Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two of the many stunning National Parks within the United States. Both parks offer a unique and diverse range of experiences for visitors, from breathtaking landscapes to abundant wildlife. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a new adventure, it can be difficult to decide between these two destinations. That’s why we’re going to compare these two parks to help you make your decision!
Denali is home to the tallest peak in North America, Mount Denali, that offers unforgettable views of the Alaska wilderness. Guadalupe Mountains, on the other hand, is a desert oasis that features towering peaks, deep canyons, and a diverse array of flora and fauna. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or simply a lover of nature, both parks have something to offer. So, grab your backpack and get ready to explore the great outdoors!
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer outdoor enthusiasts a chance to experience the beauty of nature and challenge themselves with a variety of hikes.
Denali is known for its remote wilderness, where visitors can take on long backcountry treks or day hikes to scenic vistas. The park’s most popular hike is the Wonder Lake Trail, which is an easy 8-mile round trip hike with breathtaking views of the park’s namesake peak, Mount Denali. On the other hand, the park’s hardest hike is the challenging Mount Healy Overlook Trail, which is a strenuous 8-mile round trip hike with a 3,000-foot elevation gain.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged peaks and canyons. The park’s easiest hike is the Permian Reef Trail, which is a gentle 1-mile round trip hike that showcases the park’s unique geology. The park’s toughest hike is the Guadalupe Peak Trail, an 8.5-mile round trip hike with a 3,000-foot elevation gain. This hike rewards visitors with panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Wildlife in Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both known for their exceptional wildlife. In Denali, visitors can expect to see a variety of large mammals, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park is also home to numerous bird species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and gyrfalcons. In addition, visitors may spot a variety of plant life, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and several species of bats. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 150 species of birds found in the area, including the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the elegant trogon. In addition to wildlife, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also home to a variety of plant life, including cacti, wildflowers, and yucca plants.
While both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, Denali is well known for its large mammals, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its diverse bird species. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Guadalupe Mountains 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 | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Black Bear | Deer Mouse |
| Porcupine | Raccoon |
| Red Fox | Black Bear |
| Mink | Porcupine |
| Wolf | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| River Otter | Mountain Lion |
| Common Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Water Shrew | Common Gray Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Gray Wolf |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Lynx | American Badger |
| Wolverine | California Myotis |
| American Marten | Fringed Myotis |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Grizzly Bear | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Meadow Vole | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Moose | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Bighorn Sheep |
| Pygmy Shrew | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Night Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Desert Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Ladies | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is home to the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the park road, which offers spectacular views of the mountain and the surrounding wilderness. Additionally, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also take a guided tour to see grizzly bears, caribou, and other wildlife.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, is known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes. The park is home to the Guadalupe Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding desert and canyons. Hiking trails lead to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Other popular activities in the park include camping, horseback riding, and rock climbing. The park also has several natural wonders, including the McKittrick Canyon, which is known for its fall foliage, and the Devil’s Hall, a narrow canyon with towering cliffs.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two popular national parks in the United States that offer unique outdoor recreation experiences. Denali is known for its stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness and its abundant wildlife, while Guadalupe Mountains is a popular destination for rock climbers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.
At Denali, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, backcountry camping, and flightseeing. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity here, with visitors often spotting moose, caribou, and grizzly bears. Flightseeing is also a must-do experience, offering breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness from above.
At Guadalupe Mountains, visitors can go hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and scenic drives. The park is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which draws many visitors for its challenging hike and panoramic views. Horseback riding is also a popular activity, with many visitors taking guided rides through the park’s backcountry.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer unique outdoor recreation experiences, with Denali being known for its wilderness views and wildlife, and Guadalupe Mountains being popular for its rock climbing, hiking, and horseback riding.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two stunning US National Parks that offer unique landscapes and wildlife. However, the weather conditions in each park greatly impact the best time to visit.
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and experiences a subarctic climate with long, bitter cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures can drop to -40°F, making it a difficult time to visit for most people. But during summer, temperatures can reach up to 60°F, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is located in Texas and experiences a more temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures are mild and pleasant, making it a great time to visit for those who prefer cooler weather. Hiking, camping, and rock climbing are popular activities in the winter months.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Denali National Park & Preserve is during the summer months, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park is best visited during the winter months. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but it’s important to plan your trip based on the weather conditions to make the most of your visit.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. When it comes to traveling with children, each park offers unique experiences and opportunities for families.
Denali is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The park features a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives, including the popular Savage River Loop Trail, which is a great option for families with younger children. In addition, Denali is well known for its abundant wildlife, including moose, caribou, and grizzly bears, making it a great place for children to learn about the natural world.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a great option for families who enjoy scenic hikes and stunning vistas. The park is home to the Guadalupe Peak Trail, the highest point in Texas, and several other trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape. Additionally, the park is home to several historic sites, including the remnants of an old stagecoach station, making it a great place to learn about the region’s rich history.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are excellent options for families. However, if you are traveling with young children, Denali may be a better choice due to its abundance of wildlife and shorter hiking trails. On the other hand, if you are looking for scenic hikes and stunning vistas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the better option.