“Take a journey from the scorching heat of Death Valley to the frozen tundra of Kobuk Valley, two national parks that couldn’t be more different. One boasts the title of the hottest, driest and lowest point in North America, while the other is home to massive sand dunes made of glacier-fed snow. Both offer unique landscapes, diverse wildlife and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but the similarities pretty much end there. So pack your sunscreen and your snowshoes and get ready to explore the contrasting beauty of Death Valley and Kobuk Valley National Parks.”
Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are two popular national parks located in the United States. Both parks offer diverse hiking opportunities, but they differ in terms of landscape and difficulty.
At Death Valley, the easiest hike is the Mosaic Canyon Trail, which is a moderate 1.5-mile hike with smooth rock formations and a stream. On the other end, the hardest hike is the Telescope Peak Trail, a strenuous 11-mile hike that takes you to the highest point in the park.
At Kobuk Valley National Park, the easiest hike is the Valley of 10,000 Smokes Trail, which is an easy 1.5-mile hike with stunning views of the volcanic ash-filled valley. The toughest hike is the Bald Mountain Trail, a challenging 10-mile hike that takes you to the top of a mountain for panoramic views.
Both parks offer unique and thrilling hiking experiences, but with varying levels of difficulty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail for you at Death Valley and Kobuk Valley National Parks.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail | 2896.812 | 2.7432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail | 4506.152 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zabriskie Point | 643.736 | 15.8496 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dante’s View Trail | 2574.944 | 109.728 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Telescope Peak Trail | 19312.08 | 1012.8504 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral | 4667.086 | 174.9552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point | 9334.172 | 332.8416 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Mosaic Canyon Trail | 5632.69 | 324.9168 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Death Valley Natural Bridge Road | 6920.162 | 304.8 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road | 3057.746 | 68.8848 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Kobuk Valley National Park
| 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Death Valley National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Death Valley NP and Kobuk Valley NP are vastly different in terms of wildlife. Death Valley NP is known for its desert animals such as bighorn sheep, coyotes, kangaroo rats, and various species of reptiles. The park is also home to unique species like the Death Valley pupfish, which can survive in extreme temperatures. On the other hand, Kobuk Valley NP is located in the Arctic tundra region and has a vastly different variety of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and wolves. The park is also home to a diverse array of bird species, including the tundra swan and the spectacled eider. The vegetation in both parks is also different, with Death Valley NP being known for its vast deserts and Kobuk Valley NP being known for its tundra and boreal forests.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Death Valley National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Death Valley National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Savannah Sparrow |
| Barn Swallow | American Kestrel |
| Savannah Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
| Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
| American Kestrel | Green-Winged Teal |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Shoveler |
| American Wigeon | Golden Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
| Death Valley National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Muskrat | American Beaver |
| Big Brown Bat | Muskrat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Porcupine |
| Deer Mouse | Red Fox |
| Raccoon | Mink |
| Porcupine | Wolf |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| House Mouse | River Otter |
| Mountain Lion | Common Shrew |
| Mule Deer | Red Squirrel |
| Gray Fox | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Lynx |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Wolverine |
| Badger | American Marten |
| Californian Myotis | Grizzly Bear |
| Fringed Myotis | Moose |
| Common Shrew | Least Weasel |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | Pygmy Shrew |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | |
| Western Harvest Mouse | |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis |
Reptiles
| Death Valley National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Smith������S Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Death Valley National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Death Valley National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Mosquitofish | Lake Trout |
| Goldfish | Northern Pike |
| Burbot | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Alaskan Stickleback | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Death Valley National Park | Kobuk Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Wood Frog |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Death Valley National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes, including the salt-covered Badwater Basin, towering sand dunes, and the iconic Devil’s Golf Course. The park also features Furnace Creek Ranch, which is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, and Zabriskie Point, a stunning overlook that provides panoramic views of the park’s unique geology. In contrast, Kobuk Valley National Park is famous for the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which are among the largest in the world, and the stunning Kobuk River, which is surrounded by pristine wilderness.
Things To-Do and Activities in Death Valley National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Death Valley NP is known for its heat, salt flats, sand dunes, scenic routes, stargazing and historic sites like Harmony Borax Works, Scotty’s Castle. On the other hand, Kobuk Valley NP is famous for its glaciers, sand dunes, Kobuk River, backpacking, camping, ranger-led programs, and caribou migration. Both parks offer scenic views, unique landscapes and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Death Valley NP in California and Kobuk Valley NP in Alaska have vastly different climates. Death Valley is one of the hottest and driest places in the world with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 120°F and only 2 inches of rain per year. Winter is mild with temperatures averaging in the mid-60s°F. In contrast, Kobuk Valley experiences long, harsh winters with sub-zero temperatures and limited daylight, while summers are relatively mild with temperatures in the 50s°F and occasional rain. The best time to visit Death Valley is during the winter months, while the best time to visit Kobuk Valley is mid-July to mid-September when the weather is mild and the insects are less aggressive.
Family Friendliness of Death Valley National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park are both unique, but differ significantly in terms of family-friendliness. Death Valley is a desert environment with extreme temperatures and limited shade, making it difficult for families with young children. On the other hand, Kobuk Valley is a wilderness area with fewer amenities and more challenging terrain, but it also offers opportunities for children to experience a true Alaskan wilderness. For families traveling with young children, Kobuk Valley may not be the best choice, as it is more remote and rugged. However, families with older children who are interested in adventure and exploring the natural world may find it a rewarding experience.