Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are two of America’s hidden gem national parks. Both offer unique experiences for visitors, but in vastly different ways. Dry Tortugas National Park is a tropical paradise located in the Gulf of Mexico, while Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness in the heart of Alaska.
The Dry Tortugas is a place of history and beauty, with stunning crystal-clear waters and a history that dates back to the Civil War. Visitors can explore the historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel in the vibrant coral reefs, and watch for colorful tropical birds. The Dry Tortugas is a one-of-a-kind experience that is not to be missed.
Gates of the Arctic, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness that is perfect for those seeking adventure. With no roads or developed facilities, visitors must rely on their own skills and knowledge to explore this rugged landscape. This park is a true test of survival and offers a unique opportunity to witness the raw beauty of Alaska. Whether you are a seasoned backcountry explorer or a first-time visitor, Gates of the Arctic is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is renowned for its clear waters, coral reefs, and historic Fort Jefferson. The park offers a few hiking trails, including the Garden Key Trail, which is a half-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to Fort Jefferson. The trail is easy and suitable for all ages. On the other hand, Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its rugged and remote wilderness. The park features several challenging hiking trails, including the Arrigetch Peaks Trail, which is a multi-day hike that takes visitors to the park’s highest peaks. The trail is strenuous and requires prior backpacking and wilderness experience.
For those seeking a more moderate hike, the Boreal Forest Trail in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is a good option. It is a 2.5-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through the park’s stunning boreal forest. In Dry Tortugas National Park, the Long Key Trail is a great option for those seeking a moderate hike. It is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to a secluded beach and offers stunning views of the surrounding waters.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve offer a range of hiking trails to suit different levels of experience and fitness. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a challenging backpacking adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both unique and beautiful parks that offer visitors the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife. While the parks are located in different parts of the country, both offer opportunities to see a range of animal, bird, and plant species.
At Dry Tortugas, visitors can see species such as sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to many species of tropical fish, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving. In addition, the park is surrounded by crystal-clear waters that are ideal for observing marine life.
At Gates of the Arctic, visitors will have the chance to see a range of animals, including caribou, moose, bear, fox, and the occasional wolf. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the Arctic tern, the peregrine falcon, and the willow ptarmigan. The park’s landscape is dominated by tundra and spruce forests, which provide a habitat for many different plant species.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife in unique and beautiful natural environments. Whether you are a birdwatcher, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a chance to get up close and personal with nature, these parks are definitely worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Gates Of The Arctic 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 |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Hermit Thrush |
| Hermit Thrush | American Kestrel |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | American Wigeon |
| Northern Pintail | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
| American Pipit | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Killdeer | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Red Fox | |
| Mink | |
| Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Varying Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park is famed for its turquoise waters and abundant marine life. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century military fort, and the Garden Key Lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and fishing, as well as exploring the historic fort. In addition, the Dry Tortugas offers stunning sunsets and sunrises seen from the park’s beaches.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is situated in Alaska’s Brooks Range and is renowned for its rugged and pristine wilderness. This park is home to numerous glaciers, including the Arrigetch Peaks, which are some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in North America. The park also features crystal-clear rivers, pristine lakes, and an abundance of wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves. Visitors to the park can take part in backpacking, rafting, and kayaking, and experience the true wilderness of Alaska.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve are two very different parks with very different things to offer. Dry Tortugas is a chain of small islands located in the Gulf of Mexico and is famous for its bird and marine life, including the Fort Jefferson National Monument. Visitors can take boat tours to see the island and snorkel in the surrounding waters, which is rich in marine life.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness area located in Alaska. This park is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, mountains, and alpine tundra. Visitors can hike, backpack, and camp in the wilderness, and also enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities, including caribou, moose, and grizzly bears. The park also offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking in its many lakes and streams.
Both parks offer unique outdoor experiences and are popular destinations for those who love nature and outdoor activities. However, it’s important to note that Dry Tortugas is more accessible and offers more structured activities, while Gates Of The Arctic is more remote and requires more preparation and planning. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preferences and the type of outdoor experience you are looking for.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is from January to May, as the weather is dry and sunny with temperatures ranging from 70-80°F. The summer months, June to September, are hot and humid with temperatures often reaching 90°F or higher. This weather can make outdoor activities uncomfortable and increase the risk of heat exhaustion and sunburn. The park is also vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms during this time.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its harsh arctic climate. Summer temperatures are mild, ranging from 40-60°F, and the days are long with 24 hours of daylight. Winter temperatures are extremely cold, often reaching -40°F, and the days are short with only a few hours of daylight. The best time to visit is during the summer months, June to September, when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are possible. Winter is a beautiful season to visit but is only recommended for experienced and well-prepared visitors as the harsh weather can be dangerous.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are both unique and breathtaking destinations. When it comes to traveling with children, Dry Tortugas might be the better choice. This park is located off the coast of Key West, Florida and is accessible by ferry or seaplane. The clear waters and abundant marine life make snorkeling and bird-watching popular activities for families.
On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska and is much more remote and rugged. This park is better suited for experienced backpackers and adventurers, and may not be as child-friendly. The park offers opportunities for backpacking, rafting, and fishing, but there are no designated trails, roads, or visitor centers. This park is best suited for families who are looking for an adventure and are prepared for a challenging wilderness experience.
In conclusion, when it comes to family-friendliness, Dry Tortugas is the better choice for families traveling with children. The park offers a variety of activities that are suitable for all ages, and its location and accessibility make it easier to get to and navigate. On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic provides a unique and challenging wilderness experience for families who are looking for an adventure.