Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring and diverse national parks in the United States. Both are perfect for adventure-seekers, nature enthusiasts and anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. But which one is right for you?
Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness in Alaska, known for its rugged mountains, glaciers and pristine rivers. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in nature and disconnect from civilization. The park is also home to some of the most diverse wildlife on the planet, from caribou to grizzly bears.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in Colorado and offers a completely different experience. This park is famous for its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. It’s a place where you can explore high-altitude trails, spot elk and bighorn sheep, or simply relax and take in the stunning views.
So, which of these parks will you choose for your next outdoor adventure? Whether you prefer the rugged wilderness of Alaska or the towering peaks of Colorado, there’s no denying that both Gates of the Arctic and Rocky Mountain National Parks are must-see destinations for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors.
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two iconic national parks in the US. When it comes to hiking trails, both parks offer a wide range of options for all skill levels.
In Gates of the Arctic, the trails are more remote and rugged. Hikers can take on challenging backcountry treks through the vast wilderness, such as the Coleen River Trail which offers scenic views of glaciers and rugged alpine terrain. On the other hand, the Arrigetch Peaks trail is one of the most difficult hikes in the park, with steep climbs and rocky terrain.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, has a more developed trail system with easier access to hiking trails. Some popular trails include the Bear Lake Trail, a relatively easy hike with scenic views of the park’s alpine lakes, and the Keyhole Route, a strenuous hike to the summit of Longs Peak, one of the park’s tallest peaks.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, both Gates of the Arctic and Rocky Mountain National Park offer something for everyone. With their breathtaking scenery and diverse range of hiking trails, these two parks are truly a hiker’s paradise.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two very different national parks, each with its own unique wildlife. Gates Of The Arctic is located in Alaska and is known for its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, moose and wolves. The park is also home to a variety of bird species such as the willow ptarmigan, the Arctic tern, and the gyrfalcon. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant species, including the Arctic poppy, the Arctic willow and the Alpine forget-me-not.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in Colorado and is known for its elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. The park also has a variety of bird species, including the American dipper, the Clark’s nutcracker, and the mountain bluebird. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant species, including the Engelmann spruce, the subalpine fir, and the alpine columbine.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to observe a unique and diverse range of wildlife. However, the types of wildlife you will see at each park will depend on the time of year you visit and the specific area of the park you explore. Whether you are interested in observing large mammals, birds, or plants, both Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park provide an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain 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 | Mountain 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 | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Western Longnose Sucker |
| King Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Chum Salmon | Cutthroat Trout |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and covers over 8 million acres of wilderness. The park is known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Brooks Range, which offers breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors can also explore the park’s vast arctic tundra and see caribou, grizzly bears, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is also known for its beautiful landscapes and natural wonders. The park boasts over 265,000 acres of protected wilderness and is home to some of the highest peaks in the Rockies, including Longs Peak, which rises to an elevation of 14,255 feet. Visitors can take in breathtaking views from overlooks like the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the US, and hike to scenic waterfalls and alpine lakes like Bear Lake and Dream Lake.
Both Gates of the Arctic and Rocky Mountain National Parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Whether you are a hiker, photographer, or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, both parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, but they differ in terms of the types of activities they offer.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular destination for outdoors enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and horseback riding. The park is home to over 300 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous mountain hikes. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives through the park, including the famous Trail Ridge Road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
On the other hand, Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness area that is ideal for backcountry adventures. Visitors can enjoy backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the park’s pristine waters. The park is also a popular destination for those who love to observe wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, and moose. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the historic Eskimo village of Anaktuvuk Pass.
Overall, both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular destination for those who enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing, while Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness area that is ideal for backcountry adventures. Visitors to both parks can experience the beauty and majesty of the natural world and connect with the great outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. The weather in these parks is different and affects when is the best time of year to visit.
Gates of the Arctic is located in northern Alaska and has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short summers. The summer months are the best time to visit the park, with average temperature around 50°F, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and rafting. On the other hand, winter temperatures drop to below freezing, making it difficult to access the park and enjoy outdoor activities.
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and has a subalpine climate with warm summers and cold winters. The park is known for its beautiful autumn foliage and scenic snow-covered landscapes. The summer months are ideal for hiking and camping, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F. Winter is a popular time for skiing and snowboarding, with average temperatures ranging from 10°F to 30°F.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is during the summer months, while the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is either in the summer or winter, depending on the type of outdoor activities you want to enjoy.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are both located in the United States, but offer vastly different experiences. While both are beautiful and offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing, they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness park, with no roads and limited facilities. It is not recommended for families with young children, as the park is difficult to access and there are few services available. The park is best suited for experienced backcountry hikers and campers.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is much more accessible and family-friendly. The park has several scenic drives, including the famous Trail Ridge Road, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are also numerous trails for hiking and camping, with options for families of all ages and abilities. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and campgrounds, making it a great place for families to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Rocky Mountain National Park is the better option. With its accessible trails, scenic drives, and family-friendly facilities, it offers a great outdoor experience for families of all ages.