Welcome to the wild and rugged landscapes of Alaska and Utah! If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you to some of the most stunning and diverse national parks in the US, then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll be comparing Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park. Both of these parks offer breathtaking beauty and unique experiences, but they are very different from each other.
Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness located in the heart of Alaska, where you can explore glaciers, mountains, and rivers surrounded by pristine wilderness. On the other hand, Zion National Park is a red-rock wonderland, with towering cliffs, deep canyons, and a river flowing through the heart of the park.
So, whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurous traveler, or just looking for a new place to explore, keep reading to find out which park is the best fit for your next trip!
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two popular destinations for nature and hiking enthusiasts. Both parks offer a diverse range of trails, from easy and scenic walks to challenging and strenuous hikes.
At Gates of the Arctic, the easiest hike is the Arrigetch Peaks Trail, which is a 7.5-mile round trip that takes you through the stunning Arrigetch Valley. The trail is relatively flat, making it a great option for those who are new to hiking. On the other hand, the challenging hike is the Boreal Forest Trail, which is a 24.5-mile round trip that takes you through the rugged landscape of the Boreal forest.
At Zion, the easiest hike is the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile round trip that follows the Virgin River through the scenic canyon. The trail is paved, making it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. The hardest hike in Zion is the Angels Landing Trail, which is a 5.4-mile round trip that takes you to the top of a narrow rock fin with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons. The trail is steep and requires a certain level of fitness, but the views from the top are well worth it.
In conclusion, both Gates of the Arctic and Zion offer a variety of hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, 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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its pristine wilderness, remote location, and diverse wildlife. Visitors to the park may see a variety of large mammals such as caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and wolves. The park also has a large population of bird species including the willow ptarmigan, gyrfalcon, and golden eagle.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is known for its stunning red rock formations and diverse landscapes. Wildlife in the park includes mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and a variety of bird species such as the red-tailed hawk, American dipper, and the peregrine falcon. The park’s vegetation is also diverse, with a wide range of plant species including Joshua trees, yucca, and prickly pear cactus.
When it comes to wildlife, both parks offer unique and diverse experiences. Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve provides visitors with the opportunity to see a variety of large mammals in their natural habitat, while Zion National Park offers a mix of both large mammals and diverse bird species. Additionally, both parks offer a unique look at the plant life in the region, with Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve showcasing the rugged and remote wilderness of northern Alaska and Zion National Park highlighting the unique and diverse plants found in the southwestern United States.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Meadow Vole | Gray Fox |
| Moose | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | American Badger |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Ermine |
| California Myotis | |
| Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Speckled Dace |
| King Salmon | Channel Catfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Goldfish |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and boasts some of the most rugged and remote wilderness in the world. The park is most famous for its jagged peaks, glaciers, and pristine rivers. The Brooks Range, a massive mountain range, runs through the heart of the park and is home to many of the most beautiful landscapes in the park. The park also has many beautiful overlooks, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Additionally, visitors can hike through the park’s rugged terrain and explore its pristine rivers and streams.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is famous for its towering red cliffs and stunning sandstone formations. The most famous landscape in the park is the Zion Canyon, which is surrounded by towering cliffs and is home to many of the park’s most popular hiking trails. The park is also home to the stunning Emerald Pools, a series of waterfalls and pools surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can also hike the famous Angel’s Landing Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to its beautiful landscapes, the park is also home to many unique natural features, including narrow slot canyons and towering rock formations, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Zion National Park in Utah offer vastly different experiences for visitors. In Gates of the Arctic, visitors can take part in backpacking trips, river rafting, and fishing. The park’s remote location and lack of developed facilities means that visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for wilderness travel. The park is known for its stunning vistas, glaciers and wildlife, which include grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep.
In contrast, Zion National Park is a popular destination for visitors looking for more developed recreational opportunities. Hiking and canyoneering are popular activities, but visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, rock climbing, and camping. The park’s most famous attraction is the popular “The Narrows” hike, where visitors can walk through a narrow canyon with walls towering up to 2,000 feet. Zion is also known for its diverse landscape, including sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.
Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but visitors should be aware of the differences in facilities and activities available at each park. Gates of the Arctic is a true wilderness experience, while Zion offers a mix of outdoor recreation and amenities.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Zion National Park are two popular US National Parks with unique weather patterns. Gates of the Arctic is located in Alaska, and is known for its harsh, subarctic climate. Summer temperatures average around 40°F, while winter temperatures can drop as low as -40°F. Precipitation is low, but snow can fall any time of year. This weather makes it best to visit the park between June and September, when temperatures are milder and the snow has melted.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Utah and has a more temperate climate. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s, while winter temperatures can drop into the 40s. The park receives most of its precipitation in the summer months, when flash floods are a common occurrence. The best time to visit Zion is between April and October, when the weather is warm and dry. Visitors should be aware of the flash flood risk during the summer months and plan accordingly.
In conclusion, the weather in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Zion National Park can greatly affect the visitor experience. Visitors should plan their trip around the best time to visit each park based on the weather, to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are both unique and beautiful, but they vary greatly in terms of family-friendliness. Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness area with limited facilities and services, making it more challenging for families with children. The park offers a true backcountry experience with opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, but it requires a high level of preparedness and a sense of adventure.
On the other hand, Zion National Park offers a more accessible and developed experience for families. The park has several well-maintained hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, and a variety of campgrounds and lodging options. The park also offers educational programs and ranger-led activities, making it a great place for families to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. Additionally, the park’s shuttle system helps to reduce crowding on popular trails and provides a convenient way for families to explore the park.
Although both parks offer unique experiences, Zion National Park is generally considered to be more family-friendly due to its accessible facilities and services. However, families who are up for an adventure and have a love of the wilderness may still find Gates of the Arctic to be a great destination. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on the interests and abilities of the family, as well as the time of year they plan to visit.