Looking for adventure in America’s great outdoors? The United States boasts a wealth of stunning national parks, each offering its own unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. In this article, we’ll be comparing two of the most awe-inspiring parks in the country: Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, these parks are sure to capture your imagination and leave you in awe.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is renowned for its soaring peaks and rugged terrain, offering visitors the chance to explore a landscape unlike any other. The park is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, and visitors can also experience the beauty of the park’s canyons, deserts, and forests. Meanwhile, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a true wilderness wonderland, featuring pristine lakes and glaciers, as well as the opportunity to see a vast array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose and wolves.
So, which park is right for you? In this article, we’ll delve into both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, comparing the experiences they offer and helping you decide where to plan your next outdoor excursion. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, the landscapes and terrain are drastically different.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in western Texas and is known for its scenic beauty and challenging hikes. One of the most popular trails is the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which is an 8.5-mile round-trip hike to the summit of the park’s highest peak. This hike is strenuous and requires a good level of fitness, but the panoramic view from the top is worth the effort. Another challenging hike is the Devil’s Hall Trail, which is a 4-mile round-trip hike through a narrow canyon with steep cliffs and rocky terrain.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and alpine tundra. The park is home to several easy hikes, including the Tanalian Falls Trail and the Port Alsworth Trail, both of which are less than 2 miles round-trip and offer breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers and lakes. For a more challenging hike, the Chakachamna Lake Trail is a 14-mile round-trip hike that takes you through the park’s alpine tundra and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
In conclusion, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk or a challenging hike, these two parks have something to offer for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a variety of species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Some of the most commonly seen mammals include black bears, mountain lions, and white-tailed deer. Visitors to the park may also spot a variety of birds, including the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the turkey vulture. The park is also home to a number of species of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and various species of lizards.
In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a much wilder and more remote area, with a greater variety of wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including moose, caribou, and brown bears. Visitors to the park may also spot a variety of birds, including the bald eagle, the common loon, and various species of gulls and terns. Additionally, Lake Clark is home to a number of species of fish, including salmon and arctic char.
In terms of vegetation, both parks are home to a diverse array of plant species, including conifers, deciduous trees, and various species of shrubs and wildflowers. However, due to its more remote location, Lake Clark is home to a greater variety of plant species, including some that are found nowhere else in the world. Regardless of your interests, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife and vegetation in their natural habitats.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Guadalupe Mountains 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 |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Big Brown Bat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Red Fox |
| Porcupine | Mink |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Hoary Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mountain Lion | Northern River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Masked Shrew |
| Common Gray Fox | Water Shrew |
| Gray Wolf | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Montane Shrew |
| American Badger | Lynx |
| California Myotis | Wolverine |
| Fringed Myotis | American Marten |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Brown Bear |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Meadow Vole |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Moose |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | Least Weasel |
| Bighorn Sheep | Pygmy Shrew |
| White-Tailed Deer | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Eastern Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Prairie Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Night Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Desert Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Ladies | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the state of Texas and offers breathtaking views of the Guadalupe Mountain Range. The most famous landscape in the park is the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which stands at 8,749 feet. Visitors can hike to the top of the peak for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the McKittrick Canyon Trail, which provides stunning views of the changing fall foliage.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is home to the stunning Lake Clark. This park is best known for its breathtaking views of the Alaska Range, including Mount Redoubt, Mount Iliamna, and Mount Spurr. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking and fishing in the park’s many lakes and rivers, as well as experiencing the beauty of the tundra during a hike. In addition, visitors can witness the spectacular annual salmon run, where thousands of salmon swim upstream to spawn.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park (GUMO) and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve (LACL) each offer unique experiences for visitors. In GUMO, visitors can explore the rich history of the park through the preserved ruins of the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach route, as well as visit the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. In addition, backpacking and camping opportunities are abundant, with over 80 miles of trails for visitors to enjoy.
LACL, on the other hand, is popular for its stunning scenery, including glaciers, active volcanoes, and diverse wildlife. Many visitors flock to this park for its opportunities for fishing, boating and bear watching. LACL offers visitors the chance to see Alaskan brown bears in their natural habitat, as well as opportunities to catch fish in the park’s numerous streams and lakes. Visitors can also take scenic flights over the park to get a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking landscapes.
Both parks offer a range of recreational opportunities, so whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor adventurer, or a nature lover, there’s something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Texas and Alaska respectively, both have unique weather patterns that affect the best time to visit each park. Guadalupe Mountains National Park has a mild desert climate with hot summers and cool winters. High temperatures in the summer can reach 90°F while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, has a subarctic climate with long, harsh winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures can drop below zero while summer temperatures only reach the mid-50s. The best time to visit Lake Clark is during the summer when the weather is milder and the park’s wildlife is more active. In addition, the park’s glaciers, rivers, and lakes are more accessible during the summer months.
Both parks offer unique experiences and the weather greatly affects when is the best time to visit. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the desert while Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is perfect for those seeking to experience the subarctic wilderness. Regardless of the time of year, both parks offer stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities that are suitable for children, but there are some key differences to consider when deciding which park is best for your family.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a more family-friendly option, with a variety of easy hiking trails, scenic drives and ranger-led programs that are perfect for kids. The park also has a large picnic area and campground, making it a great place for families to spend the day. Additionally, the park is home to several historic sites, such as the ruins of an old stagecoach station, that are fun and educational for kids.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a more remote and rugged destination that may not be as suitable for young children. The park has fewer amenities and services, and its hiking trails can be more challenging. However, the park is known for its stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a great choice for families who are looking for a more adventurous and immersive outdoor experience.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is probably the better option, with its more family-friendly amenities and activities. But if you’re looking for a more remote and rugged adventure, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is definitely worth considering.