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

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

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.

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