The United States is home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, and two of these are Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. These two parks are like night and day, each offering its own unique experience for visitors.
Dry Tortugas is a remote island park located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. It’s a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters, abundant sea life and historic Fort Jefferson, a massive brick fortress from the 1800s.
Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, is a massive wilderness area located in Alaska. It’s a land of glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and pristine wilderness that is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature, these two parks are must-sees. But which one is right for you? Join us as we explore the unique qualities of Dry Tortugas and Wrangell – St Elias and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks with vastly different landscapes and hiking experiences. Dry Tortugas, located off the coast of Florida, is primarily composed of seven small islands and is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historic Fort Jefferson. Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is the largest national park in the country, covering an area of over 13 million acres. This park is famous for its rugged terrain, glaciers, and abundant wildlife.
When it comes to hiking trails, Dry Tortugas National Park offers a few easy hikes that are perfect for families and visitors of all ages. The Garden Key Trail is a 0.6-mile loop that takes you to historic Fort Jefferson, while the Loggerhead Key Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding waters. On the other hand, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offers much more challenging hikes, including the Mount Blackburn and Mount Drum, which are two of the tallest peaks in the park. These hikes require a high level of physical fitness, as well as proper equipment and experience.
Overall, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer unique hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach hike or a challenging mountain 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 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 Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Despite being located on opposite coasts, both parks offer unique landscapes and wildlife experiences.
Dry Tortugas is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its rich marine life, including sea turtles, manatees, and various species of fish. Visitors can also see pelicans, frigate birds, and other seabirds. The park is also home to a large colony of sooty terns, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
Wrangell-St. Elias, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its diverse wildlife, including moose, caribou, wolves, bears, and mountain goats. Visitors can also see eagles, ravens, and other bird species. The park’s landscape is dominated by glaciers, mountains, and valleys, making it a popular destination for hikers, mountaineers, and skiers.
Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but Dry Tortugas is a better choice for those interested in marine life, while Wrangell-St. Elias is a better choice for those interested in land-based wildlife. Both parks are also home to a variety of plant species, including cacti in Dry Tortugas and tundra in Wrangell-St. Elias. Whether you’re interested in marine life or land-based wildlife, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas National Park | 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 |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Song Sparrow | American Kestrel |
| European Starling | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Killdeer | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Red Fox | |
| Puma | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| Land Otter | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Long-Tailed Vole | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful island chain located approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The most famous landscapes in this park are the historic Fort Jefferson and the crystal-clear waters that surround it. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling and diving in the surrounding waters to see the abundant marine life, including sea turtles, which give the park its name.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a massive national park located in Alaska, and is the largest national park in the United States. This park is famous for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Wrangell Mountains, which are some of the oldest in the world. Visitors can also enjoy scenic overlooks, glaciers, and wildlife viewing opportunities in this park. The park also contains the Kennicott Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in North America and a popular destination for visitors.
Both Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer a variety of landscapes and natural wonders to explore. Whether you’re interested in visiting historic sites, participating in water activities, or exploring the great outdoors, these parks are sure to provide a unique and memorable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two popular National Parks in the United States, but they offer very different experiences to visitors. While Dry Tortugas is primarily known for its pristine beaches, snorkeling, and birdwatching, Wrangell-St. Elias is a wilderness lover’s paradise, with opportunities for backpacking, camping, and exploring glaciers.
At Dry Tortugas, visitors can take a ferry or seaplane to Fort Jefferson and spend the day exploring the historic fort and the surrounding crystal clear waters. Snorkeling is a popular activity here, with many visitors coming to see the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Birdwatching is also a common pastime, with the park’s location providing a habitat for many migratory birds.
Wrangell-St. Elias, on the other hand, is a rugged and remote wilderness area that draws outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure. The park offers ample opportunities for backpacking, camping, and exploring glaciers, as well as fishing, hunting, and even flight-seeing. Visitors can also take guided hikes to see the stunning glaciers, wildlife, and scenic vistas that the park has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park, located off the coast of Florida, is a popular destination for those seeking warm weather, clear waters, and abundant wildlife. Winter temperatures average in the mid-70s and reach into the low 90s during the summer months. The park is relatively dry, with only minimal rainfall from May to October. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as snorkeling and swimming.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offers a vastly different climate to Dry Tortugas. Winter temperatures average in the low 20s, while summer temperatures can reach into the mid-60s. The park experiences abundant rainfall, with the majority falling from May to September. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a more rugged and remote wilderness experience. Hiking and backpacking are popular activities in the park, but visitors should be prepared for inclement weather and challenging terrain.
When considering a visit to either park, it is important to consider the seasonal weather patterns. Dry Tortugas is best visited between March and September, when temperatures are warm and conditions are dry. Wrangell – St Elias is best visited between June and August, when temperatures are mild and the park is not blanketed by snow. Regardless of the season, both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks offer stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, they differ greatly in terms of family-friendliness.
Dry Tortugas National Park is an excellent choice for families. The park is located on an island and can only be reached by boat or seaplane, making it a fun and adventurous experience for kids. Once on the island, families can participate in various activities such as snorkeling, bird watching and exploring the historic Fort Jefferson. With its shallow waters and plenty of shade, the park is a great place to spend a day in the sun.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a more rugged destination that is not necessarily suitable for young children. The park covers an area of over 13 million acres and is largely wilderness, with limited facilities and services. While older children and teenagers may enjoy the park’s backcountry hiking and camping opportunities, younger children may find it difficult to navigate the rough terrain. Additionally, the park is remote, with limited access to amenities such as food, water and medical services, making it a more challenging destination for families.
In conclusion, for families traveling with young children, Dry Tortugas National Park is the better option. With its more accessible island location and variety of family-friendly activities, families can enjoy a safe and fun-filled day in the sun.