Discover two of America’s most captivating and unique national parks through a comparison of Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park.
Immerse yourself in the rugged wilderness of Gates of the Arctic, where you’ll find pristine landscapes, abundant wildlife and endless opportunities to explore. This park is a true wild frontier that remains largely untamed and remote, making it a true adventure for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is a place of stunning contrast. The park’s high-elevation deserts, ancient bristlecone pines, and the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak offer a breathtaking view of the natural world. Whether you’re a hiker, a camper, or simply someone looking to escape from the city, Great Basin has something for everyone.
So, which park is right for you? Join us as we delve into a world of adventure and compare these two stunning national parks.
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are both unique and offer a range of hiking experiences. Gates of the Arctic, located in Alaska, is known for its remote wilderness and rugged terrain. The park is only accessible by plane or boat and offers a true backcountry experience for those seeking adventure. Hiking trails range from easy to strenuous and include the challenging Arrigetch Peaks, which offers panoramic views of the Brooks Range.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, offers a different type of hiking experience. The park is known for its beautiful alpine lakes and stunning mountain vistas. The park’s most popular hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which takes visitors through ancient forests and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Hiking trails range from easy, such as the Lehman Creek Trail, to strenuous, such as the Wheeler Peak Trail, which takes visitors to the highest point in Nevada.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you’re seeking stunning mountain vistas or remote wilderness, Gates of the Arctic and Great Basin National Park have something for everyone.
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 Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two unique and diverse parks in the United States. When it comes to wildlife, both parks offer a chance to see a variety of species, but with different habitats and ecosystems.
Gates of the Arctic, located in Alaska, is known for its large populations of caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves. Visitors to this park have the opportunity to see these large mammals in their natural habitats, as well as other wildlife such as foxes, moose, and various bird species. In addition to these larger animals, there are also a variety of smaller mammals that call the park home, including squirrels, marmots, and beavers.
Great Basin, located in Nevada, is known for its incredible variety of plant and animal life, including some species that are found nowhere else in the world. This park is home to a variety of bird species, including the threatened sage grouse, as well as mammals like the pronghorn antelope and the mule deer. In addition to these animals, visitors to Great Basin will also have the opportunity to see a variety of reptiles, including snakes and lizards, as well as a number of unique plant species.
Overall, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park offer visitors a chance to see a diverse range of wildlife, each with its own unique habitats and ecosystems. Whether you’re interested in large mammals, bird watching, or just exploring the natural beauty of these parks, there’s something for everyone at these two incredible national parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Basin 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 | Great Basin 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 | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Red Fox |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Lion |
| American Marten | Mink |
| Grizzly Bear | Mule Deer |
| Meadow Vole | Gray Fox |
| Moose | Gray Wolf |
| Least Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Badger |
| Ermine | |
| Californis Myotis |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Mottled Sculpin |
| King Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Slimy Sculpin | Cutthroat Trout |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park is a remote and wild wilderness located in the Arctic Circle. It covers over 8.4 million acres of pristine wilderness and is characterized by its stunning mountain ranges, glaciers, and vast open tundra. The Brooks Mountain Range is a highlight of the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike through the mountains or take a scenic flight to see the beauty of the park from above.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is home to the 13,063-foot-tall Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in the park, and the Lehman Caves, a beautiful underground system of limestone caves. The park’s landscape is characterized by its rolling hills, sagebrush-covered valleys, and towering mountain ranges. Visitors can hike to the top of Wheeler Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, or explore the Lehman Caves to see the stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique underground features.
In both parks, visitors can experience the beauty of nature away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. Whether you’re looking for a serene mountain hike or a scenic drive through rolling hills, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park offer a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two popular parks in the US that are known for their natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. While both parks offer a range of activities, each has its own unique features.
At Gates of the Arctic National Park, visitors can enjoy wilderness backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and wolverines. With no roads or established trails, backpacking in the park provides a true wilderness experience.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can explore the beautiful Bristlecone Pine forests, go stargazing, and participate in ranger-led programs. The park also offers opportunities to hike, camp, and horseback ride. The highlight of Great Basin National Park is the Lehman Caves, which offer tours to visitors.
Both parks offer a unique experience to visitors, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you prefer backpacking in the wilderness or exploring underground caves, these two parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, and Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, have unique weather patterns. Gates of the Arctic experiences subarctic and arctic weather with long, harsh winters and short, cool summers. Winter temperatures average -20°F to -40°F, while summer temperatures only reach 40°F to 60°F. Precipitation is minimal throughout the year, with most falling as snow. The best time to visit Gates of the Arctic is during the summer months for hiking and camping opportunities.
Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, has a high-desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average 80°F to 90°F, while winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. Precipitation is minimal, with most falling as snow in the winter. The best time to visit Great Basin is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the wildflowers are in bloom. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Both parks offer unique and varied experiences, but the weather at each park affects when the best time to visit is. Visitors to Gates of the Arctic should plan their trip during the summer to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors to Great Basin should plan their trip during the spring or fall for mild temperatures and scenic beauty.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park offer unique experiences for families, but with different levels of accessibility and amenities. Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness, with no roads, no trails, and very limited services. This makes it a great destination for families looking for a true wilderness experience, but it requires more planning and preparation. On the other hand, Great Basin National Park is more accessible, with a scenic drive to the park, campgrounds, and a variety of ranger-led programs for families.
For families traveling with children, Great Basin National Park is the better option. The park offers a junior ranger program, campfire programs, and ranger-led hikes and tours. The park also has a visitors center with interactive exhibits, a museum, and a theater showcasing ranger talks and films. In addition, the park has several easy hiking trails and a scenic drive to the summit of Wheeler Peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
While Gates of the Arctic may not have the same level of amenities and programs, it is still a great destination for families seeking a unique adventure. With no trails and limited services, families have the opportunity to explore and discover the wilderness on their own terms. The park has several backcountry campsites, which provide a base for exploring the park. With proper planning and preparation, families can have a truly memorable experience in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.