Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the largest national parks in the United States, but they offer vastly different experiences for visitors. Both parks boast breathtaking landscapes, but Denali is known for its towering mountain peaks and Wrangell-St. Elias is known for its sprawling glaciers. Which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare the two parks and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
Denali is a bucket-list destination for many outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason. The park’s namesake, Mount Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), is the highest peak in North America and draws thousands of visitors each year. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or simply looking to take in the stunning views, Denali is a must-see destination. But it’s not just the mountain that makes Denali so special — the park is also home to an incredible array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou.
Wrangell-St. Elias, on the other hand, is a true wilderness destination. This massive park covers an area larger than Switzerland and is home to some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the country. If you’re looking for a true backcountry experience, Wrangell-St. Elias is the place for you. The park is known for its glaciers, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and even dog sledding. And with so much wilderness to explore, you’re sure to find your own slice of paradise in this park.
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s largest and most diverse national parks, attracting visitors from around the world. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in both parks, offering a wide range of trails for all skill levels.
Denali is known for its challenging hikes, such as the summit of Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America. The park also offers easier hikes, like the Savage River Loop, a 3-mile trail that winds through the park’s stunning wilderness.
In contrast, Wrangell – St Elias has a wider range of trails, from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. The park is also home to some of the largest glaciers in North America, which can be explored on trails like the Root Glacier Trail. The park’s most challenging hike is the Mount Bona climb, a strenuous 12-mile round-trip hike to the summit of one of Alaska’s most active volcanoes.
Regardless of skill level, both Denali and Wrangell – St Elias offer breathtaking hiking experiences in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. Whether you’re looking for a strenuous climb or an easy nature walk, these parks have something 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 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning natural beauty, but the wildlife you’ll see in each park is different.
At Denali National Park & Preserve, visitors are likely to see a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. Visitors may also see birds such as the golden eagle, the gyrfalcon, and the bald eagle. Additionally, the park is home to a wide variety of plants, including native Alaskan wildflowers, spruce and birch trees, and tundra plants.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. Visitors may also see a number of birds, including the golden eagle, the gyrfalcon, and the bald eagle. In addition to these species, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is also home to a number of rare and unique animals, including the mountain goat, the lynx, and the wolverine. The park is also home to a number of plants, including tundra plants, spruce and birch trees, and native Alaskan wildflowers.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and a variety of birds. However, the unique wildlife found in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, such as the mountain goat, the lynx, and the wolverine, make it a unique destination for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | 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 | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Mink | Puma |
| Wolf | Mink |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| Snowshoe Hare | Wolf |
| River Otter | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Common Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
| Water Shrew | Land Otter |
| Red Squirrel | Common Shrew |
| Montane Shrew | Water Shrew |
| Lynx | Red Squirrel |
| Wolverine | Montane Shrew |
| American Marten | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Lynx |
| Grizzly Bear | Wolverine |
| Meadow Vole | American Marten |
| Moose | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Least Weasel | Grizzly Bear |
| Pygmy Shrew | Meadow Vole |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Steelhead |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Lake Trout |
| Burbot | Northern Pike |
| Coho Salmon | Burbot |
| Chinook Salmon | Silver Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | King Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Dolly Varden | Threespine Stickleback |
| Arctic Grayling | Sockeye Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of America’s largest and most magnificent national parks. Both boast breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that attract millions of visitors each year.
Denali is famous for its majestic mountain, Mount Denali, which towers over the park at 20,310 feet. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the mountain on the park’s scenic drives, and those who are adventurous can take a guided climb to the summit. The park also features beautiful alpine tundra, crystal-clear rivers, and diverse wildlife including grizzly bears, caribou, and moose.
Wrangell – St Elias is a wonderland of glaciers, ice fields, and towering peaks. The park is home to nine of the 16 tallest peaks in North America, including Mount St. Elias, which stands at 18,008 feet. The park’s glaciers are some of the largest in the world, and visitors can take guided hikes on the glaciers and experience their power and beauty up close. The park also features stunning valleys, waterfalls, and hot springs, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Both Denali and Wrangell – St Elias offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or just a nature lover, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in Alaska, known for their stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exciting recreational opportunities. While both parks offer a variety of activities, they differ in their most popular offerings.
At Denali, visitors flock to see the park’s main attraction, Mount Denali. The highest peak in North America, Mount Denali can be observed from various viewpoints within the park and is a favorite subject for photographers. Additionally, visitors can take bus tours into the park’s interior to see the breathtaking tundra and wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.
Wrangell-St. Elias, on the other hand, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The park boasts over 13 million acres of wilderness, making it one of the largest protected areas in the world. From backpacking and camping to kayaking and fishing, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to be had. Additionally, the park is home to several glaciers and is a popular destination for ice climbing, glacier hiking, and snowmobiling.
Whether you’re looking to marvel at towering peaks, explore the rugged wilderness, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both located in Alaska and offer unique outdoor experiences. However, when it comes to weather, both parks have very different climates.
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in the interior of Alaska and has a subarctic climate. The park experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The average temperature in the summer is around 50°F (10°C) and in the winter, it can drop as low as -40°F (-40°C). This makes the best time to visit Denali National Park in the summer months, from late May to mid-September.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is located in the southeast of Alaska and has a maritime climate. The park experiences milder temperatures compared to Denali, with average temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 60°F (15°C). The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is from June to September, when the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
Both Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve have unique weather patterns that can greatly affect your visit to the park. It’s important to consider the weather conditions when planning your trip and choose the best time to visit.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most iconic national parks, each offering a unique experience for visitors. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks are great options, but there are some differences to consider.
Denali is a more traditional national park, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. The park is home to the famous Denali Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain. Visitors can also take part in ranger-led activities, such as nature walks and campfire programs. Children will love exploring the park’s scenic trails and learning about the area’s wildlife.
Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, is a more remote and rugged park, with fewer facilities and amenities. However, it offers a true wilderness experience and is perfect for families who are looking for a unique adventure. The park is home to glaciers, mountains, and remote wilderness areas that are perfect for exploring. Visitors can also take part in activities such as backpacking, camping, and rafting.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are great options for families, but Denali is a better choice for families with younger children or those who are looking for a more traditional park experience. Wrangell – St Elias is better for families who are seeking a rugged, wilderness adventure.