Welcome to the ultimate showdown of two of America’s most iconic national parks! Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are both known for their breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history. But which one is the better destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two amazing parks and compare their top attractions, scenic vistas, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Get ready for an epic journey as we travel from the remote wilderness of Alaska to the geothermal wonderland of Wyoming. One park is home to caribou, grizzly bears, and the Northern Lights, while the other boasts geysers, bison, and wolves. Both parks are truly unique and offer something for everyone, but which one will reign supreme? Will it be the rugged beauty of Gates of the Arctic or the geothermal magic of Yellowstone?
So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and join us as we explore the best of these two incredible national parks!
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park both offer stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. They differ in hiking trails and experiences, however.
Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness experience for the adventurous hiker. With no marked trails and rough terrain, it’s ideal for those seeking a backcountry experience. The hardest hike is the 11-day, 70-mile journey through the heart of the Brooks Range, which is only recommended for experienced backpackers.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, has a range of trails for all levels of hikers. The easiest hike is the boardwalk trail to the geysers of the Upper Geyser Basin, which is a half-mile round trip. The hardest hike is the strenuous 10-mile round trip to the summit of Mount Washburn, which offers panoramic views of the park.
In comparison, Gates of the Arctic is a more isolated, challenging experience, while Yellowstone offers a mix of trails for all levels of hikers with easier access to amenities and services. Both parks are unique and offer unique experiences for the adventurous hiker.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park both showcase unique wildlife habitats in their respective regions of Alaska and Wyoming.
In Gates of the Arctic, visitors may encounter Alaskan specialties such as grizzly and black bears, wolves, moose, and caribou. The park also boasts a diverse population of birds, including the common raven, trumpeter swan, and the northern hawk owl. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant species, including willow, birch, and spruce trees, as well as wildflowers and mosses.
On the other hand, Yellowstone is known for its large herds of bison and elk, as well as its population of gray wolves, pronghorn antelopes, and black bears. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, with species such as the trumpeter swan, bald eagle, and the osprey commonly seen. In addition to its rich wildlife, Yellowstone is home to a diverse range of plant life, including aspen, cottonwood, and lodgepole pine trees, as well as wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs.
While both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, visitors to Gates of the Arctic may have the opportunity to see more remote and rarely seen species, such as the wolverine and the Arctic fox. Meanwhile, Yellowstone offers the chance to see large mammals in greater numbers and with greater ease.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| 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 |
| Short Tailed Weasel | |
| California Myotis |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Longnose Sucker |
| King Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Slimy Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Dolly Varden | Speckled Dace |
| Arctic Grayling | Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders, making them popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Gates of the Arctic is known for its rugged, remote wilderness and breathtaking mountain ranges. This park boasts the Brooks Range, which offers panoramic views of the Alaska Range and the Arrigetch Peaks. The park also has several pristine rivers and creeks, which are perfect for fishing and exploring.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal wonders, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. The park also has an array of hot springs and geysers, as well as scenic lakes and valleys. Yellowstone is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including wolves, bison, elk, and bears. The park’s Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a popular destination for visitors, offering breathtaking views of the Yellowstone River and the surrounding landscape.
Both Gates of the Arctic and Yellowstone offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of America’s wild places, and both parks are a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking mountain ranges, pristine rivers, or geothermal wonders, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are two of America’s most visited national parks, attracting millions of visitors every year. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, but the types of activities vary greatly.
Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, including geysers and hot springs, as well as its abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, and wolves. Visitors to Yellowstone can take guided tours, go fishing, or go on a wildlife-watching safari. The park also offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding.
Gates of the Arctic, on the other hand, is a wilderness park, with a focus on backcountry recreation. It is a popular destination for backpacking, camping, and fishing. The park is also home to several rivers and lakes, making it a popular destination for rafting and kayaking. In addition, Gates of the Arctic is known for its stunning vistas and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors, but the types of activities vary greatly. Yellowstone is a great destination for those interested in geothermal features, wildlife watching, and recreational activities, while Gates of the Arctic is ideal for those looking for a wilderness experience, with a focus on backcountry recreation and scenic beauty.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Both have their own unique characteristics, including their seasonal weather.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its harsh, cold climate. The park experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures that can drop below -40°F. Summer temperatures are warmer, but still cool and can range between 40°F to 60°F. This weather affects the best time to visit the park, as it becomes more accessible during the summer months.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in Wyoming and experiences a much milder climate compared to Gates of the Arctic. Winter temperatures can drop to below 0°F, while summer temperatures can reach up to 80°F. The park is most popular during the summer months, as the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
In conclusion, when choosing between Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park, the weather should be a factor in deciding when to visit. Gates of the Arctic is best visited during the summer months, while Yellowstone can be visited year-round and is most popular during the summer.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their own unique features that make them suitable for different types of families.
Yellowstone National Park is considered to be more family-friendly due to its wide range of activities and facilities that cater to families. There are plenty of easy hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas that are ideal for families with young children. Additionally, the park has several educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed specifically for children, making it a great place to learn about the natural world.
On the other hand, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is a more rugged and remote destination that may not be as suitable for families with young children. However, for families who are looking for a more adventurous and immersive experience in nature, this park is the perfect destination. With its vast wilderness and breathtaking scenery, the park offers a unique opportunity to explore the Arctic and experience the beauty of the wilderness.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Yellowstone National Park are great destinations for families, but the type of experience you’re looking for will determine which park is better suited for your family. If you’re looking for a family-friendly experience with plenty of activities and facilities, Yellowstone is the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more rugged and immersive nature experience, Gates of the Arctic is the way to go.