“For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, choosing between two breathtaking national parks can be a tough decision. On one hand, you have the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, a desert oasis that boasts towering peaks and unique rock formations. On the other hand, you have the Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, a vast wilderness of glaciers and untamed wilderness. Both offer unique experiences, but which one is right for you?
Looking to hike to the tallest peak in Texas? Look no further than Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park’s centerpiece, Guadalupe Peak, rises to an elevation of 8,749 feet and offers some of the best views in the state. The park also features a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous climbs, making it a great destination for families and experienced hikers alike.
But if you’re looking for a truly wild experience, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the place for you. With over 13.2 million acres of pristine wilderness, it’s the largest national park in the United States. The park is home to glaciers, towering peaks, and an abundance of wildlife, making it a true adventurer’s paradise. Whether you’re looking to go backpacking, ice climbing, or just take a scenic drive, Wrangell – St. Elias has something for everyone.”
Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the largest national parks in the United States. Both offer unique and diverse hiking opportunities for visitors.
The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its scenic hikes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and deserts. One of the most popular trails is the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which is considered the hardest hike in the park. This 8.5-mile trail takes you to the highest peak in Texas and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On the other hand, the Dog Canyon Trail is an easier hike that takes you through a scenic canyon and offers a chance to see wildlife and wildflowers.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its more challenging hikes that require a high level of physical fitness. The park is home to the largest glaciers in North America and offers a unique opportunity to explore the Alaskan wilderness. One of the most popular trails is the Root Glacier Trail, which takes you to the base of the glacier and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Mount Bona Trail is a strenuous 11-mile hike that takes you to the summit of the 16,400-foot tall mountain.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking options for visitors of all skill levels, making them great destinations for anyone looking for a challenging or scenic hike. Whether you’re looking for an easy trail or a strenuous hike, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer something 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 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks in the United States known for their diverse wildlife. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in Texas and is home to a variety of species, including desert bighorn sheep, black-tailed deer, and mountain lions. Visitors may also observe a range of bird species, such as the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and turkey vulture. The park is also home to a variety of cacti and other desert plants.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its diverse wildlife, including caribou, moose, and brown bears. This park is also a prime location for birdwatching, with species such as the bald eagle, gyrfalcon, and trumpeter swan commonly seen. The park is also home to a variety of plant life, including spruce and hemlock forests, as well as wildflowers and other alpine plants.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to observe and appreciate the unique wildlife that can be found in their respective regions. Whether you are interested in big game, birds, or plants, both Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | Puma |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mink |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Wolf |
| Mountain Lion | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | Snowshoe Hare |
| Common Gray Fox | Land Otter |
| Gray Wolf | Common Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Water Shrew |
| American Badger | Red Squirrel |
| California Myotis | Montane Shrew |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Lynx |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Wolverine |
| Western Harvest Mouse | American Marten |
| Western Small-Footed Myotis | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Bighorn Sheep | Grizzly Bear |
| White-Tailed Deer | Meadow Vole |
Fish
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | Silvery Blue |
| Painted Ladies | Clouded Sulphur |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in western Texas and is known for its towering peaks, scenic canyons, and abundant wildlife. The park’s centerpiece is the Guadalupe Peak, which is the tallest mountain in Texas and provides breathtaking views from its summit. Visitors can also hike to the iconic McKittrick Canyon, which is renowned for its autumn foliage and is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States and is known for its stunning glaciers, rugged mountain ranges, and abundant wildlife. The park is home to some of the largest glaciers in North America, including the Malaspina Glacier, which is one of the largest piedmont glaciers in the world. Visitors can also hike to the top of Mount Wrangell, an active volcano that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.
Things To-Do and Activities in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve both offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Guadalupe Mountains is known for its scenic drives, camping, and backpacking opportunities. The park is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which offers outstanding views and a challenging hike. In addition, the park features several scenic drives, including the Dog Canyon Trail, which takes visitors through a scenic canyon and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is a vast wilderness area that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is known for its glaciers, mountaineering, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can take guided hikes to explore the glaciers, or take a scenic flightseeing tour to get an overhead view of the park’s stunning landscapes. Additionally, the park is home to a large population of wildlife, including caribou, moose, and grizzly bears, which can often be seen from the park’s many scenic drives.
Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, and both are ideal for those who love the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a scenic drive, or a chance to see some of the country’s most stunning wilderness areas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both excellent choices.
Best Time to Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks with different seasonal weather patterns. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas and experiences hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. The best time to visit the park is during the spring or fall months when the temperatures are moderate and the trails are less crowded. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as the park is known for its unpredictable and severe thunderstorms.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit this park is during the summer months when the snow has melted, allowing visitors to explore the park’s glaciers and valleys. Winter is also a popular time to visit the park for winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. However, visitors should be prepared for extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures.
Overall, the weather patterns at these two national parks greatly affect the best time to visit and the type of activities that can be enjoyed. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly and be prepared for the weather conditions they may face.
Family Friendliness of Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the largest national parks in the United States. Both offer unique and diverse landscapes for visitors to explore, but when it comes to traveling with children, one park stands out as the more family-friendly option.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is considered to be a more family-friendly experience than Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. The park offers several well-maintained trails that are suitable for families with children, including the popular Devil’s Hall trail, which is only 2 miles long and features a beautiful waterfall. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and campgrounds that are perfect for families to relax and enjoy a meal together.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a more rugged and remote experience. While the park does offer stunning landscapes and a rich wildlife population, it is not as accessible for families with children as Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park’s trails are often longer and more difficult, and the park’s remote location means that there are limited facilities and services available.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the better choice for a family-friendly experience. The park offers well-maintained trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds that are perfect for families to enjoy together.