cavern each evening during the summer months.
– Desert Wildlife: The park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, which is home to a wide variety of desert wildlife, including rattlesnakes, roadrunners, and jackrabbits. Visitors can also see several species of birds, including hawks, falcons, and vultures, as well as a variety of cacti and other desert plants.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve:
– Arctic Wildlife: The park is located in the Arctic tundra, which is one of the harshest and most remote environments on the planet. Despite this, the park is home to a wide variety of Arctic wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and foxes. Visitors can also see several species of birds, including eagles, falcons, and owls, as well as a variety of tundra plants, such as lichens and mosses.
– Salmon: The park is also home to several salmon-rich rivers, including the Noatak River and the Koyukuk River, which are popular with anglers and provide important habitat for a variety of other wildlife species.
Both parks offer a unique and diverse array of wildlife, but the best park for wildlife viewing will depend on your interests and the time of year you visit. If you’re interested in seeing bats and desert wildlife, then Carlsbad Caverns National Park may be the better option. If you’re interested in seeing Arctic wildlife and salmon, then Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve may be the better option.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns 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
| Carlsbad Caverns 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
| Carlsbad Caverns 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 |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Moose |
| American Badger | Least Weasel |
| California Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
| Fringed Myotis | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
Reptiles
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Green Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Gartersnake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| New Mexico Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Lake Trout |
| Mosquitofish | Northern Pike |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are two vastly different parks in terms of landscapes and natural features. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is famous for its underground caves and large chambers filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The park features a variety of cave formations that are breathtaking to see, and visitors can also go on guided tours to explore the caves and learn more about their history and geology.
On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged and remote wilderness. The park is located in the Arctic Circle and is home to some of the most spectacular and pristine landscapes in the world. Visitors to the park can see the Brooks Range, a beautiful mountain range that runs through the park, and the Arctic tundra, a vast and unspoiled landscape that is home to a diverse array of wildlife. The park is also known for its pristine lakes, rivers, and streams, which provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Things To-Do and Activities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Cave Exploration: The main attraction of Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the cave system, which includes over 100 known caves and is home to one of the largest underground chambers in North America. Visitors can explore the caves by taking guided tours, self-guided walks, or by descending into the caverns on their own.
– Hiking: The park also offers several hiking trails, including the Natural Entrance Trail, which provides a scenic route down into the cave system, and the Big Room Trail, which takes visitors through the largest chamber in the park.
– Wildlife Viewing: The park is also a great place to see desert wildlife, including bats, roadrunners, and jackrabbits, as well as a variety of desert birds and plants.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve:
– Backpacking: The park is a popular destination for backpacking and wilderness camping, as it offers a unique and remote wilderness experience. Visitors can explore the park’s backcountry on their own or with a guide, and can hike or raft to remote areas.
– Wildlife Viewing: The park is also a great place to see Arctic wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves, as well as a variety of tundra birds and plants.
– Fishing: The park is also home to several salmon-rich rivers, including the Noatak River and the Koyukuk River, which are popular with anglers and provide important habitat for a variety of other wildlife species.
Both parks offer a unique and diverse array of activities, but the best park for your visit will depend on your interests and the time of year you visit. If you’re interested in exploring caves, hiking, and wildlife viewing, then Carlsbad Caverns National Park may be the better option. If you’re interested in backpacking, wildlife viewing, and fishing, then Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve may be the better option.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. The park’s average high temperatures range from the mid-70s in the winter to the low-90s in the summer. The park’s average low temperatures range from the mid-40s in the winter to the mid-60s in the summer. The park receives very little precipitation, with an average of just 8 inches of rain per year.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The park’s average high temperatures range from the low-30s in the winter to the low-60s in the summer. The park’s average low temperatures range from the low-20s in the winter to the low-40s in the summer. The park receives an average of 8 inches of precipitation per year, with most of it falling as snow.
In conclusion, the weather at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve are very different. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great destination for those interested in exploring the desert landscape, while Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is a great destination for those interested in exploring the Arctic tundra landscape. The best time of year to visit each park depends on the type of weather and landscape you prefer. If you prefer hot, dry weather, then Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the best destination for you. If you prefer cold, snowy weather, then Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is the best destination for you.
Family Friendliness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both unique and beautiful parks, but they have different levels of family-friendliness. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great option for families with children as it offers a variety of easy and accessible trails, ranger-led tours, and educational exhibits. On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a more remote and rugged park that requires more preparation and experience to explore. It is not recommended for families with young children or those who are looking for more developed recreational opportunities. If you’re traveling with children, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the better choice, as it offers a more family-friendly experience.