Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both offer visitors stunning natural landscapes and opportunities to explore the great outdoors. But which one is the better destination for your next vacation?
In this article, we will compare these two parks in terms of their scenic beauty, recreational activities, wildlife, and accessibility. Whether you prefer rugged mountain peaks or rolling desert hills, you’re sure to find something to love about these two incredible parks.
Get ready for an adventure as we take a closer look at Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park. From the towering peaks of Denali to the mysterious caves of Great Basin, you’ll be amazed at what these parks have to offer. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camping gear, and let’s get started!
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are both popular destinations for hiking and outdoor recreation. While they are both beautiful and offer unique landscapes, they differ in terms of their hiking trails.
Denali National Park & Preserve boasts a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. One of the easiest hikes is the Stony Hill Overlook trail, a 1.4-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the park’s stunning landscape. Another easy hike is the Horseshoe Lake trail, which is a 2.2-mile round trip hike that takes you through a dense forest and to a picturesque lake. For those looking for a challenge, the park offers several strenuous hikes, including the Deception Pass trail, which is a 12.5-mile round trip hike that takes you through a remote area of the park and provides breathtaking views of the Alaska Range.
Great Basin National Park is also home to a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. One of the easiest hikes is the Baker Lake trail, a 2.7-mile round trip hike that takes you through the scenic forest and to a tranquil lake. Another easy hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which is a 1-mile round trip hike that takes you through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines, some of which are over 4,000 years old. For those looking for a challenge, the park offers several strenuous hikes, including the Wheeler Peak trail, which is a 13.0-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of the park’s highest peak and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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 Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, but the types of animals and plants you’ll encounter will be different depending on which park you visit.
Denali National Park is home to a number of large mammals, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. It’s also a great place to see birds, with over 169 species found in the park, including bald eagles and peregrine falcons. In addition to mammals and birds, visitors to Denali can also see a variety of plants, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, is home to a number of smaller mammals, including marmots, chipmunks, and ground squirrels. Visitors can also see a variety of birds, including wild turkeys, pinyon jays, and sage grouse. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, including sagebrush, pinyon pines, and junipers.
Both Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park offer visitors unique opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re interested in large mammals or smaller birds and plants, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Great Basin 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 | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| Snowshoe Hare | Silver-Haired Bat |
| River Otter | Hoary Bat |
| Common Shrew | Red Fox |
| Water Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Squirrel | House Mouse |
| Montane Shrew | Lion |
| Lynx | Mink |
| Wolverine | Mule Deer |
| American Marten | Gray Fox |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Gray Wolf |
| Grizzly Bear | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Meadow Vole | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Moose | Badger |
| Least Weasel | Ermine |
| Pygmy Shrew | Californis Myotis |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Burbot | Mottled Sculpin |
| Coho Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Chinook Salmon | Cutthroat Trout |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Denali is located in Alaska and is famous for its stunning views of Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. Visitors can take guided tours to the top of the mountain and hike through the park’s beautiful tundra landscape. The park also features glaciers, rivers, and wildlife such as grizzly bears and moose.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is known for its ancient bristlecone pines, which are some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. The park also features scenic drives, hiking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. One of the most popular attractions is Lehman Caves, a series of interconnected caverns with unique rock formations. Additionally, visitors can stargaze at night and see the Milky Way galaxy in all its glory.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are well worth a visit. Whether you are looking for stunning mountain views, ancient trees, or breathtaking caves, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Denali National Park and Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two popular national parks in the United States that offer a range of outdoor recreation opportunities. While both parks are known for their stunning landscapes and scenic hiking trails, they each have unique activities that attract visitors.
At Denali National Park and Preserve, visitors can take a scenic bus tour of the park’s road system, which offers views of the rugged Alaskan wilderness and wildlife sightings. Visitors can also try dog sledding, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is especially famous for its majestic Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America, which attracts mountaineers and climbers.
Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stargazing and astronomy opportunities. The park’s high elevation and remote location make it an ideal place to observe the night sky, and visitors can attend ranger-led stargazing programs or go on a guided night sky tour. The park is also home to the Lehman Caves, which visitors can tour and explore. In addition, Great Basin National Park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping in its scenic backcountry.
Overall, both Denali National Park and Preserve and Great Basin National Park offer visitors a range of outdoor recreation activities, from scenic bus tours and wildlife viewing to stargazing and cave exploring. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a peaceful escape into nature, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning landscapes and unique geological features, but the weather at each park is very different.
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in central Alaska and experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Average summer temperatures range from 40-60°F, while winter temperatures can drop as low as -40°F. The best time to visit Denali is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. The summer months also offer the best chance to see the park’s famous peak, Mount Denali.
Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, is located in eastern Nevada and experiences a more moderate climate. The park has hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, while winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the landscape is at its most colorful. Winter is also a popular time to visit the park, as the snow and cold temperatures provide a unique and stunning landscape.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the weather at each park affects the best time to visit. Visitors should plan their trip based on the weather conditions they prefer, as well as the specific activities they hope to enjoy during their visit.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are great destinations for families with children, but there are a few key differences to consider when deciding which one is better to visit.
Denali National Park & Preserve is known for its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and wildlife viewing tours. The park is more remote than Great Basin National Park, so it might not be the best choice for families with young children who require more amenities and services.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is more accessible, with a variety of amenities and service. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and campfire programs, as well as a number of family-friendly trails that are great for hiking or exploring with children. Additionally, the park is home to the Lehman Caves, which offer a unique opportunity to explore underground formations.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are great destinations for families with children. However, if you’re looking for a more remote and wildlife-rich experience, Denali National Park & Preserve might be the better choice. If you’re looking for a more accessible park with more amenities and services, Great Basin National Park might be the better choice.