Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve vs Hot Springs National Park

Feel Free To Share:

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve vs Hot Springs National Park

The United States is home to some of the most magnificent and diverse national parks in the world. From the towering mountains of Yosemite to the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, each park holds its own unique appeal. But what about the parks that often go overlooked? The Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are two such hidden gems, each with their own unique characteristics.

Gates of the Arctic, located in Alaska, is the northernmost national park in the US and is known for its rugged wilderness and stunning views. With no roads leading into the park, visitors must either hike or fly in to experience its remote beauty. On the other hand, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is a place of rejuvenation, where visitors can soak in the natural hot springs and enjoy the city of Hot Springs.

So, which park is right for you: the rugged wilderness of Gates of the Arctic or the relaxing hot springs of Hot Springs National Park? Read on to find out!

Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are two distinct national parks with different hiking experiences. Gates of the Arctic, located in Alaska, is one of the largest and wildest national parks in the United States, with a vast landscape of glaciers, tundra, and rugged mountain ranges. Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is best known for its hot springs, which have been used for thermal therapy for centuries.

In terms of hiking, Gates of the Arctic offers more challenging trails with remote and rugged terrain. One of the most difficult hikes is the Boreal Forest Trail, which is a 14-mile trek through rugged and remote wilderness. On the other hand, Hot Springs National Park has a more accessible trail system, with well-maintained paths and easier terrain. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that provides stunning views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.

Despite the differences in terrain, both parks offer unique and beautiful hiking experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, Gates of the Arctic and Hot Springs National Park offer 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 Hot Springs National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Sunset Trail 20921.42 722.9856 Hard loop 4
West Mountain Trail 3057.746 107.8992 Moderate loop 4.5
Goat Rock Trail 3862.416 115.824 Moderate out and back 4.5
Gulpha Gorge Trail 1931.208 116.7384 Moderate out and back 4
The Grand Promenade and Side Trails 1931.208 33.8328 Moderate loop 4
Dead Chief Trail 4345.218 121.92 Moderate out and back 4
Hot Springs Mountain Trail 5310.822 204.8256 Easy loop 4
Peak Trail 2092.142 108.8136 Easy out and back 3.5
Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail 11426.314 592.836 Moderate out and back 4
Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail 2092.142 87.7824 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are two vastly different national parks in terms of climate and wildlife. The former is located in Alaska and is a remote wilderness with an arctic tundra environment, while the latter is located in Arkansas and is a hot and humid environment with mixed forests.

In Gates of the Arctic National Park, visitors can expect to see wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. The park is also home to many bird species, including the arctic peregrine falcon, rough-legged hawk, and the tundra swan. In addition to these animals, visitors can also see arctic foxes, moose, and Dall sheep.

In Hot Springs National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, and squirrels. The park is also home to many bird species, including the belted kingfisher, yellow-billed cuckoo, and the great blue heron. In addition to these animals, visitors can also see a variety of reptiles, such as the eastern box turtle and the copperhead snake.

When it comes to plant life, Gates of the Arctic National Park is known for its vast tundra landscapes, while Hot Springs National Park is known for its mixed forests and hot springs. Both parks offer visitors a unique and diverse experience, with opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and plant life.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs 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 Silver-Haired Bat
Common Shrew Hoary Bat
Red Squirrel Red Fox
Montane Shrew Long-Tailed Weasel
Lynx House Mouse
Wolverine Mink
American Marten Gray Fox
Grizzly Bear North American River Otter
Meadow Vole Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat
Moose White-Tailed Deer
Least Weasel Virginia Opossum
Pygmy Shrew Eastern Red Bat
Northern Bog Lemming White-Footed Mouse
Norway Rat
Eastern Cottontail

Fish

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve Hot Springs National Park
Longnose Sucker Largemouth Bass
Lake Trout Green Sunfish
Northern Pike Bluegill
Eelpout Fathead Minnow
King Salmon Golden Shiner
Slimy Sculpin European Carp
Chum Salmon Yellow Bullhead
Dolly Varden Graceful Catfish
Arctic Grayling Black Crappie
Black Bullhead
Mosquitofish
Creek Chub
Brown Bullhead
Goldfish
Smallmouth Bass

Amphibians

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve Hot Springs National Park
Wood Frog Bullfrog

Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is the northernmost national park in the United States. It is known for its rugged and remote wilderness, as well as its stunning mountain ranges and glaciers. The Brooks Range, which runs through the park, offers breathtaking views and is home to numerous glaciers, including the Arrigetch Peaks and the Anaktuvuk Pass. The park also features the Noatak River, which is a popular destination for rafting and kayaking.

Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its thermal springs and historic bathhouses. The park is home to 47 hot springs, which are fed by the Hot Springs Mountain and flow into bathhouses that were built in the early 1900s. These bathhouses offer visitors the opportunity to relax and soak in the warm waters, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The park also boasts a scenic drive, the Hot Springs Mountain Drive, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. The park’s trails, including the Hot Springs National Park Trail, offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s unique flora and fauna.

Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park

Visitors to Hot Springs National Park are drawn to its natural thermal springs, which have been a popular destination for centuries. The park offers opportunities for bathing in the springs, as well as hiking and exploring the historic Bathhouse Row. In addition to the thermal springs, the park also has scenic drives and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for families, couples and seniors.

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a wilderness destination for those seeking adventure. The park is known for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, glaciers and tundra, which offer opportunities for backpacking, wilderness camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors to this park can also experience the traditional way of life of the native Alaskan people who still live and hunt in the region.

While both parks offer unique experiences, visitors to Hot Springs National Park are likely to enjoy the relaxation and rejuvenation of the thermal springs, while those visiting Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are likely to be drawn to the adventure and challenge of exploring the wilderness. Whether you are looking for a relaxing soak in a hot spring or a rugged wilderness experience, both of these parks offer something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are both unique in their own way but differ significantly when it comes to weather. Gates of the Arctic located in Alaska is known for its harsh and unpredictable weather, with temperatures ranging from -60°F in the winter to 70°F in the summer. Winter months bring heavy snowfall making it difficult to access the park, while the summer months offer the best time to visit with mild weather and longer daylight hours. The best time to visit is between June and September.

Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in central Arkansas and experiences a more temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 20°F in the winter to 90°F in the summer. The park is open year-round, but the most popular time to visit is from March to May, and from September to November when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Winter can be quite cold and damp, making it less ideal for visitors, whereas summer can be hot and humid.

Visitors to both parks should be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly. It’s important to note that weather can greatly impact the enjoyment of a park visit, therefore it’s crucial to consider the seasonal weather when planning a trip.

Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in northern Alaska, is a wilderness park that offers a unique and challenging experience for families. With no established trails, visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain and scenic vistas on their own. However, this lack of infrastructure and services can make it difficult for families with young children to fully enjoy the park. There are no campgrounds, picnic areas, or even restrooms in the park, so visitors must come prepared for a true backcountry experience.

In contrast, Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, offers a more traditional family-friendly experience. It features developed facilities including campsites, picnic areas, and scenic drives. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, as well as a historic bathhouse where visitors can soak in the hot springs. With its amenities and activities, Hot Springs National Park is a great option for families looking for a more traditional park experience.

Both parks have their own unique offerings, but for families traveling with young children, Hot Springs National Park is likely the better choice. With its developed facilities and amenities, families can enjoy the park’s natural beauty without having to worry about the challenges of wilderness camping.

Leave a Comment