Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve vs Mesa Verde National Park

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Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve vs Mesa Verde National Park

Are you in search of an exciting adventure, but can’t decide between the stunning beauty of Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and the rich history of Mesa Verde National Park? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the wilds of Alaska and the plateaus of Colorado, comparing these two incredible national parks.

Discover the rugged, pristine wilderness of Gates of the Arctic, where you’ll encounter a breathtaking landscape unlike anything else on earth. From the jagged peaks of the Brooks Range to the rolling tundra, this park is a true wilderness experience, where you can hike, camp, and fish to your heart’s content.

On the other hand, Mesa Verde is a place where you can journey back in time and explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people. From the iconic Cliff Palace to the lesser-known Balcony House, these structures are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Whether you’re an archaeology buff or simply fascinated by history, Mesa Verde is not to be missed.

Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve:
Located in Alaska, Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness park with no roads leading into it. Hiking trails are primitive and backpacking is the only way to access the park’s interior. The park boasts challenging hikes with steep inclines and rough terrains. The Narvik Ridge hike offers views of the Brooks Range and is a strenuous day hike that requires scrambling and climbing. On the other hand, the Alatna River valley hike is a relatively easier day hike, taking visitors through the beautiful valley and its surrounding scenic mountains.

Mesa Verde National Park:
Located in Colorado, Mesa Verde is a park that features pueblo cliff dwellings from the ancestral Pueblo people. The park has several well-maintained trails for visitors to explore. The Cliff Palace Loop is one of the easiest hikes, taking visitors through the largest cliff dwelling in North America. The Petroglyph Point trail is a challenging hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and gives visitors a chance to see ancient rock art left by the ancestral Pueblo people. The Knife Edge trail is one of the most difficult hikes in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mesas and canyons, but also requiring visitors to climb steep stairs and navigate narrow paths.

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 Mesa Verde National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Petroglyph Point Trail 4184.284 131.9784 Moderate loop 4.5
Cliff Palace Loop Trail 643.736 25.908 Easy loop 4.5
Balcony House Loop Trail 643.736 27.7368 Easy loop 4.5
Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail 3379.614 161.8488 Moderate out and back 4.5
Soda Canyon Overlook Trail 1931.208 17.9832 Easy out and back 4
Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive 24140.1 797.9664 Easy point to point 4.5
Long House Trail 3379.614 86.868 Moderate out and back 4.5
Step House Trail 1287.472 46.9392 Moderate loop 4.5
Knife Edge Trail 3218.68 46.9392 Easy out and back 4.5
Prater Ridge Trail 11748.182 311.8104 Moderate loop 4

Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and wolves. The park also has a healthy population of birds, including the bald eagle, gyrfalcon, and peregrine falcon. Visitors may also spot arctic foxes, lynx, and wolverines. In addition to its abundant wildlife, the park also offers stunning scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation such as backpacking, fishing, and rafting.

Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Visitors to the park may spot a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorns, coyotes, and a variety of bird species, including the American kestrel and the common raven. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including pinyon pine, Utah juniper, and sagebrush. In addition to its rich cultural and natural history, Mesa Verde also offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and ranger-led tours.

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

Birds

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve Mesa Verde 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 Mesa Verde 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 Red Fox
Lynx Long-Tailed Weasel
Wolverine House Mouse
American Marten Mountain Lion
Grizzly Bear Mink
Meadow Vole Mule Deer
Moose Gray Fox
Least Weasel Wolf
Pygmy Shrew Long-Legged Myotis
Northern Bog Lemming Long-Eared Myotis
Badger
Ermine

Fish

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve Mesa Verde National Park
Longnose Sucker
Lake Trout
Northern Pike
Eelpout
King Salmon
Slimy Sculpin
Chum Salmon
Dolly Varden
Arctic Grayling

Amphibians

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve Mesa Verde National Park
Wood Frog Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Reptiles

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve Mesa Verde National Park
Gopher Snake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Racer
Western Rattlesnake
Ring-Necked Snake
Sagebrush Lizard
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard
Side-Blotched Lizard
Nightsnake
Milksnake
Striped Whipsnake
Tree Lizard
Eastern Collared Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard
Glossy Snake

Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged and remote wilderness. The park is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, including the Brooks Range, which is a massive mountain range that stretches across the northern part of the park. Visitors can hike through the mountains and take in the stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The park also offers opportunities to see wildlife, including caribou and grizzly bears.

Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is famous for its ancient Native American cliff dwellings. The park features some of the best preserved and most accessible cliff dwellings in the world, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Visitors can take guided tours of the dwellings, learning about the lives of the people who lived there over 700 years ago. The park also features beautiful landscapes, including mesa tops and canyons, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the natural world and to engage in a variety of recreational activities. One of the main differences between these two parks is the type of terrain. Gates Of The Arctic is located in Alaska and features rugged, remote wilderness, while Mesa Verde is located in southwestern Colorado and features towering rock formations and ancient ruins.

When it comes to popular activities, visitors to Gates Of The Arctic love to engage in backcountry camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park offers over 7 million acres of pristine wilderness to explore and provides ample opportunities for visitors to see bears, caribou, and other wildlife. Meanwhile, visitors to Mesa Verde love to take guided tours of the ancient cliff dwellings, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the stunning views from the park’s many overlooks.

Both Gates Of The Arctic and Mesa Verde offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world in unique and meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking for a rugged wilderness adventure or a chance to explore ancient ruins, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its subarctic climate with long, harsh winters and brief, cool summers. The park is blanketed in snow for much of the year, making it difficult to access from November to May. During this time, only experienced winter sports enthusiasts should visit. On the other hand, the best time to visit Gates Of The Arctic is during the summer months of June to September, when temperatures are mild and the park is accessible.

Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, has a more moderate climate with warm summers and cool winters. The park’s high elevation results in cooler temperatures, even during the summer months. The best time to visit Mesa Verde is from late spring to early fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s famous cliff dwellings are accessible. Winter weather in the park can be unpredictable, with snow and icy conditions making some areas of the park impassable.

In conclusion, both Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique experiences, but the weather patterns of each park have a significant impact on when it is best to visit. While both parks are accessible during the summer months, those looking to experience the subarctic climate of Gates Of The Arctic should plan their trip for the winter months, while those looking to visit Mesa Verde should plan for the late spring to early fall.

Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, and Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, both offer unique experiences for families but vary greatly in their family-friendly amenities.

Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness park with limited facilities. The park provides opportunities for backpacking, fishing, and other outdoor activities, but lacks amenities such as campgrounds and visitor centers. This park is best suited for families who are experienced outdoor enthusiasts and who are comfortable with self-sufficient travel.

On the other hand, Mesa Verde National Park offers a variety of family-friendly amenities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs. The park is also home to a number of well-preserved ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, which can be toured with park rangers. In addition, the park offers junior ranger programs and other activities designed for kids.

In conclusion, if you are traveling with children and are looking for a more traditional national park experience with convenient amenities and educational opportunities, then Mesa Verde National Park may be the better choice. However, if you are an experienced outdoor family looking for a remote wilderness adventure, then Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve could be the perfect fit.

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