The Grand Canyon and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks are two of the largest and most magnificent natural wonders in the United States. Both parks boast incredible landscapes and offer visitors a chance to explore the great outdoors and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. But which one is right for you?
If you’re looking for breathtaking views and a chance to walk along the rim of a massive canyon, then the Grand Canyon is the place for you. With its vibrant colors and towering cliffs, the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in the country.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a truly wild and untamed wilderness experience, then Wrangell-St. Elias is the park for you. This massive park covers over 13 million acres and encompasses glaciers, mountains, and valleys that are home to a diverse range of wildlife.
So, whether you’re looking for a chance to hike and explore, or just want to sit back and take in the beauty of nature, both the Grand Canyon and Wrangell-St. Elias have something to offer. Join us as we take a closer look at these two incredible parks and find out which one is right for you!
Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and challenging hiking trails, but there are some significant differences between the two.
At Grand Canyon National Park, the easiest hike is the Rim Trail, a well-maintained trail that runs along the South Rim of the Canyon. This trail offers stunning views of the Canyon, but is relatively flat and easy to navigate. On the other hand, the hardest hike in the Grand Canyon is the Bright Angel Trail, a steep descent into the Canyon that requires a high level of physical fitness.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its rugged terrain, and its hiking trails reflect this. The easiest hike in the park is the Root Glacier Trail, a relatively flat hike that takes you to the base of the Root Glacier. The hardest hike in the park is the Mount Blackburn ascent, a challenging climb up the 16,390-foot peak that requires a high level of physical fitness and technical climbing skills.
In conclusion, both Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer a range of hiking trails for all skill levels. Whether you are looking for an easy walk or a challenging climb, both parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Canyon National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bright Angel Trail to Bright Angel Campground and River Trail | 28485.318 | 1525.8288 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge | 4988.954 | 358.7496 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail | 8690.436 | 635.8128 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
South Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail Loop | 26875.978 | 1400.8608 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point | 2896.812 | 210.9216 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Grand Canyon Rim Trail | 8690.436 | 106.9848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village | 34761.744 | 1614.8304 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
Shoshone Point Trail | 3379.614 | 45.72 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Plateau Point Trail via Bright Angel Trail | 19633.948 | 961.9488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point | 8690.436 | 602.8944 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of America’s natural wonders. While the Grand Canyon is famous for its breathtaking views of the Colorado River, Wrangell – St Elias is renowned for its size and diverse wildlife.
Grand Canyon is home to a variety of mammals, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes. Birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, can also be seen soaring overhead. The park is also famous for its impressive collections of cacti, including the iconic saguaro cactus.
Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, offers a unique blend of wildlife, including both arctic and subarctic species. Visitors can spot grizzly and black bears, caribou, moose, and wolves. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with species like the bald eagle, gyrfalcon, and Steller’s jay commonly seen. Additionally, the park is home to diverse plant life, including the stunning fireweed, which covers the park’s hillsides in a blanket of pink and purple during the summer months.
In conclusion, both Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are incredible destinations for nature lovers. Whether you are interested in admiring the stunning views of the Grand Canyon or exploring the diverse wildlife of Wrangell – St Elias, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Grand Canyon National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
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 |
Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
European Starling | European Starling |
Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Grand Canyon National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
Bobcat | Black Bear |
Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
Deer Mouse | Puma |
Raccoon | Mink |
Black Bear | Mule Deer |
Porcupine | Wolf |
Silver-Haired Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Land Otter |
House Mouse | Common Shrew |
Mountain Lion | Water Shrew |
Mule Deer | Red Squirrel |
Gray Fox | Montane Shrew |
Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Tailed Vole |
Long-Eared Myotis | Lynx |
Badger | Wolverine |
California Myotis | American Marten |
North American River Otter | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fringed Myotis | Grizzly Bear |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Meadow Vole |
Fish
Grand Canyon National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Redband Trout | Steelhead |
Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
Largemouth Bass | Northern Pike |
Green Sunfish | Burbot |
Bluegill | Silver Salmon |
Fathead Minnow | King Salmon |
Golden Shiner | Slimy Sculpin |
European Carp | Threespine Stickleback |
Speckled Dace | Sockeye Salmon |
Yellow Bullhead | Pink Salmon |
Graceful Catfish | Chum Salmon |
Black Crappie | Dolly Varden |
Black Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
Mosquitofish | Arctic Grayling |
Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
Grand Canyon National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Western Rattlesnake | |
Ring-Necked Snake | |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
Side-Blotched Lizard | |
Common Kingsnake | |
Nightsnake | |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
Milksnake | |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
Tree Lizard | |
Western Whiptail | |
Eastern Collared Lizard | |
Eastern Fence Lizard | |
Glossy Snake | |
Western Skink | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
Grand Canyon National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
Canyon Treefrog | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
Grand Canyon National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | Silvery Blue |
Monarch Butterfly | Clouded Sulphur |
Common Sulphur | |
Variegated Fritillary | |
Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the largest and most diverse national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, but they have different landscapes as their main attraction.
The Grand Canyon is famous for its massive and colorful canyons, which are carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The Grand Canyon offers a breathtaking view from the rim, with its many different colors and formations. Visitors can hike to the bottom of the canyon or take a scenic drive along the rim to take in the views.
Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its massive mountain ranges, glaciers, and valleys. With nine of the 16 tallest peaks in the United States, the park offers spectacular views of the mountains, glaciers and valleys. The park also has a rich history, with the abandoned mining towns and gold rush era sites dotting its landscape. Visitors can explore these sites, hike to glaciers, or take a scenic drive through the park to take in its beauty.
Both Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, rich history, or a chance to explore unspoiled wilderness, these parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States and offer visitors a range of outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Grand Canyon is known for its stunning views and scenic drives, and visitors can take a scenic helicopter tour, hike down to the bottom of the canyon, or take a leisurely stroll along the rim. Other popular activities include river rafting, camping, and wildlife watching.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a wilderness lover’s paradise, with rugged landscapes and remote wilderness areas. Visitors can explore glaciers, go backpacking, or take a scenic flightseeing tour over the park. Fishing and hunting are also popular activities in the park.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, but it’s important to choose the right park for your interests. Whether you prefer scenic drives and leisurely strolls or rugged wilderness and remote adventure, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most spectacular National Parks in the United States. They offer unique landscapes and adventures for visitors, but the seasonal weather can greatly impact the experience.
At Grand Canyon National Park, temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, especially during the summer months. During the day, temperatures can reach up to 100°F, while at night they can drop to below freezing. Winter temperatures are much milder, with daytime temperatures in the mid-50s°F and nighttime temperatures in the low-20s°F. The best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park is in the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, making it one of the coldest National Parks in the United States. Summers are short and mild, with temperatures ranging from 40-60°F. Winters are long and harsh, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing. Snow is a common occurrence, making winter the best time to visit the park for winter sports. The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve for outdoor activities is in the summer when temperatures are mild and snow has melted.
Family Friendliness of Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Canyon National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both are known for their incredible natural beauty, they differ when it comes to their family-friendliness.
The Grand Canyon is more accessible and offers more family-friendly activities than Wrangell – St Elias. With its easily accessible rim trails, visitors can get breathtaking views of the Canyon without having to do any strenuous hiking. The park also has several kid-friendly educational programs and ranger-led activities.
Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, is a more remote and rugged park that requires more preparation and physical effort to fully enjoy. The park is best suited for families with older children or those who are experienced hikers. Visitors can go on scenic drives, hike to glaciers, and even go backpacking.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with young children, the Grand Canyon is a better option for a family-friendly adventure. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more rugged and challenging wilderness experience, Wrangell – St Elias is the better choice.