Great Basin National Park vs Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Feel Free To Share:

Great Basin National Park vs Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most beautiful and remote parks in America. Each park has its own unique features, from the striking peaks of Great Basin to the turquoise waters of Lake Clark. But which one is the better destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts? In this article, we will take a closer look at both parks and see what each has to offer.

Great Basin is a hidden gem located in Nevada, surrounded by rugged mountains and filled with ancient bristlecone pines. With its dark skies, it’s a stargazer’s dream come true. Meanwhile, Lake Clark is a stunning wilderness area located in Alaska, known for its glaciers, hot springs and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, thrilling hikes, or opportunities to see incredible wildlife, both of these parks have something to offer.

So, grab your backpack and get ready to explore two of the most beautiful and remote parks in America! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing getaway, you’re sure to find something to love in Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve.

Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. In Great Basin, the easiest hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, a 0.5-mile loop that takes visitors through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines. For a more challenging hike, the 13-mile Wheeler Peak Trail offers stunning views of the park and its surroundings.

In Lake Clark, the easiest hike is the Silver Salmon Creek Trail, a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through a beautiful salmon stream and to a waterfall. For a more strenuous hike, the Pioneer Ridge Trail is a challenging 8-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the top of Pioneer Ridge for breathtaking views of the park and the surrounding area.

Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to choose from, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous workout, both parks have something to offer.

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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Harding Ice Field Trail 15610.598 1161.8976 Hard out and back 5
Exit Glacier Trail 2896.812 81.9912 Easy out and back 4.7

Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both unique in their own ways. In Great Basin, visitors can observe a diverse range of wildlife including the elusive mountain lion, black bears, mule deer, and various species of bats. The park is also home to a large population of the threatened sage grouse, as well as the pinyon jay and other birds.

At Lake Clark, visitors can witness the diverse wildlife of Alaska including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park is also a popular destination for bird-watching, with over 200 species of birds residing or migrating through the area, including the bald eagle, trumpeter swan, and the arctic tern. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse array of plant life, including the rare fireweed, which is the state flower of Alaska.

Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe and learn about the diverse wildlife that call these areas home. Great Basin is known for its high-elevation habitats, while Lake Clark is known for its coastal and sub-arctic habitats. Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe and learn about the diverse wildlife that call these areas home. Whether you are interested in observing large mammals, bird-watching, or exploring the diverse plant life, both parks offer something for everyone.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Great Basin National Park Lake Clark 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 Northern Pintail
Northern Pintail American Wigeon
American Wigeon Green-Winged Teal
Green-Winged Teal American Pipit

Mammals

Great Basin National Park Lake Clark 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 Snowshoe Hare
Hoary Bat Northern River Otter
Red Fox Masked Shrew
Long-Tailed Weasel Water Shrew
House Mouse Red Squirrel
Lion Montane Shrew
Mink Lynx
Mule Deer Wolverine
Gray Fox American Marten
Gray Wolf Brown Bear
Long-Legged Myotis Meadow Vole
Long-Eared Myotis Moose
Badger Least Weasel
Ermine Pygmy Shrew
Californis Myotis Meadow Jumping Mouse

Fish

Great Basin National Park Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Rainbow Trout Steelhead
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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Tiger Salamander Wood Frog
Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Canyon Treefrog

Reptiles

Great Basin National Park Lake Clark 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 Lake Clark 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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. The park is famous for its Lehman Caves, which are a series of limestone caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique rock formations. The park also offers a number of trails, including the popular Bristlecone Pine Trail, which takes visitors through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is another stunning national park that is famous for its beautiful landscapes. The park is home to glaciers, beautiful waterfalls, and the stunning Chigmit Mountains. Visitors can take a scenic flight to see the park’s glaciers, lakes and wildlife, or they can take a boat tour along the lake. The park is also home to the active volcanic Mount Redoubt, which is one of the most famous and beautiful landscapes in the park. Additionally, the park offers a number of hiking trails, including the Telaquana Trail, which takes visitors through a dense forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors, but each park has its distinct attractions.

At Great Basin National Park, visitors enjoy exploring the Lehman Caves, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to over 200 species of birds and is a great place to see bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears. Additionally, visitors can hike the many trails in the park, including the popular Bristlecone Pine Trail, which takes hikers through a grove of ancient bristlecone pines.

At Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, visitors enjoy fishing and boating on the many rivers and lakes within the park. The park is also known for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to see brown bears in their natural habitat. Visitors can hike the many trails in the park, including the popular Tanalian Falls Trail, which takes hikers to a scenic waterfall. Additionally, the park offers scenic flights over the park, providing visitors with a unique perspective on the stunning landscapes.

Both Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer a range of activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring caves, stargazing, fishing, or wildlife viewing, these parks have something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks in the United States that offer visitors a wide variety of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The seasonal weather at both parks is dramatically different, which affects the best time of year to visit each park.

At Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, the weather is characterized by cool, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures can range from below freezing in the winter to the low 80s during the summer months. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is during the summer, when the weather is warm and dry, and the park’s trails and roads are open for hiking and exploring.

In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, experiences a more temperate climate with mild, rainy summers and cold, snowy winters. Average temperatures during the summer months range from the mid 40s to the low 60s, with frequent rain showers. The best time to visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is during the summer, when the weather is mild and the park’s trails and waterways are open for recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and boating.

Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both family-friendly destinations that offer unique outdoor experiences. However, each park has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to accommodating families with children.

Great Basin National Park has a number of activities that are well-suited for families. The park’s scenic drives and hiking trails are great for families who want to explore the park’s stunning landscapes. The park also offers ranger-led programs and campfire talks, which are great for educating children about the park’s history and ecology. Additionally, the park’s Lehman Cave is a popular attraction that is both educational and entertaining for children of all ages.

On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is better suited for families who are looking for a more immersive outdoor experience. The park’s remote location and wilderness setting make it ideal for families who want to spend time in nature and disconnect from technology. The park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and kayaking, which are activities that families can enjoy together. Additionally, the park’s stunning views of glaciers and mountains make it an ideal destination for families who are looking for a scenic and peaceful getaway.

In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are great destinations for families. Whether you’re looking for educational activities, scenic drives, or immersive outdoor experiences, these parks have something to offer families of all ages. If you’re traveling with children, it’s worth considering both parks to see which one is the best fit for your family’s interests and needs.

Leave a Comment