Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most stunning and diverse national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer a wide range of activities and breathtaking scenery, but each has its own unique character. In this article, we will be comparing and contrasting these two amazing parks, highlighting what sets them apart and what makes them so special.
Denali National Park & Preserve is home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley (also known as Denali), and is a true wilderness paradise. With its rugged terrain and pristine wilderness, visitors can experience the raw essence of nature in its truest form.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park located in northern Minnesota. This park is known for its interconnected system of lakes, bays, and channels, as well as its rich history as a hub of fur trading activity. Whether you’re a fan of boating, fishing, or just relishing in the serenity of the water, Voyageurs National Park is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different types of hiking experiences. In Denali, there are a variety of trails ranging from easy and scenic to strenuous and remote. The park’s main trail, the Savage River Loop, is a popular and easy hike that takes visitors through a scenic environment filled with wildlife. Another popular hike is the Mount Healy Overlook Trail, which is strenuous and offers panoramic views of the park. On the other hand, in Voyageurs, visitors will find a network of trails that take them through the park’s network of lakes and waterways. The Kettle Falls Hike is one of the most popular trails that takes visitors to a historic waterfall. The Rainy Lake Hike is a strenuous hike that takes visitors through the park’s wilderness and offers views of the lake from a remote viewpoint.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, but Denali is known for its remote and challenging trails, while Voyageurs is known for its water-based trails and scenic views. Whether you are looking for a scenic stroll or a challenging backcountry adventure, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park have something to offer.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Denali National Park and Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife. In Denali, visitors may see large mammals such as moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and grizzly bears. The park is also home to wolves, lynx, foxes, and a variety of bird species, including golden eagles and ptarmigans.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is a water-based park with a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see beavers, otters, and moose, as well as bald eagles and loons. The park is also known for its plant life, including wildflowers, berry bushes and conifers.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitats, with Denali offering a chance to observe large mammals in their alpine tundra habitats and Voyageurs offering a chance to see a variety of species in a water-based environment. When visiting either park, it is important to be aware of and follow park regulations to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Black Bear |
| Snowshoe Hare | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Water Shrew | Red Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
| Lynx | Mountain Lion |
| Wolverine | Mink |
| American Marten | Common Gray Fox |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Plains Wolf |
| Grizzly Bear | American Badger |
| Meadow Vole | Ermine |
| Moose | Snowshoe Hare |
| Least Weasel | River Otter |
| Pygmy Shrew | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Green Sunfish |
| Burbot | Bluegill |
| Coho Salmon | Fathead Minnow |
| Chinook Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | Lake Trout |
| Chum Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Dolly Varden | Ellpout |
| Arctic Grayling | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their stunning landscapes and natural beauty, but they are each unique in their own way.
Denali National Park is located in Alaska and is home to Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. Visitors to the park can enjoy views of the rugged, snow-capped mountain range, as well as the tundra landscapes that surround it. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is known for its beautiful lakes and waterways. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the park’s many lakes and streams, and enjoy views of the surrounding forests and wetlands. The park also has a number of historic sites, including old fur trading posts, that provide a glimpse into the region’s past.
Both parks offer a unique and breathtaking natural experience for visitors. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking mountain views or serene waterways, both Denali National Park and Voyageurs National Park have something to offer. So, plan your visit soon to explore these two beautiful parks and their breathtaking landscapes!
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but they each have their own unique features that make them stand out.
Denali National Park & Preserve is known for its stunning views of Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. Visitors can take scenic drives through the park, go on wildlife viewing excursions, or take part in ranger-led activities. The park is also a popular destination for backpacking and camping, with a variety of trails and camping sites available.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is centered around its waterways, including the four large lakes that make up the park. Visitors can explore the lakes by boat, kayak, or canoe, and there are also many opportunities for fishing and swimming. The park also offers hiking trails, ranger-led activities, and campgrounds for those who want to spend the night.
Both Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors, making them great destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for stunning views, wildlife encounters, or water-based activities, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US. Both parks offer breathtaking scenery and unique experiences, but they have different weather patterns that can greatly affect when is the best time to visit.
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in central Alaska and experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures well below freezing and heavy snowfall. Summer is brief, but warm with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit Denali is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s wildlife is most active.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Minnesota and experiences cold winters with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a popular destination for boaters and water enthusiasts. The best time to visit Voyageurs is during the summer, when the weather is warm and the park’s waterways are accessible.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park have unique weather patterns that greatly affect when is the best time to visit. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly to take advantage of the most favorable weather conditions and experience the best that each park has to offer.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most family-friendly national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities and experiences for families with children of all ages.
Denali is best known for its scenic beauty and opportunities to see wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. The park offers ranger-led activities and educational programs for children, as well as easy hikes and scenic drives. The park’s shuttle system provides easy access to many of the park’s most popular areas, making it an ideal destination for families with young children.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its water-based recreation opportunities, including boating, fishing, and canoeing. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and loons. The park’s many lakes and bays provide an ideal setting for families to explore and enjoy the outdoors. The park also offers ranger-led programs, as well as camping and picnic areas.
Both parks offer unique experiences for families, but for those traveling with young children, Denali may be the more accessible choice. With its well-developed shuttle system and wide range of easy hikes and scenic drives, Denali offers a variety of opportunities for families to explore and enjoy the park, while still providing a safe and manageable experience.