Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most unique and diverse parks in the U.S. National Park System. Each park offers visitors breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a range of recreational opportunities.
In Great Basin National Park, visitors can explore the ancient Bristlecone Pine forests, hike through the scenic Lehman Caves, or stargaze in one of the best-preserved night skies in the country. In contrast, Katmai National Park & Preserve is a volcanic wonderland, home to the famous Brooks Falls, where visitors can observe brown bears fishing for salmon.
Whether you are a hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful escape, both of these parks have something to offer. In the following pages, we will be comparing and contrasting Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve, exploring the unique qualities of each park, and helping you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure. So pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and let’s hit the road!
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two unique parks with contrasting hiking trails. Great Basin is located in Nevada and offers a diverse array of hiking trails, from leisurely walks to challenging backcountry adventures. The park’s most popular hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip that leads to the ancient Bristlecone Pine grove. This easy hike is suitable for all ages and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. On the other hand, the Wheeler Peak Trail is a strenuous 13-mile round trip to the highest peak in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its rugged and remote wilderness. The park’s best-known hike is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a 6-mile round trip that leads to the spectacular ash-filled valley created by the eruption of Novarupta in 1912. This hike is considered moderate, but can be challenging due to the loose ash and steep inclines. For a more strenuous challenge, the Brooks Falls Trail is a 9-mile round trip that leads to the famous Brooks Falls, where brown bears come to fish for salmon. This hike is not for the faint of heart, as it requires crossing rivers and navigating steep terrain.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer unique hiking experiences that cater to a range of skill levels. Whether you are looking for an easy nature walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are unique in their own ways and offer a diverse range of wildlife experiences.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its diverse array of plant and animal species, including black bears, mule deer, and a variety of bird species such as the peregrine falcon, the spotted owl and the sage thrasher. In addition, Great Basin is home to several species of coniferous trees, including the ancient bristlecone pine, which is one of the oldest living organisms on earth.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is famous for its huge population of brown bears. Visitors can observe these magnificent creatures fishing for salmon in Brooks River or roaming the park’s vast wilderness. In addition to the brown bears, Katmai is home to a variety of other wildlife, including moose, caribou, and a wide range of bird species, including the bald eagle.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of America and the diversity of its wildlife. Whether you’re interested in observing black bears in Great Basin or brown bears in Katmai, both parks provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin National Park | Katmai 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | American Wigeon |
| Northern Pintail | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Great Basin National Park | Katmai 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 | Mink |
| Raccoon | Gray Wolf |
| Porcupine | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Varying Hare |
| Hoary Bat | Northern River Otter |
| Red Fox | Masked Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
| House Mouse | Montane Shrew |
| Lion | Lynx |
| Mink | Wolverine |
| Mule Deer | American Marten |
| Gray Fox | Grizzly Bear |
| Gray Wolf | Meadow Vole |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Moose |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Least Weasel |
| Badger | Pygmy Shrew |
| Ermine | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
| Californis Myotis | Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Northern Pike |
| Speckled Dace | Burbot |
| Cutthroat Trout | Silver Salmon |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is known for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. The park is home to the Lehman Caves, a series of underground marble and limestone formations that are a popular attraction for visitors. Another famous landmark in the park is the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a great place to stop and take in the beauty of the area.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is also famous for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. The park is home to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a unique volcanic landscape that is filled with steam vents and fumaroles. This area is a popular spot for visitors who want to witness the raw power of Mother Nature. Another famous landmark in the park is Brooks Falls, a waterfall where visitors can observe brown bears fishing for salmon. These are just a few of the many natural wonders that can be seen in Katmai National Park & Preserve during a visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. They are both well-known for their stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and a range of recreational activities.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is famous for its ancient bristlecone pines, limestone caves, and scenic drives. Visitors can go stargazing, fishing, or explore the many trails and backcountry roads. The most popular activity is visiting the Lehman Caves, a series of limestone caverns with intricate formations and colorful decorations.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is renowned for its brown bears and their famous salmon runs. Visitors can go bear watching, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The most popular activity is the Brooks Falls Bear Viewing platform, where visitors can watch brown bears catch salmon as they swim upstream.
Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences, but they differ in the type of activities they offer. Great Basin National Park is ideal for those who love scenic drives, stargazing, and exploring caves, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is perfect for those who want to see brown bears and go fishing or kayaking.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two popular national parks located in the United States, but they have vastly different climates, which affects when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada near the border of Utah and has a high desert climate. The park experiences cool, dry and windy weather in the winter and warm, dry weather in the summer. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, and snow is common in the higher elevations. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is in the late spring or early fall, when temperatures are mild and there is less wind.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold, snowy winters. The park is known for its coastal brown bears and the best time to see them is from June to September when they are feeding on salmon. The weather during this time is relatively mild, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, making it difficult to access the park and see the bears.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve greatly affects when is the best time of year to visit each park. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly, taking into consideration the weather conditions and the activities they hope to enjoy during their visit.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Basin National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve both offer unique experiences for families, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to family-friendliness.
Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada and is known for its stunning views of the stars, as well as its diverse wildlife and scenic drives. The park offers a number of family-friendly activities, including ranger-led programs, hiking trails, and a visitors center with educational exhibits. However, the remote location of the park may not be ideal for families with young children or those seeking a more developed park experience.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is famous for its large populations of brown bears. The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including ranger-led programs, fishing, and bear viewing. The park’s more developed infrastructure and closer proximity to nearby towns make it a more convenient option for families. Additionally, the opportunity to see brown bears in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that families will never forget.
In conclusion, families looking for a more developed park experience with a variety of activities and the opportunity to see brown bears may find Katmai National Park & Preserve to be the better choice, while those seeking a more remote and natural experience may prefer Great Basin National Park.