The United States of America is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the rolling sand dunes of the Great Basin, these parks offer a diverse range of natural beauty and adventure. In this article, we’ll be comparing two of the most iconic parks in the country: Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park.
Do you prefer the rugged and remote wilderness of the Arctic tundra or the grandeur of the Grand Canyon? Both of these parks have their own unique features and offer unforgettable experiences, but which one is the right fit for you? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, this article will help you discover which park is the perfect destination for your next adventure. So, grab a pen and paper and get ready to take notes, because you’re in for a wild ride.
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both offer unique hiking experiences, but there are some key differences between them, particularly when it comes to trails.
Gates of the Arctic is an ideal destination for backcountry hikers who are looking for a remote, challenging experience. The park is located in Alaska’s Brooks Range and has no maintained trails, so visitors must navigate their own way through the wilderness. Hikes in the park can range from easy day trips to multi-day backpacking expeditions, but all require a high level of physical fitness and wilderness navigation skills.
Grand Canyon National Park, on the other hand, offers a wider range of hiking options. There are several easy, accessible trails along the rim of the canyon, as well as strenuous backcountry routes that lead to the river. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the canyon. However, these trails can be difficult and require a high level of physical fitness, as they involve steep descents and ascents. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Grand Canyon also offers backpacking trips that can last several days.
In conclusion, while both Gates of the Arctic and Grand Canyon National Park offer unique hiking experiences, they cater to different types of hikers. Gates of the Arctic is ideal for those looking for a remote, challenging backcountry experience, while Grand Canyon National Park offers a wider range of hiking options, including both easy and strenuous trails.
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 Grand Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail | 28485.318 | 1525.8288 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge | 4988.954 | 358.7496 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail | 8690.436 | 635.8128 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop | 26875.978 | 1400.8608 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point | 2896.812 | 210.9216 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Grand Canyon Rim Trail | 8690.436 | 106.9848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village | 34761.744 | 1614.8304 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Shoshone Point Trail | 3379.614 | 45.72 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail | 19633.948 | 961.9488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point | 8690.436 | 602.8944 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, but they are vastly different in terms of the wildlife you can see there. In Gates of the Arctic, visitors can expect to see a wide range of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, and moose. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including ptarmigans, owls, and eagles. In addition, the park is known for its abundant plant life, including shrubs, mosses, and lichens.
On the other hand, the Grand Canyon National Park is known for its diverse range of wildlife, including species such as the bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and California condor. In terms of plant life, visitors can expect to see a wide range of cacti, as well as other desert plants such as Joshua trees and creosote bushes.
Overall, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park offer visitors the chance to see diverse and unique wildlife in two very different environments. Whether you are looking for a wilderness experience or a chance to see iconic desert species, both parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Grand Canyon 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 |
| 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 | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Wolf | Deer Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Varying Hare | Black Bear |
| River Otter | Porcupine |
| Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Mountain Lion |
| American Marten | Mule Deer |
| Grizzly Bear | Gray Fox |
| Meadow Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Moose | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Badger |
| Pygmy Shrew | California Myotis |
| Northern Bog Lemming | North American River Otter |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Redband Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Largemouth Bass |
| King Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Bluegill |
| Chum Salmon | Fathead Minnow |
| Dolly Varden | Golden Shiner |
| Arctic Grayling | European Carp |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Canyon Treefrog | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Grand Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its pristine wilderness, rugged terrain, and abundant wildlife. The park’s most famous landscape is the Brooks Range, a vast mountain range that covers much of Alaska’s interior. Visitors can hike through the mountains to see glaciers, rivers, and valleys, and they may also see caribou, grizzly bears, and other wildlife.
The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is famous for its massive and colorful canyon that was carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and offers visitors breathtaking views from scenic overlooks, such as Mather Point and Yavapai Point. Visitors can also hike down into the canyon to explore its diverse landscape, including waterfalls, rock formations, and wildlife.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you prefer the rugged wilderness of Alaska or the colorful canyons of Arizona, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park offer unforgettable natural wonders that are sure to create memories that last a lifetime.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a unique mix of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. However, they differ in the activities they offer and the experiences they provide.
At Gates of the Arctic, visitors can enjoy backcountry camping and wilderness hiking, as well as fishing and hunting in designated areas. With over 8 million acres of pristine wilderness and no roads or trails, the park provides a true wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and challenge.
In contrast, Grand Canyon National Park is a hub of activity with a range of popular activities such as scenic drives, river rafting, and helicopter tours. The park’s iconic feature, the Grand Canyon, draws millions of visitors each year with its stunning views, geological formations, and unique ecosystem. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the history and geology of the area, or hike to the bottom of the canyon for a more strenuous experience.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or education, both Gates of the Arctic and Grand Canyon offer a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of their natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Each park has its own unique weather patterns that visitors should be aware of. Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska and is characterized by long, cold winters and short, warm summers. The average temperature in the summer is around 40°F, while in the winter it can drop to -40°F. Grand Canyon, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and has a much milder climate. The average temperature in the summer is around 80°F, while in the winter it is in the mid-50s.
The seasonal weather at each park can greatly affect when is the best time to visit. Gates of the Arctic is best visited in the summer months, when temperatures are moderate and the park is accessible by road. Winter is not recommended for visitors due to the harsh weather conditions, although it can be a great time for experienced backcountry skiers and snowshoers. Grand Canyon, on the other hand, is best visited in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and there are fewer crowds. Summer is the busiest time at the Grand Canyon, and temperatures can get quite hot.
In summary, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park have unique weather patterns that should be considered when planning a visit. Visitors to Gates of the Arctic should plan to visit in the summer, while visitors to the Grand Canyon should plan their trip for the spring or fall. Regardless of the time of year, visitors to both parks should be prepared for a range of weather conditions and come equipped with the appropriate gear.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Grand Canyon National Park are both iconic parks that offer unique experiences, but they differ in terms of family-friendliness. The Grand Canyon, with its well-developed infrastructure, is a more popular and accessible destination for families. The park has several scenic drive options, ranger-led programs, and a variety of hiking trails that are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. The Grand Canyon also offers a wide range of accommodations, from camping to lodges, that cater to families.
On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness area that requires more preparation and planning. The park is less developed, with limited facilities and trails, and is best suited for experienced backpackers and adventurers. The rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions make it more challenging for families, especially those with young children. However, the park’s wilderness and solitude offer a unique and rewarding experience for those who are up to the challenge.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, the Grand Canyon National Park is likely a better option as it offers more developed facilities and activities that are suitable for families. However, if you’re looking for a more challenging and remote wilderness experience, Gates of the Arctic is definitely worth considering.