If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Denali National Park & Preserve and Death Valley National Park, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Denali National Park & Preserve.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Denali National Park & Preserve Overview
- 2 Death Valley National Park Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Denali National Park & Preserve Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Death Valley National Park
- 6 Wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve
- 7 Wildlife at Death Valley National Park
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Denali National Park & Preserve Overview
Denali National Park is an awe-inspiring natural haven located in Alaska. This vast expanse of seemingly untouched wilderness is home to wide-open tundra, rushing rivers and towering mountains. Denali is perhaps best known for its namesake peak, Denali, which at 20,310 feet is the highest mountain in North America. But despite Denali’s impressive stature, this national park covers more than 6 million acres of land, offering visitors plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer looking for a challenge or just want to soak up the stunning scenery of Denali National Park, there is something for everyone at Denali. So why not pack your bags and experience this breathtaking corner of the world today? You won’t regret it!
Death Valley National Park Overview
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Denali National Park & Preserve Hiking Trails
Denali National Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in Alaska. The park features six different trails, ranging from easy to difficult. For those looking for an easy hike, the Denali Nature Trail is a great option. This one-mile loop takes hikers through a beautiful spruce forest and along the edge of a river. The more challenging Tanana Loop Trail is also a great option for those looking for a bit more of a workout. This four-mile trail takes hikers through several different ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. For those looking for an even greater challenge, the Savage River Loop Trail is the most difficult trail in the park. This eight-mile trail gains almost 2,000 feet in elevation as it winds its way through subalpine meadows and alpine tundra. No matter what level of difficulty you are looking for, Denali National Park has a hiking trail that is perfect for you.
Best Hikes At Denali National Park & Preserve
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bison Gulch | 1178.9664 | 5 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 287.7312 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 62.7888 | 3 | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 113.9952 | 1 | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 507.7968 | 5 | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 295.9608 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 158.8008 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Blueberry Hill Trail | 46.9392 | 3 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stampede Trail to Sushana River | 1292.9616 | 5 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Ridge Trail | 538.8864 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
Hiking Overview at Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with a wide variety of trails to suit all levels of experience. For those looking for an easy hike, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes trail is a great option. This trail is only a mile long and is mostly level, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. For those looking for more of a challenge, the hikes to Telescope Peak or Panamint Springs are well worth the effort. Both trails are over 10 miles long and involve significant elevation gain, but the views from the summit are simply breathtaking. No matter what your level of experience, Death Valley National Park has a hiking trail that’s perfect for you.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Death Valley National Park
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop | 1710.8424 | 7 | loop | 4.5 |
| Panamint Dunes Trail | 165.8112 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Ubehebe and Little Hebe Crater Trail | 220.98 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Salt Creek Interpretive Trail | 7.9248 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Grotto Canyon | 204.8256 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Darwin Falls Trail | 251.7648 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Fall Canyon Trail | 656.844 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Echo Pass and Inyo Mine OHV Loop | 396.8496 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch Path Loop | 125.8824 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Harmony Borax Works | 6.7056 | 1 | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park is well known for its incredible biodiversity, with a wide range of plant and animal life. Whether you are interested in seeing majestic moose or soaring eagles, Denali is the place to be. Some of the other common species you can expect to find within the park include grizzly bears, caribou, lynx, peregrine falcons, wolves, and coyotes. Denali is also home to an incredible array of flora, from delicate alpine wildflowers to towering spruce trees and ancient coniferous forests. With so much wildlife and beauty packed into Denali National Park, it truly is a nature-lover’s paradise. So if you are looking for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors, be sure to add Denali to your list of must-visit destinations.
Wildlife at Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. Despite its arid climate, the park is home to more than 800 species of plants, including Joshua trees, creosote bushes, and wildflowers. The park is also home to more than 300 species of animals, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and desert tortoises. In addition, the park is home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Death Valley National Park is an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Denali National Park & Preserve Weather Considerations
Denali National Park is located in the heart of Alaska, and the weather conditions can be extreme. The best time to visit Denali National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is milder and there are more daylight hours. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so visitors should be prepared for crowds. The worst time to visit Denali National Park is during the winter, when temperatures can drop below zero and there is very little daylight. However, this is also the time of year when Denali National Park is at its most beautiful, with the snow-capped mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
Death Valley National Park Weather Considerations
Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest places on Earth. Temperatures in the summer can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is very little shade or relief from the heat. Death Valley is also extremely dry, with almost no rainfall for months at a time. As a result, the best time to visit Death Valley is in the winter, when temperatures are cooler and there is more chance of rain. However, even in winter, Death Valley can be dangerously hot, so always be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.