Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are two of the most stunning and remote wilderness areas in the United States. Both are located in Alaska and offer breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unspoiled wilderness. But while they share many similarities, there are also some differences that set them apart from each other. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous backpacking trip or a relaxing scenic drive, both parks have something to offer.
Denali is the home of North America’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley, and boasts a 20-mile scenic road that provides stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. It’s a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Alaskan wilderness. Meanwhile, Gates of the Arctic is a true wilderness experience, offering no roads or developed facilities. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Arctic and watch as the northern lights dance across the night sky.
So, which one is right for you? Are you ready to tackle the heights of Mount McKinley or explore the wilderness of the Arctic? In the following article, we’ll explore both parks in detail and compare their unique features to help you choose your next Alaskan adventure.
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offer vastly different hiking experiences. Denali is known for its scenic and well-maintained trails, including the popular Wonder Lake and McKinley Bar Trail. These trails offer breathtaking views of the park’s abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes. On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic is a more rugged and remote destination, with rugged terrain and limited trails. Hiking in this park requires a higher level of skill and experience, with challenging hikes such as the Kandik River Trail and the Arrigetch Peaks.
For those seeking an easier hike, the Ridge Trail at Denali is a great option, offering panoramic views of the park’s mountains without the strenuous climb. At Gates of the Arctic, the Brooks River Trail is a relatively easy hike, passing through colorful valleys and providing opportunities for wildlife viewing.
For more experienced hikers, the challenging routes at Denali include the Polychrome Pass Trail and the Savage Alpine Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the park’s glaciers and alpine terrain. At Gates of the Arctic, the Arrigetch Peaks Trail is considered one of the hardest hikes in the park, with steep climbs and rugged terrain. Both parks offer incredible hiking experiences, but it is important to be prepared and informed before embarking on a hike in either park.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
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 Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are two of the largest parks in Alaska. Both parks offer diverse wildlife, but the species you’ll see will depend on the park you visit.
Denali National Park & Preserve is home to a variety of large mammals such as grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and wolves. Visitors can also spot smaller mammals like marmots, ground squirrels, and beavers. Birders can enjoy observing species such as the bald eagle, raven, and several species of hawks.
In contrast, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is known for its Arctic tundra landscape and is home to a unique assemblage of wildlife. Visitors can see Arctic foxes, Dall sheep, and muskoxen. The park also provides habitat for various bird species, including the willow ptarmigan and the gyrfalcon.
Both parks offer a chance to see different plant species, but the vegetation in Denali is more diverse due to its more temperate climate. Visitors to Gates of the Arctic will see a mix of arctic and alpine tundra vegetation, including lichens, mosses, and low-growing shrubs. Whether you’re interested in large mammals, birds, or vegetation, both Denali and Gates of the Arctic have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Hermit Thrush | American Kestrel |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Northern Pintail |
| Song Sparrow | American Wigeon |
| European Starling | Green-Winged Teal |
| Northern Pintail | American Pipit |
| American Wigeon | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Black Bear | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Mink |
| Mink | Wolf |
| Wolf | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Varying Hare |
| Snowshoe Hare | River Otter |
| River Otter | Common Shrew |
| Common Shrew | Red Squirrel |
| Water Shrew | Montane Shrew |
| Red Squirrel | Lynx |
| Montane Shrew | Wolverine |
| Lynx | American Marten |
| Wolverine | Grizzly Bear |
| American Marten | Meadow Vole |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Moose |
| Grizzly Bear | Least Weasel |
| Meadow Vole | Pygmy Shrew |
| Moose | Northern Bog Lemming |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Burbot | Eelpout |
| Coho Salmon | King Salmon |
| Chinook Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Chum Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | Dolly Varden |
| Dolly Varden | Arctic Grayling |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is famous for its iconic mountain, Denali. The 20,310-foot peak is the highest in North America and is a popular destination for climbers and hikers. Visitors can also see grizzly bears, caribou, moose and wolves in their natural habitat. Scenic drives and bus tours offer breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers, wildflowers, and alpine tundra.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, also located in Alaska, is known for its remote wilderness and stunning mountain ranges. Visitors can see the Brooks Range, a chain of peaks over 7,000 feet high, and the Arrigetch Peaks, a series of granite spires. The park also boasts pristine rivers and lakes, including the Noatak River and the Kobuk River, which are home to salmon and other fish species. Hiking trails and backpacking trips offer opportunities to explore the park’s rugged terrain and see its diverse wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most popular national parks. Both offer breathtaking views, abundant wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation, but they have some distinct differences that set them apart.
Denali is well known for its scenic drive, which takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of the Alaska Range and its wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy backpacking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park has several campgrounds and backcountry campsites for those who want to spend a night under the stars, and guided bus tours are available for those who want a more structured experience.
Gates Of The Arctic, on the other hand, is more remote and rugged, with no roads or established trails. It is a true wilderness experience, with backpacking, rafting, and fishing being the most popular activities. The park is a paradise for adventure-seekers, and visitors can explore the Brooks Range and its glaciers, rivers and valleys on their own or with a guide.
Both Denali and Gates Of The Arctic offer unique and unforgettable experiences, and it’s up to each individual to decide which park is right for them. For those looking for a more developed, accessible park, Denali is the perfect choice. For those seeking a true wilderness experience, Gates Of The Arctic is the place to go.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most stunning national parks. Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the weather at each park can vary greatly depending on the season.
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in central Alaska and is known for its milder temperatures and more accessible terrain. Summer temperatures in the park average around 60°F, making it a popular time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -40°F, making it a popular destination for winter sports such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in northern Alaska and is known for its more remote and rugged terrain. Summer temperatures in the park average around 40°F, making it a popular destination for backcountry adventures. Winter temperatures can drop to -60°F, making it a popular destination for extreme winter sports such as ice climbing and snowboarding.
When considering a visit to either of these parks, it is important to consider the weather and the activities you wish to participate in. Denali National Park & Preserve is a great destination for those looking for milder temperatures and more accessible terrain, while Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a great destination for those looking for a more remote and rugged experience.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular parks in Alaska. Both parks offer unique experiences and are great destinations for families traveling with children. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, Denali National Park & Preserve is the better choice.
Denali National Park & Preserve is more accessible than Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, with a road that takes visitors deep into the park, offering stunning views of the landscape and wildlife. The park also has several campgrounds and lodges, making it easier for families to stay overnight. In addition, there are several ranger-led programs and educational opportunities for children, making it a great place to learn about the natural world.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is more remote and requires more effort to reach. It is a wilderness area, with no roads and limited facilities, making it a more challenging destination for families with young children. However, for families seeking a true backcountry experience, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a great option, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children, Denali National Park & Preserve is the better option, offering a more accessible and family-friendly experience. However, if you are looking for a true wilderness experience, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a great choice.