If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Grand Teton National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Grand Teton National Park.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Grand Teton National Park Overview
- 2 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Grand Teton National Park Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
- 6 Wildlife at Grand Teton National Park
- 7 Wildlife at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Grand Teton National Park Overview
Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands as a monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River, and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Overview
Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast national park that rises from the ocean all the way up to 18,008 ft. At 13.2 million acres, the park is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined! Within this wild landscape, people continue to live off the land as they have done for centuries. This rugged, beautiful land is filled with opportunities for adventure.
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Grand Teton National Park Hiking Trails
Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. With towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, it’s no wonder that this park is a popular destination for nature lovers. While there are many different trails to choose from, some are more difficult than others.Table Mountain is one of the easier trails, offering gentle elevation gains and panoramic views of the Teton Range. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Cascade Canyon Trail features a strenuous uphill climb followed by a descent into a deep canyon. No matter which trail you choose, Grand Teton National Park is sure to offer an unforgettable hiking experience.
Best Hikes At Grand Teton National Park
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leigh Lake Trail: Short Version | 12.8016 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Garnet Canyon to The Lower Saddle Trail | 1621.8408 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| Holly Lake Trail | 837.8952 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| Middle Teton Southwest Couloir | 1619.7072 | 7 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Grand View Point Trail | 415.7472 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Colter Bay Hermitage Point Trail | 224.9424 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Static Peak | 1652.9304 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| Jenny Lake Loop via String Lake Trailhead | 209.7024 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Swan Lake and Heron Pond Trail | 71.9328 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Two Ocean Lake Trail | 140.8176 | 3 | loop | 4 |
Hiking Overview at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is a haven for hikers of all levels of experience. Novice hikers can start with the easy Crosswind Lake trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains without too much elevation gain. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Crescent Lake trail is a great option. It is longer than the Crosswind Lake trail and has a steeper elevation gain, but it is still considered to be relatively easy. More experienced hikers can tackle one of the park’s difficult trails, such as the Donoho Peak trail, which summits one of the park’s tallest peaks. Wrangell – St Elias National Park is truly a paradise for hikers of all levels of ability.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 598.932 | 7 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 697.992 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 80.772 | 3 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 1079.9064 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 47.8536 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Trail | 143.8656 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Pinion Flats Campground Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| High Dune Trail | 191.7192 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| High and Star Dune Loop | 403.86 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife at Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, bison, moose, deer, pronghorn, eagles, osprey, and many more. The best time of year to see wildlife is in the summer, when the animals are actively feeding on the abundant vegetation. However, Grand Teton is also a popular winter destination for wildlife enthusiasts, as many animals can be seen grazing in the snow-covered meadows. In addition to its large mammals, Grand Teton National Park is also home to a variety of smaller creatures, including marmots, beavers, otters, and pikas. With so much to see and do, Grand Teton National Park is a perfect destination for anyone interested in getting up close and personal with some of America’s most iconic wildlife.
Wildlife at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to an incredible array of animals, including bears, moose, wolves, and caribou. In addition, the park is also home to a variety of plant life, including tundra plants and towering spruce trees. With so much to see and explore, Wrangell – St Elias National Park is the perfect place to get up close and personal with some of Alaska’s most amazing wildlife.
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Grand Teton National Park Weather Considerations
Grand Teton National Park is a beautiful destination at any time of year. However, the park’s weather can vary significantly from season to season. The summer months are generally the best time to visit, as the days are long and sunny. However, the park can be quite crowded during this time of year. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer more moderate weather and fewer crowds. Winter is a great time to enjoy the park’s snow-covered landscapes, but visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and potential closures due to snowfall. Ultimately, there is no wrong time to visit Grand Teton National Park – it simply depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Weather Considerations
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is one of the largest national parks in the United States, and it is known for its varied and extreme weather conditions. The park experiences very cold winters, with average temperatures ranging from -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the summers are relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when the weather is more conducive to outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. However, visitors should be aware that the early summer months can be rainy, so it is best to plan accordingly. The worst time to visit the park is during the winter, when temperatures are at their lowest and conditions are often treacherous. If you do choose to visit during this time, be sure to bring appropriate clothing and gear to ensure your safety.