“Picture yourself surrounded by towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and miles of rugged wilderness. That’s the essence of Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, a remote and untamed wilderness in Alaska’s Brooks Range. On the other hand, imagine exploring a labyrinth of twisting, winding passages, where the only sounds are the soft whispers of rushing air. That’s Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, where you can delve into the depths of one of the world’s most complex cave systems.
These two national parks couldn’t be more different, and yet, they both offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are sure to leave you breathless. Whether you’re an adventurous hiker seeking solitude or a curious explorer eager to uncover the secrets of the earth, you’ll find that both Gates of the Arctic and Wind Cave have something special to offer.
So, pack your bags and get ready for an epic journey through two of America’s most unique and breathtaking national parks. The only question is, which one will you explore first?”
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are both unique national parks with a lot to offer visitors. However, the hiking trails at these parks are quite different.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its wilderness and remote location. Hiking trails in this park are often unmarked and visitors are encouraged to navigate using a map and compass. The park offers a variety of hikes, including easy walks along river valleys, as well as strenuous backpacking trips in the mountains. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Kobuk River Trail and the Western Arrigetch Peaks Traverse.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, is known for its unique and intricate cave system. The park offers several hiking trails, including the Rankin Ridge and Elk Mountain trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. However, the park also offers some of the most challenging hikes in the country, such as the Wind Cave Canyon Trail and the Centennial Trail. These trails are strenuous and require a high level of physical fitness and navigation skills.
Overall, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are great destinations for hikers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging backpacking trip, these parks have something to offer.
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 Wind Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is a remote wilderness area that covers 8.4 million acres of pristine wilderness. The park is home to a variety of large mammals such as caribou, moose, grizzly bears and black bears. Visitors can also expect to see wolves, wolverines, foxes, and lynx. Additionally, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 160 species of birds including the bald eagle, gyrfalcon and the peregrine falcon.
On the other hand, Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota and is known for its unique underground caves. In addition to the caves, the park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, pronghorns, and mule deer. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of birds, such as the American goldfinch, the Western meadowlark, and the Eastern bluebird. Additionally, the park is home to several species of reptiles, including the prairie rattlesnake and the mountain short-horned lizard. The park also features a diverse range of plant life, including prairie grasses, wildflowers, and ponderosa pine trees.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Wind Cave 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 | Wind Cave 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 | Weasels |
| Wolverine | House Mouse |
| American Marten | Mountain Lion |
| Grizzly Bear | Mink |
| Meadow Vole | Mule Deer |
| Moose | Wolf |
| Least Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Badger |
| Ermine | |
| Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Lake Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Northern Pike | Long Nose Dace |
| Eelpout | Black Bullhead |
| King Salmon | Creek Chub |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouses Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Milksnake |
Insects
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfer | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty. The park features the Brooks Range, a mountain range that spans over 700 miles and is home to some of the most beautiful peaks in North America. Visitors can also look out over the vast Arctic tundra and see the northern lights, a celestial display that is truly a sight to behold.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, is also known for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. The park is home to the Wind Cave, a unique natural wonder that is considered one of the longest and most complex caves systems in the world. The cave is filled with a variety of unique formations, including boxwork, a rare and delicate calcite formation that covers the walls and ceilings of the cave. Visitors can also explore the park’s rolling hills, prairies, and mixed-grass prairies, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and elk.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are two vastly different national parks located in the United States. Both are popular destinations for their unique natural features and recreational activities.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its remote wilderness and opportunities for backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain, including the Brooks Range Mountains and the Noatak River, by foot or by float plane. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, is known for its unique cave system and opportunities for camping, wildlife viewing, and ranger-led tours. Visitors can explore the park’s underground cave systems, including the Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. Above ground, the park offers scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to hike and camp in the surrounding Black Hills landscape.
While both parks offer unique recreational activities, they each offer a unique experience for visitors. Whether exploring the remote wilderness of Gates of the Arctic or the unique underground cave systems of Wind Cave, visitors to these parks will have an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in northern Alaska, an area known for its harsh and unpredictable weather. Summer temperatures average from 40 to 60°F, with occasional hot spells reaching up to the 80s. Winter temperatures average from -40 to -20°F, with frequent blizzards and high winds. Rain and snow are common year-round, with summer being the wettest season. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and pack accordingly. The best time to visit would be in late summer, when the weather is mild and the days are long.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, has a more moderate climate with less drastic temperature changes. Summer temperatures average from 60 to 80°F and winter temperatures average from 20 to 40°F. Rain is common in the spring and summer, while snow is rare in the winter. Visitors to Wind Cave should be prepared for sudden thunderstorms and pack accordingly. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the chance of rain is lower.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota offer unique and contrasting wilderness experiences. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have different appeals.
Gates of the Arctic is a remote and rugged wilderness, ideal for adventure-seeking families who don’t mind a little challenge. With no roads, facilities, or designated trails, visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for backcountry camping. This park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, but parents may want to consider their children’s abilities before embarking on a trip here.
Wind Cave National Park, on the other hand, is more accessible and offers a variety of family-friendly activities. The park features well-established trails for hiking and cave tours, as well as ranger-led programs and educational activities. The park’s main attraction, Wind Cave, is a unique underground labyrinth of passages and tunnels that children will love exploring.
Overall, Wind Cave National Park is the better choice for families traveling with children. Its accessibility, family-friendly activities, and educational opportunities make it a great destination for families. Gates of the Arctic, while offering a unique wilderness experience, may be a better fit for families with older children or those seeking a more rugged adventure.