Are you torn between the rugged wilderness of Alaska and the towering cacti of the Southwest? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be comparing Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park. From the frigid tundra to the scorching Sonoran Desert, these two parks offer vastly different experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Gates of the Arctic, located in Alaska, is the northernmost national park in the United States and boasts 8.4 million acres of pristine wilderness. This park is a true test of survival, with challenging terrain and limited amenities. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to rough it in the great outdoors.
On the other hand, Saguaro National Park in Arizona is a desert oasis, with towering saguaro cacti and unique wildlife. With two distinct districts, the park offers a variety of landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Rincon Mountains to the stunning vistas of the Tucson Mountains. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely hike or a strenuous backpacking trip, Saguaro National Park has something for everyone.
So, which park will you choose? The icy tundra of Gates of the Arctic or the scorching desert of Saguaro National Park? Join us as we explore the unique features of these two magnificent parks and find out which one is right for you!
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is known for its towering saguaro cacti, while Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged wilderness and stunning views of the Brooks Range. Hiking trails in both parks offer unique experiences, but there are some key differences to keep in mind.
At Saguaro National Park, there are a variety of trails that range from easy to moderate. One of the easiest hikes is the Cactus Forest Loop, which is a paved trail that takes visitors through a grove of saguaro cacti. For a more challenging hike, the Douglas Spring Trail is a 7.2-mile round trip that takes visitors to a historic cattle ranch.
In contrast, hiking trails in Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are much more challenging and require more preparation. Due to the remote location of the park, visitors must be self-sufficient and experienced in backcountry travel. The park has no designated trails, but there are popular routes for backpacking and day hiking. Some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Arctic Divide Trail and the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a challenging backpacking trip, both Saguaro National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve have something to offer. Just make sure to plan ahead and be prepared for the conditions you’ll encounter on the trail.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its stunning landscapes of arctic tundra, glaciers, and mountains. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and wolves. Visitors can also spot birds such as the Arctic tern, northern goshawk, and white-tailed ptarmigan. In addition, the park is abundant with flowering plants such as fireweed, lupine, and forget-me-nots.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is named after the iconic saguaro cactus, which is the largest cactus in the U.S. In addition to saguaros, visitors can also see other cactus species like the cholla, prickly pear, and barrel cactus. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, bighorn sheep, and roadrunners. Birdwatchers can see many species, such as the Gilded Flicker, Cactus Wren, and the Greater Roadrunner.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see unique and diverse wildlife, but each park has its own distinct features. Gates of the Arctic provides visitors with a chance to see a variety of arctic wildlife in their natural habitats, while Saguaro offers an opportunity to see a variety of cactus species and desert wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Killdeer |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Varying Hare | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Mountain Lion |
| Montane Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Lynx | Common Gray Fox |
| Wolverine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Marten | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Grizzly Bear | Badger |
| Meadow Vole | Californis Myotis |
| Moose | Fringed Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Pygmy Shrew | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Yuma Myotis |
| Bighorn Sheep | |
| White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Saguaro 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 | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is located in northern Alaska and is known for its stunning and remote wilderness. The park is home to the Brooks Range, which is a group of rugged and majestic mountains that stretch across the state. Visitors can explore the range and see stunning views from various overlooks, including the Anaktuvuk Pass and the Endicott Mountains.
Saguaro National Park, located near Tucson, Arizona, is named after the iconic and massive saguaro cacti that call the park home. These cacti, which can grow up to 60 feet tall, are a sight to behold, and visitors can see them in all their glory on a hike through the park. The park is also home to beautiful landscapes, including the Rincon Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding desert.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Whether you’re hiking in the Brooks Range of Gates of the Arctic or exploring the saguaro forests of Saguaro National Park, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and unique natural features that can only be found in these special places.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two of America’s most renowned national parks, each offering a unique experience for visitors.
Gates of the Arctic is known for its rugged wilderness and vast, unspoiled landscapes. Visitors to this park often enjoy backcountry camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to the Brooks Range, which offers opportunities for mountaineering and other challenging outdoor activities.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique and iconic cacti, which can reach heights of up to 40 feet. Visitors to this park enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives through the park’s diverse landscapes. The park is also home to several picnic areas and campgrounds, making it a popular destination for families and groups.
Both parks offer excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, but they cater to different interests. If you’re looking for a rugged wilderness experience, Gates of the Arctic is the place for you. If you’re interested in exploring unique landscapes and experiencing a different kind of beauty, Saguaro National Park is the place for you. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time park visitor, there’s something for everyone at these two amazing parks.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged wilderness and pristine beauty. On the other hand, Saguaro National Park is in Arizona and is home to the iconic saguaro cactus. Both parks offer unique experiences, but their seasonal weather patterns are very different.
Gates of the Arctic has a subarctic climate with long, harsh winters and relatively short, mild summers. Winter temperatures average around -20°F, with occasional warm spells bringing temperatures up to 0°F. Snow and ice are present from October to May, making winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing popular. Summer temperatures are milder, averaging around 50°F, but can occasionally reach the high 60s. However, the shorter growing season means that the vegetation is limited and the summer months can be quite buggy. The best time to visit Gates of the Arctic is during the summer months of June through August.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, has a hot desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach well over 100°F, making outdoor activities such as hiking and camping challenging. Winter temperatures are generally in the 60s and 70s, making it a great time to visit for outdoor activities. The best time to visit Saguaro is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild and the cacti are in bloom.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park offer unique experiences and beautiful scenery, but their seasonal weather patterns are quite different. Visitors should consider the weather when planning their trip to either park in order to make the most of their visit.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two unique and diverse parks located in Alaska and Arizona, respectively. In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer unique experiences for families, but one park may be better suited for families traveling with children.
Gates of the Arctic, being a wilderness park, is a remote and rugged destination that is not easily accessible. The park offers a true wilderness experience with opportunities for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but limited facilities and services. This park is not recommended for families with young children as it requires a high level of physical fitness, preparedness, and self-sufficiency.
On the other hand, Saguaro National Park is more family-friendly. The park offers scenic drives and several easily accessible trails that are suitable for families with children. Visitors can also enjoy ranger-led programs, campgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. Saguaro is also close to several major cities in Arizona, making it a convenient destination for families.
In conclusion, Saguaro National Park is the better option for families traveling with children. It offers a variety of activities and amenities that are suitable for families, while Gates of the Arctic is better suited for experienced backcountry travelers.