If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Great Basin National Park and Lake Clark 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 Great Basin National Park.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Great Basin National Park Overview
- 2 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Great Basin National Park Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
- 6 Wildlife at Great Basin National Park
- 7 Wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Great Basin National Park Overview
From the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak, to the sage-covered foothills, Great Basin National Park is a place to sample the stunning diversity of the larger Great Basin region. Come and partake of the solitude of the wilderness, walk among ancient bristlecone pines, bask in the darkest of night skies, and explore mysterious subterranean passages. There’s a whole lot more than just desert here!
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve Overview
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a land of stunning beauty. Volcanoes steam, salmon run, bears forage, and craggy mountains reflect in shimmering turquoise lakes. Here, too, local people and culture still depend on the land and water. Venture into the park to become part of the wilderness.
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.
Great Basin National Park Hiking Trails
Great Basin National Park is home to a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging treks. The Great Basin Visitor Center is the best place to start exploring the park, and the Bristlecone and Glacier trails are two of the most popular options. The Bristlecone trail is a short and easy hike that winds through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines, while the Glacier trail is a longer and more difficult hike that takes hikers up to an alpine lake. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Wheeler Peak trail is the highest point in the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. No matter what your level of experience, Great Basin National Park has a hiking trail that’s perfect for you.
Best Hikes At Great Basin National Park
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lehman Cave | 13.716 | 1 | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 308.7624 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 1175.9184 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 813.816 | 5 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 92.964 | 3 | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 1330.7568 | 5 | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 340.7664 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Alpine Lakes Trail | 940.9176 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| Stella Lake Trail | 134.7216 | 3 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Lehman Creek Trail | 755.904 | 5 | out and back | 4 |
Hiking Overview at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Lake Clark National Park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, there’s a trail that’s perfect for you.
The easiest trail is the Dun Bike Trail, which is just over two miles long and relatively flat. The trailhead is located near the Lake Clark Visitor Center, making it a popular choice for visitors who are short on time. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the South Fork Hiking Trail is a great option. The trail is four miles long and takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the park. It’s also a great choice for birders, as the South Fork Hanting Trail is known for its abundance of bird life.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Lake Clark 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 Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including both plants and animals. Among the park’s animals are several species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. The Great Basin National Park is also home to a variety of plant life, including many types of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including both plants and animals.
Wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Lake Clark National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including several species of fish, birds, and mammals. The most common fish in the park are Arctic char, Lake trout, and Dolly Varden. Among the birds that can be found here are ptarmigans, ravens, and waterfowl. Mammals that call Lake Clark National Park home include caribou, moose, brown bears, and wolves. In addition to its abundant wildlife, Lake Clark National Park also boasts a variety of plant life. Some of the most common plants in the park are willows, birches, and spruce trees. Whether you’re looking for fish or flowers, Lake Clark National Park is sure to have something to catch your eye.
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.
Great Basin National Park Weather Considerations
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada, and it experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year. In the winter, the park gets a lot of snow, and temperatures can drop below freezing. The spring and fall are generally milder, but there can still be snow at higher elevations. The summer is the busiest time of year at the park, as the weather is warm and sunny. However, thunderstorms are common in the summer months, so visitors should be prepared for some wet weather. Overall, the best time to visit Great Basin National Park is in the summer or fall when the weather is more stable. However, no matter what time of year you visit Great Basin National Park, be sure to come prepared for all types of weather conditions.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve Weather Considerations
Lake Clark National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife. The park experiences a wide range of weather conditions, from cold winters to hot summers. The best time to visit the park is during the summer, when temperatures are warm and there is little rain. However, the summer also sees an increase in tourism, so visitors should be prepared for crowds. The worst time to visit the park is during the winter, when temperatures can drop below freezing and snowfall is common. For those who don’t mind braving the cold, though, winter can be a beautiful time to experience the park’s stunning landscapes.