Welcome to a comparison of two of Alaska’s most stunning and awe-inspiring national parks: Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. These two parks are known for their breathtaking landscapes and unique natural beauty, but which one is right for you?
Gates of the Arctic is a remote and untamed wilderness, where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse themselves in nature. This park is for the adventurous traveler who wants to experience the wildness and solitude of the Alaskan wilderness.
Glacier Bay, on the other hand, is a place of glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. It is a place where visitors can see and experience the power of glaciers and learn about the impact they have had on the landscape and wildlife in the area.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an adventure-filled excursion, both Gates of the Arctic and Glacier Bay have something to offer. So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through these two amazing parks.
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are two national parks in Alaska known for their breathtaking natural beauty and diverse hiking trails.
The Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offers a more challenging hiking experience with its remote location and rugged terrain. The park is home to various backcountry trails, such as the Arrigetch Peaks, which is considered one of the toughest hikes in the park, and the Alatna River Trail, which is a multi-day hike that takes you through scenic valleys and glaciers.
On the other hand, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is more accessible and offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The park’s most popular hike is the Bartlett Cove Trail, which is a 2.5-mile round trip hike that takes you through the lush temperate rainforest to the beach. For a more challenging hike, the park offers the West Glacier Trail, which is a strenuous 13-mile round trip hike through the rugged terrain and past glaciers.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences and breathtaking views. Whether you are looking for a leisurely hike or a more strenuous adventure, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve have something to offer.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett Cove Forest Loop Trail | 1770.274 | 33.8328 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bartlett River Trail | 11104.446 | 266.7 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Bartlet Lake Trail | 9495.106 | 141.732 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Tlingit Trail | 1770.274 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Point Gustavus | 20116.75 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most popular national parks. Both parks are famous for their stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. However, there are some key differences between the two parks when it comes to wildlife.
At Gates of the Arctic, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of mammals, including caribou, moose, and grizzly bears. The park is also home to several species of birds, such as the golden eagle and the gyrfalcon. Additionally, Gates of the Arctic is known for its beautiful wildflowers, including fireweed and lupine.
In contrast, Glacier Bay is known for its marine wildlife, including humpback whales, sea lions, and porpoises. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, such as bald eagles, kittiwakes, and cormorants. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of plant life, including several species of mosses and lichens.
Both Gates of the Arctic and Glacier Bay offer unique and unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences. However, depending on what type of wildlife you are interested in seeing, one park may be a better fit for you than the other. If you are interested in seeing a wide variety of land mammals and birds, Gates of the Arctic may be the better choice. If you are interested in seeing marine wildlife, Glacier Bay is the better option.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Glacier Bay 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 |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
| American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
| American Pipit | European Starling |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Deer Mouse |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Red Fox | Porcupine |
| Mink | Red Fox |
| Wolf | House Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Mountain Lion |
| Varying Hare | Mink |
| River Otter | Mule Deer |
| Common Shrew | Gray Wolf |
| Red Squirrel | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
| Lynx | River Otter |
| Wolverine | Masked Shrew |
| American Marten | Water Shrew |
| Grizzly Bear | Red Squirrel |
| Meadow Vole | Montane Shrew |
| Moose | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Least Weasel | Lynx |
| Pygmy Shrew | Wolverine |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Marten |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Grizzly Bear |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Longnose Sucker |
| Eelpout | Lake Trout |
| King Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Slimy Sculpin | Burbot |
| Chum Salmon | Silver Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Chinook Salmon |
| Arctic Grayling | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are two of Alaska’s most famous national parks. Both offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, each with its own unique set of natural wonders.
Gates of the Arctic is known for its rugged and pristine wilderness, with no roads or trails leading into the park. Visitors can explore the Brooks Range, a majestic mountain range that runs through the park, and see stunning vistas from high mountain peaks. The park is also home to numerous rivers and streams, which provide opportunities for fishing, rafting and kayaking.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is famous for its glaciers and tidewater glaciers, which can be seen from the park’s many overlooks. The Margerie Glacier is one of the park’s most famous features, and visitors can take boat tours to get a closer look at this majestic glacier and the wildlife that lives in and around it. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including whales, seals, and many species of birds.
Both Gates of the Arctic and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offer visitors the chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Alaska, from the rugged and pristine wilderness of Gates of the Arctic to the glaciers and wildlife of Glacier Bay. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a chance to take in the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness, these two parks are sure to offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both well-known for their stunning natural beauty and unique opportunities for outdoor adventures. However, the parks offer different experiences for visitors.
At Gates of the Arctic, people love to explore the park’s vast wilderness, either by backpacking or river rafting. The park is a popular destination for those seeking a remote, wilderness experience and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting. The park’s remoteness and lack of developed infrastructure also make it a popular destination for those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience.
At Glacier Bay, visitors come to experience the park’s spectacular glaciers and abundant marine life. The park is a popular destination for whale watching, kayaking, and boating. Visitors can also hike in the park’s backcountry and explore its glaciers, fjords, and mountains. Ranger-led programs, including boat tours and kayaking trips, provide visitors with a unique and educational experience.
Both parks offer something for everyone, whether you are seeking a remote wilderness experience or a chance to witness the power of glaciers and marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a quiet escape, both parks offer a chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is characterized by its subarctic and arctic tundra climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Temperatures in the winter can drop to minus 60°F and only reach a high of 50°F during the summer months. This climate makes it best to visit the park from mid-June through September when the weather is milder and accessibility to the park is easier via floatplanes or boats.
In contrast, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, also located in Alaska, experiences a maritime climate with moderate temperatures and high precipitation, especially during the winter months. Winter temperatures average between 20°F and 30°F, while summers are mild with average temperatures in the mid-50s. The best time to visit Glacier Bay is from May to September, when the weather is more temperate and the park’s glaciers and wildlife are more accessible. Both parks offer unique opportunities to experience Alaska’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, but it is important to consider the weather patterns when planning a visit.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve are two of Alaska’s most popular national parks. Both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty, but they differ in terms of accessibility and family-friendly amenities.
Gates of the Arctic is known for its remote wilderness, making it less accessible for families with young children. The park is only accessible by small plane or boat and there are no roads, visitor centers, or established trails. This makes it a more challenging destination for families, but it also offers incredible opportunities for adventurous families to explore and discover the Alaskan wilderness.
On the other hand, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is more accessible and offers more family-friendly amenities. The park is located near the town of Gustavus, which has several lodges and restaurants, and is accessible by car or boat. The park offers several ranger-led activities, including whale watching tours and kayaking trips, which are perfect for families with children.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the better option. It’s more accessible and offers more opportunities for families to explore and experience Alaska’s natural beauty.