“Are you torn between exploring the rugged wilderness of Alaska or the towering giants of California? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into two of America’s most breathtaking national parks: Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.
Gates of the Arctic, located in the far north of Alaska, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the raw, untamed beauty of the Arctic tundra. With no roads or trails, this park is a true test of adventure and survival skills. On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, located in central California, boasts some of the largest trees on the planet and stunning views of the High Sierra Mountains.
So, which one will you choose? The stark, otherworldly landscapes of Gates of the Arctic or the towering majesty of Sequoia & Kings Canyon? Whether you’re a seasoned hikers or just looking for a weekend getaway, this article will help you decide which park is right for you. Join us as we explore, compare, and contrast these two national treasures and discover which one will be your next great adventure.”
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is renowned for its remote wilderness and unique arctic tundra landscape. The park offers a variety of scenic hikes, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks. One of the easier hikes is the John Walker Loop, a 5-mile round trip trail that provides stunning views of the Alatna River and surrounding mountains. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Boreal Forest Trail is a 18-mile round trip that takes you through the heart of the boreal forest, providing views of the Brooks Range Mountains.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, is home to some of the largest trees in the world and offers a variety of hiking trails to explore them. The parks are famous for offering a mix of easy and challenging hikes, with trails ranging from 0.5-mile nature walks to multi-day backcountry adventures. One of the easiest hikes is the Big Trees Trail, a 0.5-mile nature walk that takes you through a grove of giant sequoias. For a more strenuous hike, the Rae Lakes Loop is a 40-mile backcountry trek that takes you through high-elevation forests, past scenic lakes and over mountain passes, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve located in Alaska, is a remote wilderness area that is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of mammals, including grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and arctic foxes. The park is also a popular bird-watching destination, with species such as the willow ptarmigan, gyrfalcon, and golden eagle commonly seen.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are known for their towering sequoia trees and rich biodiversity. The parks are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. Bird-watching is also popular in the parks, with species such as the Steller’s Jay, acorn woodpecker, and spotted owl commonly seen. In addition to the wildlife, visitors to the parks can also expect to see a variety of plants, including the giant sequoias, dogwoods, and manzanitas.
Both Parks offer unique opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. While Gates of the Arctic is primarily known for its remote wilderness and arctic animals, Sequoia & Kings Canyon offer a chance to see large mammals, like black bears and mountain lions, in a beautiful and towering forest setting. However, both parks are important habitats for a variety of species and offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Green-Winged Teal |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Green Sunfish |
| King Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | European Carp |
| Chum Salmon | Black Bullhead |
| Dolly Varden | Brown Bullhead |
| Arctic Grayling | Goldfish |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is famous for its pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. The park is home to the Brooks Range, a mountain range that runs through the park and offers stunning views of glaciers, valleys, and tundra. Visitors can also see the Noatak River, one of the largest and most intact river systems in the country, and the Arrigetch Peaks, a group of unique and towering granite spires.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are famous for their giant sequoia trees and dramatic canyons. The parks contain the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume, as well as the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon. Visitors can also see Moro Rock, a granite dome with panoramic views of the park, and the tunnels, a series of carved-out roads that allow visitors to drive through giant sequoia trees.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you are looking for pristine wilderness, towering mountain ranges, or giant trees, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are very different destinations, with unique landscapes, wildlife and activities. At Gates of the Arctic, visitors can enjoy the remote wilderness and backcountry camping, as well as activities like rafting and kayaking on the Brooks River. The park is also home to many species of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves. On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon offers a more traditional national park experience with developed campgrounds, scenic drives and popular hikes. The parks are home to some of the largest trees in the world, including the famous General Sherman tree, and visitors can also take guided tours to explore the giant sequoias.
Both parks are popular for their stunning natural beauty and offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. However, the types of activities and experiences available at each park are very different. While Gates of the Arctic is ideal for those seeking a remote wilderness experience, Sequoia & Kings Canyon is better suited for those looking for a more traditional national park experience with more developed amenities. Regardless of which park you visit, you’re sure to have a memorable time exploring the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife of these amazing destinations.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in California. The seasonal weather at Gates of the Arctic is harsh and extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below -40°F during winter months. Summer months bring milder weather, with temperatures averaging in the mid-50s to mid-60s.
On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon have a more varied climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures can reach above 90°F, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Snow is common in the higher elevations of the park from November to April.
Due to the harsh weather conditions at Gates of the Arctic, it is best to visit during the summer months, when temperatures are more mild and the park is accessible by foot or small aircraft. The best time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the parks are less crowded. Winter is also a good time to visit for those who enjoy snow sports, as the park provides opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are great options for families with children, each offering unique experiences and activities.
Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness area, with no roads or facilities. This can make it a more challenging environment for families to explore, although the remoteness provides a unique and memorable experience. The park is best suited for families with older children who can handle a backcountry experience.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have a more developed infrastructure, with numerous campgrounds, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs. This makes it a more accessible and convenient option for families with younger children. The parks offer a range of activities, from scenic drives and hiking trails to museum visits and campfire programs. Additionally, the parks are home to some of the largest trees in the world, including the General Sherman Tree, which is an awe-inspiring sight for kids and adults alike.
In conclusion, both parks offer great experiences for families with children, but Sequoia & Kings Canyon is the more family-friendly option for those traveling with younger children.