Nourished by snow-capped peaks and lush tropical forests, two of America’s most remote and stunning national parks offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. On one hand, you have Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, a rugged wilderness in Alaska where the stars shine brighter and the silence is deafening. On the other hand, you have Virgin Islands National Park, where crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches provide a tropical paradise for adventure-seekers.
But which one is the better choice for your next outdoor excursion? In this article, we will compare and contrast these two vastly different parks, highlighting their unique features and offerings. From the best hiking trails to the best snorkeling spots, we’ll help you decide which park is right for your next adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beach bum, this article will have something for you. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and get ready to explore two of America’s most breathtaking national parks.
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a rugged and remote wilderness. Hiking trails in this park are long, challenging, and require proper planning and preparation. Backcountry hiking is the main activity, with routes ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. Some popular trails include the Alatna River Trail, which follows the Alatna River and offers stunning views of the Brooks Range. Another popular trail is the Itkillik River Trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes you through the heart of the Brooks Range.
Virgin Islands National Park, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers a different type of hiking experience. The park has well-maintained trails that are suitable for people of all skill levels. Some of the most popular trails include the Reef Bay Trail, which is an easy hike that leads to a historic sugar mill and a stunning bay. Another popular trail is the Ram’s Head Trail, which is a strenuous hike that offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The park also has several snorkeling trails, which allow visitors to explore the coral reefs and see the diverse marine life.
In conclusion, both Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique hiking experiences to visitors. While the former is known for its rugged wilderness and challenging backcountry hikes, the latter is known for its well-maintained trails and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
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 Virgin Islands 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Virgin Islands National Park in the Caribbean are two vastly different parks with unique wildlife. In Gates of the Arctic, visitors can expect to see a variety of large mammals including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. The park is also a migratory stop for many species of birds, including the threatened spectacled eider. In contrast, the Virgin Islands National Park is home to a variety of tropical birds, including the yellow-breasted chat and bananaquit, as well as iguanas and mongooses.
The plant life in Gates of the Arctic is dominated by arctic and boreal forests, while Virgin Islands National Park is home to a variety of tropical rainforests and dry forests. In the Virgin Islands, visitors can also expect to see a variety of coral reefs and marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles.
Overall, both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, with Gates of the Arctic being a great destination for those interested in large mammals and migratory birds, and Virgin Islands National Park offering a tropical paradise for birders and marine life enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Virgin Islands 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 Virgin Islands National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, USA and is renowned for its stunning landscapes and wilderness. It is the second largest national park in the US and is home to the Brooks Range, a mountain range that boasts some of the tallest peaks in North America. The park also features breathtaking views from the Atigun Pass and the Arrigetch Peaks, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the US Virgin Islands and is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning coral reefs and lush green hills. The park is home to the famous Trunk Bay beach, which has consistently been rated as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. It also features the Reef Bay Trail, a guided hike through lush tropical forests to a secluded bay where visitors can snorkel and observe the vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can also explore the park’s many cays and islets, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and are popular spots for kayaking and paddle-boarding.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park offer different experiences for visitors. Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged wilderness and abundant wildlife. The park offers opportunities for backpacking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also take part in cultural activities and learn about the indigenous peoples of the region.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Caribbean and is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling, swimming, and boating are popular activities in the park. The park also offers hiking trails through lush forests and along the coast, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also take part in cultural activities and learn about the history of the islands.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors and are great destinations for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re seeking a rugged wilderness experience or a tropical escape, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness park located in Alaska. The park experiences harsh and unpredictable weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to the mid-70s in the summer. Winter months see an average of 6 hours of daylight, while summer months see nearly 24 hours of daylight.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the Caribbean and has a tropical climate, with temperatures averaging in the 80s year-round. The park experiences two seasons: the rainy season from September to November, and the dry season from December to August. The rainy season brings heavy rainfall and potential for hurricanes, making it less favorable for visitors, while the dry season is the most popular time to visit.
The weather at both parks greatly affects the best time to visit. If you’re looking for a winter adventure, Gates of the Arctic is a great option, with opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, and dog sledding. However, if you’re seeking sun and warmth, Virgin Islands National Park is the perfect destination, with its clear waters, beautiful beaches, and abundant marine life.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Virgin Islands National Park in the Caribbean both offer breathtaking natural beauty, but they differ greatly in terms of accessibility and family-friendliness.
Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness area with limited facilities and no roads. It is best suited for experienced backcountry travelers and those seeking a true wilderness experience. There are no developed trails, campgrounds or visitor services, so visitors must be self-sufficient.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park offers a more developed park experience with well-maintained trails, picnic areas, campgrounds and beaches. The park is located on the island of St. John, which is easily accessible by ferry from St. Thomas. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and beachcombing with their families.
If you are traveling with children, Virgin Islands National Park would be the better choice, as it offers a variety of recreational activities and amenities. The park is also a great place to learn about the rich cultural history of the Virgin Islands and the natural environment.
Gates of the Arctic, on the other hand, may not be the best choice for families with young children, as the wilderness setting can be challenging. However, it is a great destination for adventurous families who are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.