Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the finest national parks in the US. Both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature, these two parks are definitely worth a visit. But which one is better?
Well, that’s what this article is all about. We’ll be comparing Grand Teton and Wrangell – St Elias in terms of their scenery, wildlife, outdoor activities, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned national park traveler or a newcomer, you’ll find something of interest in this article. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore two of the most incredible national parks the US has to offer!
Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Teton National Park is known for its stunning mountain scenery, making it a popular destination for hikers. The park features a variety of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Taggart Lake Trail, which offers stunning views of the Teton Range, and the Jenny Lake Loop, which is a popular destination for families and visitors looking for a gentle hike.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest national park in the United States and offers a diverse range of hiking opportunities. The park’s landscape includes glaciers, alpine tundra, and rugged peaks, making it a popular destination for experienced hikers and mountaineers. Some of the most challenging hikes in the park include the Mount St. Elias summit, which requires technical climbing skills, and the Root Glacier hike, which involves a strenuous ascent to one of the park’s largest glaciers.
Overall, both Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer a range of hiking opportunities for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging backcountry adventure, these parks have something to offer. Just be sure to come prepared with the right gear and be mindful of the park’s regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Grand Teton National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Canyon Trail | 15610.598 | 343.8144 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Jenny Lake Trail | 12391.918 | 221.8944 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake Loop | 6598.294 | 130.7592 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Delta Lake via Amphitheater Lake Trail | 14484.06 | 709.8792 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail | 14323.126 | 896.7216 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 179.832 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Phelps Lake Trail | 11265.38 | 220.98 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Lake Solitude Trail | 25749.44 | 803.7576 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| String Lake Trail | 5954.558 | 79.8576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop | 9656.04 | 231.9528 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
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 Teton National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve are two truly remarkable national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems, however, there are some differences between the two when it comes to the wildlife you’ll see.
At Grand Teton, visitors will have the chance to see a variety of large mammals, including moose, elk, bison, and black bears. Additionally, the park is home to several bird species, such as the bald eagle, osprey, and sandhill crane. The park’s lush forests and alpine meadows are also home to a diverse range of plants, including wildflowers, conifers, and deciduous trees.
Wrangell-St Elias, on the other hand, is a true wilderness, with a much greater variety of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see caribou, gray wolves, and grizzly bears, as well as a large number of bird species including the golden eagle and the gyrfalcon. The park is also the largest protected area in the United States and is home to a diverse range of plant life, including tundra, forests, and meadows. The park is known for its rugged terrain and remote wilderness, making it a true adventure for nature lovers.
In conclusion, both Grand Teton and Wrangell-St Elias are amazing parks with unique wildlife, but Grand Teton is a better choice if you’re looking for a more accessible adventure and Wrangell-St Elias is the place to go for a true wilderness experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Grand Teton 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 Teton 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 Teton 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 |
| Red Fox | Land Otter |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Water Shrew |
| Mink | Red Squirrel |
| Mule Deer | Montane Shrew |
| Wolf | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Lynx |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Wolverine |
| Badger | American Marten |
| Ermine | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| California Myotis | Grizzly Bear |
| Snowshoe Hare | Meadow Vole |
Fish
| Grand Teton National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Steelhead |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Lake Trout | Northern Pike |
| Mottled Sculpin | Burbot |
| Longnose Dace | Silver Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | King Salmon |
| Arctic Grayling | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Grand Teton National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Grand Teton National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Grand Teton National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming and is known for its stunning mountain ranges and scenic drives. The most famous landscape in the park is the Teton Range, which features several peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation. Visitors can take a scenic drive along Teton Park Road and stop at several overlooks for breathtaking views of the mountains and nearby valleys. Another popular spot in the park is Jenny Lake, which offers scenic boat tours and hiking trails.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States, encompassing over 13 million acres. The park is home to several mountain ranges, including the Wrangell Mountains, which feature several peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the McCarthy Road, which offers views of the stunning landscape and glaciers. The park is also home to several glaciers, including the Root Glacier, which is accessible by foot and offers visitors a chance to explore the ice formations up close. Additionally, visitors can also see wildlife in the park, including brown bears, moose, and caribou.
Things To-Do and Activities in Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities, there are some key differences between the two.
Grand Teton is known for its stunning mountain views, wildlife viewing opportunities, and water-based activities. Visitors to Grand Teton love to go fishing, boating, and kayaking on Jenny Lake. They also love to take scenic drives, go horseback riding and take part in ranger-led programs.
Wrangell-St. Elias, on the other hand, is more of a wilderness destination. Here, visitors love to go backpacking, mountaineering, and exploring the park’s glaciers. The park also offers opportunities for flightseeing, dog sledding, and gold panning.
Both parks have a lot to offer, and the decision of which to visit depends on the individual’s interests and the time of year. If you are looking for stunning mountain views and a variety of water-based activities, Grand Teton is an excellent choice. However, if you are seeking a true wilderness experience and want to explore glaciers and go backpacking, then Wrangell-St. Elias is the park for you.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, and are known for their stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. The seasonal weather at these parks affects when is the best time of year to visit.
Grand Teton National Park is located in the state of Wyoming, and is known for its scenic mountains and beautiful lakes. The park has four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. During the summer, temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect time for hiking, camping, and fishing. In the winter, the park is covered in snow and temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, and is one of the largest national parks in the United States. The park is characterized by its glaciers, mountains, and pristine wilderness. The weather at Wrangell – St. Elias is much milder than Grand Teton, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. The park is also drier than Grand Teton, with very little precipitation during the summer months. This makes it an ideal destination for summer activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. In the winter, the park is covered in snow and temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a popular destination for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Family Friendliness of Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. While both are great destinations, they offer different experiences and both are appealing to families in different ways.
Grand Teton National Park is a great option for families as it offers a wide range of outdoor activities suitable for children. From hikes to scenic drives, there are plenty of options for families to explore and enjoy. The park has also made it easy for families with children to access information, with a variety of brochures, maps, and ranger-led activities available.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a bit more rugged and remote, making it less suitable for families with young children. While it does offer a unique and breathtaking wilderness experience, it is more challenging to navigate and there are fewer amenities available.
In conclusion, based on their family-friendliness, Grand Teton National Park is the better option for families with children. With a wide range of activities and access to information, it offers a great opportunity for families to explore and enjoy the great outdoors together.