Denali National Park & Preserve vs Zion National Park

Feel Free To Share:

Denali National Park & Preserve vs Zion National Park

Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both are unique in their own ways and offer visitors the chance to experience the great outdoors in different and exciting ways. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to take in the beauty of nature, you’ll find something to love about these two parks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park to help you decide which one is right for you.

Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount McKinley. It’s a vast wilderness that covers over six million acres, and is teeming with wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and moose. Visitors can take a scenic drive or go on a backcountry hike to experience the beauty of the park up close.

Zion National Park, on the other hand, is a desert park located in southern Utah and is known for its stunning red rock formations. Hiking is the main attraction here, with trails that range from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. The park is also home to the iconic Zion Canyon, which is a popular spot for visitors to take in the breathtaking views.

Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park

Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures.

Denali National Park & Preserve is known for its vast wilderness, with over 6 million acres of pristine wilderness. The park offers a range of hikes, from easy nature walks to strenuous backpacking trips. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Mount Healy Overlook Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the park’s landscape. On the other hand, the park’s hardest hike is the East Fork Trail, a 28-mile round trip hike that takes several days to complete.

Zion National Park is known for its awe-inspiring canyons and towering cliffs. The park offers a range of hikes, from short walks to multi-day backpacking trips. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Riverside Walk, a 2.2-mile round trip hike that takes you along the Virgin River. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park’s hardest hike is the West Rim Trail, a 17-mile round trip hike that takes you along the rim of the park’s main canyon.

Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, with something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging backcountry adventure.

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 Zion National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Angels Landing Trail 6598.294 492.8616 Hard out and back 5
The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk 2896.812 62.7888 Easy out and back 4.5
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail 1609.34 64.9224 Moderate out and back 4.5
The Watchman Trail 4988.954 196.9008 Moderate loop 4.5
The Subway Trail 11265.38 397.764 Hard out and back 5
Weeping Rock Trail 482.802 23.7744 Easy out and back 4
Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring 13840.324 1268.8824 Hard out and back 5
Lower Emerald Pool Trail 2092.142 34.7472 Easy out and back 4
Emerald Pools Trail 4667.086 184.7088 Easy out and back 4
Hidden Canyon Trail 4828.02 283.7688 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park

Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Zion National Park in Utah both offer unique opportunities to observe diverse wildlife and enjoy breathtaking landscapes.

Denali is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep. The park also has a large population of birds, including the golden eagle, the bald eagle, and the gyrfalcon. Visitors may also spot arctic ground squirrels and marmots. In the summer, wildflowers bloom in the tundra, adding to the beauty of the landscape.

Zion, located in the southwestern United States, is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. The park is also a popular bird-watching destination, with over 250 species of birds, including the peregrine falcon, the turkey vulture, and the American dipper. In addition to wildlife, Zion is known for its stunning red rock formations, which provide a dramatic backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Both parks offer a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts, but Denali’s remote location and rugged landscape offer a more immersive wilderness experience, while Zion’s accessible location and diverse landscape make it a great destination for families. Regardless of which park you choose, both offer a chance to connect with nature and observe some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring wildlife in the world.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Denali National Park & Preserve Zion 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 Zion 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 Mule Deer
American Marten Gray Fox
Northern Flying Squirrel Long-Legged Myotis
Grizzly Bear Long-Eared Myotis
Meadow Vole American Badger
Moose Ermine
Least Weasel California Myotis
Pygmy Shrew Fringed Myotis

Fish

Denali National Park & Preserve Zion National Park
Longnose Sucker Rainbow Trout
Lake Trout Brook Trout
Northern Pike Brown Trout
Burbot Speckled Dace
Coho Salmon Channel Catfish
Chinook Salmon Goldfish
Slimy Sculpin
Chum Salmon
Dolly Varden
Arctic Grayling

Amphibians

Denali National Park & Preserve Zion National Park
Wood Frog Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Canyon Treefrog

Reptiles

Denali National Park & Preserve Zion National Park
Gophersnake
Terrestrial Gartersnake
Ring-Necked Snake
Common Sagebrush Lizard
Greater Short-Horned Lizard
Side-Blotched Lizard
Common Kingsnake
Nightsnake
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard
Striped Whipsnake
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake
Tree Lizard
Western Whiptail
Western Skink
Desert Spiny Lizard

Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park

Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is home to the tallest peak in North America, Mount Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). Visitors can take scenic drives or take guided tours to see its beautiful landscapes, including the tundra, glaciers, and wildlife like caribou and grizzly bears. There are also several scenic overlooks in the park, such as Wonder Lake and Polychrome Pass, that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Zion National Park, located in Utah, is known for its massive sandstone cliffs that tower above the park’s canyons and valleys. One of the most famous landmarks in the park is the Zion Canyon, a deep, narrow canyon with towering walls that offer breathtaking views. Another popular destination is Angels Landing, a narrow rock formation with steep drop-offs that offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and valleys. There are also several waterfalls in the park, including the Emerald Pools and the Narrows, that offer visitors a chance to see the park’s natural beauty up close.

Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park

Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are both renowned natural attractions in the US, each offering an array of outdoor activities for visitors. Denali is a vast wilderness area covering over 6 million acres, with the centerpiece being 20,310 ft high Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing and camping, with ranger-led programs and backcountry hiking opportunities.

Zion, located in southwestern Utah, is known for its stunning red rock formations and narrow canyons. Popular activities include hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The park’s shuttle system allows visitors to access several trailheads and stops throughout the park, providing an easy way to explore the park’s diverse landscape. In addition, the Virgin River has carved out the stunning Zion Canyon, which can be seen on foot or by taking a scenic drive through the canyon.

Both parks offer unique experiences that allow visitors to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the outdoors. Whether it be the majestic peaks of Denali or the towering red rock formations of Zion, these parks are must-see destinations for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park

Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its extreme weather conditions and scenic beauty. The park experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures reaching as low as -40°F and short, mild summers with temperatures reaching up to 60°F. Winter is the best time for those interested in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, but visitors should be prepared for the extreme cold and limited daylight. The summer months are the best time for hiking and wildlife viewing as the weather is mild and the daylight lasts for up to 24 hours.

Zion National Park, located in Utah, experiences much milder weather conditions compared to Denali. The park experiences warm, dry summers with temperatures reaching up to 100°F and mild, damp winters with temperatures reaching as low as 30°F. Summer is the best time for those interested in hiking and exploring the park’s canyons, but visitors should be prepared for the heat and limited shade. Winter is the best time for those interested in photography as the light is soft and the scenery is stunning.

In conclusion, Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park both offer unique experiences, but they are best visited during different times of the year due to their respective weather conditions. Visitors to Denali should be prepared for extreme cold and limited daylight during the winter, while visitors to Zion should be prepared for heat and limited shade during the summer.

Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park

Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and both offer a unique and memorable outdoor experience for families. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have a lot to offer, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Denali National Park & Preserve is known for its stunning wilderness, with miles of unspoiled wilderness and abundant wildlife. The park has a range of activities for families, including ranger-led walks, bus tours, and hiking trails. However, it can be challenging for families with young children, as the park’s remote location and limited infrastructure can make it difficult to access some of the park’s attractions.

Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in a more accessible part of the country and is known for its stunning red rock formations and scenic hiking trails. The park is well-equipped with visitor centers, restaurants, and accommodations, making it a great option for families with young children. Zion also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including ranger-led walks, guided tours, and easy hikes.

In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are great options for families, but Zion is a more accessible and family-friendly park with better infrastructure and a wider range of activities for children. Denali, on the other hand, is a wilderness destination that offers a more rugged and remote experience for families who are looking for a true wilderness adventure.

Leave a Comment