Grand Canyon National Park vs Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

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Grand Canyon National Park vs Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve

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.

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