Discover two of America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. These two parks offer an abundance of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless adventure opportunities. Everglades is a unique blend of sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and subtropical jungles, making it a haven for alligators, panthers, and over 350 species of birds. Meanwhile, Wrangell – St. Elias boasts a rugged, glacier-filled wilderness and is home to grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep.
So, which one is right for you? Do you want to kayak through mangrove tunnels or hike through glaciers? Do you want to spot alligators or grizzly bears? The answer to these questions and more await you in this comparison of Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. Get ready to be transported to two of America’s most magnificent and unique natural wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these parks have something for everyone. So buckle up, grab your hiking shoes, and let’s dive in!
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the largest national parks in the United States and offer a wide range of hiking opportunities. The Everglades is a unique wetland ecosystem that spans 1.5 million acres and is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Hiking trails range from boardwalks through mangrove forests to longer backcountry treks. The Anhinga Trail is one of the most popular, offering a half-mile boardwalk through a sawgrass marsh that is home to alligators, herons, and other wetland birds. The Pinelands Trail is a more strenuous hike, taking visitors through pine forests and wetlands.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve covers 13.2 million acres and is home to glaciers, mountains, and the largest protected wilderness area in the country. Hiking trails range from short walks to multi-day backcountry adventures. The Root Glacier Trail is one of the most popular, offering a 2.5-mile hike to the edge of a glacier where visitors can walk on the ice. The Mount Blackburn hike is one of the most challenging, taking visitors on a strenuous climb to the top of the park’s tallest peak. Hiking in Wrangell – St. Elias requires proper planning and preparation, as visitors can encounter rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and wildlife.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park
| 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 | 4 |
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 Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Everglades National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the largest national parks in the US, each offering unique wildlife experiences. Everglades is home to a diverse range of species, including the American alligator, American white pelican, and the manatee. It is also a critical habitat for numerous species of birds, including the Wood Stork, Anhinga, and the Purple Gallinule. In addition to its rich birdlife, Everglades is home to numerous threatened and endangered species, such as the Florida panther and the West Indian Manatee.
Wrangell-St. Elias, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including the Dall sheep, grizzly bear, and moose. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and the Harlequin Duck. In addition to its rich fauna, Wrangell-St. Elias is also home to a diverse range of flora, including the Devil’s Club and the Alaska Blueberry. The park’s vast wilderness and rugged terrain provide a habitat for numerous species of both animals and plants, making it a unique and stunning destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Everglades 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 |
| 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 |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Everglades National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Bobcat | American Beaver |
| Striped Skunk | Muskrat |
| Raccoon | Little Brown Bat |
| Red Fox | Black Bear |
| House Mouse | Porcupine |
| Mink | Red Fox |
| Gray Fox | Puma |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Mink |
| White-Tailed Deer | Mule Deer |
| Eastern Cottontail | Wolf |
| House Rat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Spotted Skunk | Snowshoe Hare |
| Fox Squirrel | Land Otter |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Common Shrew |
| Feral Hog | Water Shrew |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Red Squirrel |
| Least Shrew | Montane Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Vole | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole |
Fish
| Everglades National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Steelhead |
| Bluegill | Longnose Sucker |
| Golden Shiner | Lake Trout |
| Yellow Bullhead | Northern Pike |
| Channel Catfish | Burbot |
| Black Crappie | Silver Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | King Salmon |
| Brown Bullhead | Slimy Sculpin |
| Goldfish | Threespine Stickleback |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Everglades National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Everglades National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the largest and most famous national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders for visitors to enjoy.
Everglades National Park is famous for its vast wetlands and diverse ecosystems. Visitors to the park can take an airboat tour to see alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife in the shallow waters. They can also hike the Anhinga Trail, which leads through a mangrove forest and offers stunning views of the park’s wetlands.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its massive glaciers, towering mountain peaks, and rolling tundra. A day hike in the park can take visitors to the Root Glacier, where they can walk on ice and see the stunning blue ice formations. Another popular destination is the Stairway Icefall, which can be viewed from a scenic overlook. The park also offers opportunities for backpacking, camping, and wildlife viewing, including grizzly bears, caribou, and moose.
Both parks offer truly unique and unforgettable experiences, and both attract thousands of visitors each year. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the best parks in the country to visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both unique and offer a variety of outdoor opportunities for visitors. The Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is known for its wildlife and bird watching, fishing, and boating. Visitors can take an airboat tour to see the alligators, panthers, and other native species that call the park home. The park also has several recreational areas for fishing, including the popular Flamingo area.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is a vast wilderness area that is popular for backcountry hiking, mountaineering, and fishing. Visitors can explore the park’s glaciers, rivers, and valleys on foot, by air, or by boat. The park is also home to several active volcanoes and the Kennicott Glacier, which is a popular destination for mountaineers. In addition, the park has several rivers that are great for fishing, including the Copper River.
In conclusion, both Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adventure in the wilderness, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Everglades National Park and Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks with vastly different climates. The Everglades, located in southern Florida, is a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The best time to visit the Everglades is from December to April, when temperatures are comfortable and wildlife is most active.
Wrangell-St Elias, located in southern Alaska, has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The best time to visit this park is from June to September, when temperatures are mild and access to the park is possible by road. However, visitors should be prepared for unpredictable weather, including rain, snow and fog, even during the summer months.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to experience the natural beauty of their respective climates, but the best time to visit depends on personal preferences and the type of activities desired. The Everglades is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and boating, while Wrangell-St Elias is best for backcountry adventures, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Everglades National Park is located in Florida and is known for its vast, subtropical wetlands and diverse wildlife. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is the largest national park in the country, known for its rugged terrain and glaciers. Both parks offer unique experiences for families, but each has its own set of challenges and benefits.
Everglades National Park offers a number of family-friendly activities, including ranger-led tours, boat trips, and wildlife viewing. Children will love the opportunity to see alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. The park also has several picnic areas and hiking trails, making it a great place to spend a day with the family.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a more rugged destination, but it offers a unique wilderness experience for families. There are several campgrounds and scenic drives, as well as opportunities for backpacking, fishing and hunting. Children will love the chance to explore the glaciers and the park’s vast wilderness. However, the park can be remote and challenging to access, and some areas may not be suitable for young children.
In conclusion, Everglades National Park may be the better option for families with young children who are looking for a variety of outdoor activities. Wrangell-St. Elias may be a better option for families with older children who are looking for a more rugged wilderness experience. Both parks offer unique opportunities for families and are worth considering when planning a trip to the National Parks.