Alaska, the land of glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife, boasts some of the most breathtaking National Parks in the United States. Two of the crown jewels of these parks are the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and the Kenai Fjords National Park. Both parks offer unique experiences that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
The Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is the epitome of rugged wilderness, with 8.4 million acres of untamed wilderness and no roads or trails. This park is a true test of survival and a place for the adventurous to explore. On the other hand, the Kenai Fjords National Park offers a glimpse into the stunning ocean wilderness, with glaciers that calve into the sea and a thriving marine ecosystem.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, these two parks offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Join us as we explore the contrasting beauty of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and the Kenai Fjords National Park.
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park both offer unique and beautiful hiking experiences, but they differ greatly in their terrain and trails.
Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness area with no designated trails, making it a destination for experienced backpackers and adventurers. Hikers can explore the park’s vast landscape and navigate through its rugged mountains, glaciers, and valleys. Some of the hardest hikes in the park include the challenging Alatna River Trail, which leads to the remote Arrigetch Peaks, and the demanding Chandalar Shelf Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Brooks Range.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park offers a variety of trails, from easy coastal walks to strenuous mountain hikes. One of the easiest trails is the Exit Glacier Nature Trail, which takes visitors to the face of the glacier and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Another easy trail is the Lost Lake Trail, which leads to a peaceful lake surrounded by mountains and glaciers. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Harding Icefield Trail is a strenuous 8.2-mile trek that takes you to the top of the ice field for breathtaking panoramic views.
Ultimately, both parks offer unique and diverse hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels, but Gates of the Arctic is a more remote and challenging destination for experienced backpackers, while Kenai Fjords offers a range of trails for all skill levels and abilities.
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 Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of Alaska’s most popular national parks. Both are known for their stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, there are some key differences between the two parks, especially when it comes to the wildlife you’ll see there.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in the heart of Alaska’s Arctic and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and wolves. This park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 170 species of birds, including the rare Arctic Tern, found in the park. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plants, including tundra, spruce, and birch forests.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located on the Kenai Peninsula and is known for its glaciers, fjords, and marine wildlife. Visitors to the park often see whales, sea lions, seals, and porpoises, as well as a variety of birds, such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. The park is also home to a diverse range of plants, including forests of spruce and hemlock, as well as wildflowers such as lupine and fireweed.
Both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and breathtaking opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re interested in terrestrial or marine wildlife, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Kenai Fjords 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 | Bald Eagle |
| American Wigeon | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Green-Winged Teal |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Little Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Red Fox | Porcupine |
| Mink | Red Fox |
| Wolf | Mink |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Varying Hare | Gray Wolf |
| River Otter | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Common Shrew | California Myotis |
| Red Squirrel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Montane Shrew | Northern River Otter |
| Lynx | Masked Shrew |
| Wolverine | Red Squirrel |
| American Marten | Montane Shrew |
| Grizzly Bear | Lynx |
| Meadow Vole | Wolverine |
| Moose | American Marten |
| Least Weasel | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Pygmy Shrew | Brown Bear |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Meadow Mouse |
| Moose | |
| Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Redband Trout |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Burbot |
| Eelpout | Silver Salmon |
| King Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | Threespine Stickleback |
| Dolly Varden | Red Salmon |
| Arctic Grayling | Pink Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its remote and rugged wilderness. With no roads or trails, visitors must venture into the park by air or on foot, making it a challenging but rewarding destination for experienced hikers and backcountry enthusiasts. The park boasts the Brooks Range, a stunning mountain range filled with glaciers, alpine tundra, and crystal-clear streams. Visitors can also catch glimpses of wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves.
Kenai Fjords National Park, also located in Alaska, is centered around the dramatic fjords that carve through the coastal mountains. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the fjords and glaciers up close, or kayak through the still waters for a unique perspective. The park is also home to the Harding Icefield, a massive icefield that covers over 700 square miles and is visible from many overlooks in the park. Wildlife sightings are common in Kenai Fjords, with opportunities to see whales, sea otters, and sea lions.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in Alaska. Both parks offer a range of activities and scenic beauty, but the type of experiences they provide are quite different.
Gates of the Arctic is known for its rugged wilderness and remote location. Popular activities include backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of animals, including grizzly bears, caribou, and moose. Visitors can also explore the park’s glaciers and rivers, making it a popular destination for kayaking and rafting.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. Visitors can take a boat tour to see glaciers up close and go whale watching. The park is also a popular spot for fishing, with visitors able to catch salmon and halibut in its waters. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and beautiful experiences for visitors. Whether you are looking for a remote wilderness adventure or a more accessible glacier experience, these two parks have something to offer everyone.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse natural features, including glaciers and tundra. The park is characterized by long, harsh winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures average around -20°F (-29°C), while summer temperatures average around 50°F (10°C). Visitors to the park during the winter months can experience the beauty of the Northern Lights and have the opportunity to participate in winter activities such as cross-country skiing and dog sledding.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska as well, is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. The park’s weather is milder than Gates Of The Arctic, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s°F (1-12°C) throughout the year. Winter temperatures are milder, but still below freezing, making it a great destination for winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Summer temperatures are warmer and more favorable for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
In conclusion, both Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique weather patterns and outdoor experiences. While Gates Of The Arctic is best visited during the winter months for its winter activities, Kenai Fjords is best visited during the summer months for its milder temperatures and variety of outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of Alaska’s most popular national parks. Both parks have a lot to offer families, but they differ in their family-friendliness.
Gates of the Arctic is known for its remote wilderness and abundant wildlife. Hiking and backpacking opportunities are plentiful, but the park’s rugged terrain and lack of amenities make it best for experienced outdoor enthusiasts and families with older children.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is more accessible and has more amenities. The park’s main attraction is the fjords, which can be explored by boat tour. There are also several easy hikes and scenic drives that are suitable for families with young children. In addition, the park is home to several glaciers, including the Exit Glacier, which is accessible by a short hike and offers a close-up view of the glacier.
In conclusion, Kenai Fjords National Park is better suited for families traveling with young children due to its accessibility and abundance of family-friendly activities. However, if your family is looking for a more remote wilderness experience, Gates of the Arctic may be a better fit.