Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of the most magnificent, yet contrasting, wilderness areas in the United States.
While both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences, they are vastly different in terms of geography, history, and recreational opportunities.
On one hand, Gates of the Arctic is a rugged, remote wilderness in Alaska, where visitors can explore 8.4 million acres of pristine Arctic tundra and rugged mountains. On the other hand, Theodore Roosevelt is a more accessible park located in the Badlands of North Dakota, offering a unique blend of prairies, canyons, and rugged buttes.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer seeking a true wilderness experience or a weekend warrior looking for a scenic drive, these two parks have something to offer. So, grab your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the best of what America’s rugged wilderness has to offer!
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, but they differ in terms of their level of difficulty.
At Gates of the Arctic, hiking trails range from easy walks along river valleys to challenging backpacking expeditions in the remote wilderness. The easiest hike is the Onion Portage Trail, a 2-mile round-trip that takes you to the banks of the Kobuk River. On the other hand, the challenging backpacking trip is the Upper Noatak River, which is a multi-day trek through the rugged and remote wilderness of the Brooks Range.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park has a range of trails as well, from short nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Painted Canyon Nature Trail, a 1-mile round trip that takes you through a colorful badlands landscape. The hardest hike in the park is the Maah Daah Hey Trail, a 96-mile long backcountry trail that takes you through the rugged Badlands of the Little Missouri River.
Both parks offer unique and challenging hikes, so it depends on your personal preferences and level of experience. If you are looking for an easier hike, consider the Onion Portage Trail at Gates of the Arctic or the Painted Canyon Nature Trail at Theodore Roosevelt. If you are looking for a more challenging backcountry experience, consider the Upper Noatak River at Gates of the Arctic or the Maah Daah Hey Trail at Theodore Roosevelt.
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 Theodore Roosevelt National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two unique national parks that offer visitors a chance to observe diverse wildlife and nature.
At Gates Of The Arctic, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as caribou, grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and wolverines. This park is also home to a wide range of bird species, including the rough-legged hawk, the common raven, and the willow ptarmigan. Visitors may also encounter various plant species, including the Arctic cotton grass, the alpine forget-me-not, and the northern Labrador tea.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is known for its bison, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep populations. The park is also home to a diverse bird population, including the great horned owl, the red-tailed hawk, and the western meadowlark. Visitors may also encounter various plant species, including wildflowers, cacti, and prairie grasses.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities and attract visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in observing large mammals, bird watching, or learning about plant species, 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 Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | American Kestrel |
| 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Red Fox |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Mountain Lion |
| American Marten | Mink |
| Grizzly Bear | Mule Deer |
| Meadow Vole | Gray Wolf |
| Moose | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Badger |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Snowshoe Hare |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Eelpout | Flathead Minnow |
| King Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | Carp/European Carp |
| Chum Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Dolly Varden | Burbot |
| Arctic Grayling | Longnose Dace |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullsnake | |
| Racer | |
| Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is the northernmost national park in the United States. It is known for its rugged wilderness and stunning landscapes, including the Brooks Range mountain range, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Visitors can also enjoy scenic overlooks and explore the Arrigetch Peaks, a group of granite spires that rise from the tundra.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, is named after the 26th President of the United States and is known for its rolling hills, badlands formations, and diverse wildlife. The park’s most famous landscape is Painted Canyon, a colorful canyon with layers of red and green rock formations. Another popular destination is the Little Missouri River, which winds through the park, offering opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching. Additionally, visitors can hike to the top of the park’s highest point, Buck Hill, for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its pristine wilderness and opportunities for backcountry exploration. Visitors can take part in activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to the Brooks Range, which provides stunning views for those who take on its challenging hikes.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, is a different type of park. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and elks. The park offers scenic drives, horseback riding, and camping as well as hiking. Visitors can also take part in ranger-led programs and explore the park’s historical sites. The park’s South Unit is also a popular destination for photography and bird watching.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. Gates of the Arctic provides a true wilderness experience, while Theodore Roosevelt offers a mix of natural beauty and history. Regardless of which park you choose to visit, make sure to plan ahead and bring the necessary gear for a successful and enjoyable trip.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two unique national parks with distinct seasonal weather patterns. Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska and is known for its harsh, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when temperatures average in the 40s and 50s degrees Fahrenheit, and there is 24-hour daylight. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. On the other hand, Theodore Roosevelt National Park located in North Dakota experiences hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s in the summer to below freezing in the winter. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and wildlife is abundant.
Both parks offer stunning natural beauty, but the weather can greatly impact the type of experience you have. In Gates of the Arctic, the long winter nights and harsh conditions can make it challenging for visitors, while the warm weather in Theodore Roosevelt National Park can make it difficult to enjoy the park’s scenic beauty during the hot summer months. When planning a visit to either of these parks, it’s essential to consider the seasonal weather and choose the time of year that best suits your interests and comfort level.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both parks are ideal for families, but they have some differences that make them better suited for different types of families.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great choice for families with young children. The park has a number of easy hiking trails and scenic drives that allow families to experience the beauty of the park without having to do a lot of strenuous hiking. Additionally, there are a number of ranger programs and activities aimed specifically at families with young children.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a better choice for families with older children or teens who are looking for a more challenging outdoor experience. The park is known for its remote wilderness, and offers a range of backcountry camping and hiking options. However, the park can be difficult to access and may not be ideal for families with young children.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for families to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the American wilderness. However, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a better choice for families with young children, while Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is better for families with older children or teens looking for a more challenging outdoor experience.