Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most beautiful and unique parks in America. While both are known for their natural beauty, they offer vastly different experiences to visitors. In this article, we will take a deep dive into what makes these two parks special and help you decide which one is right for your next adventure.
Hot Springs National Park is located in the heart of Arkansas and is known for its geothermal springs that have been used for healing and relaxation for thousands of years. The park offers a chance to experience the history and culture of the area while also taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in the remote wilderness of Alaska and is a true adventure playground. The park features glaciers, alpine tundra, and pristine lakes, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a true wilderness experience. Whether you are looking for a relaxing soak in a hot spring or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, both located in the US, are unique National Parks with their own set of hiking trails. Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, offers over 26 miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. The most popular trail is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, a strenuous 1.5-mile hike that leads to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. The view from the top is breathtaking and well worth the effort. Another popular trail is the Sunset Trail, a 1.5-mile hike that offers panoramic views of the park and surrounding area.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The park is known for its stunning glaciers, mountains, and lakes. The most popular trail is the Tanalian Falls Trail, a strenuous 6-mile hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by stunning scenery. Another popular trail is the Pioneer Ridge Trail, a moderate 2-mile hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park also offers several backcountry hikes, including the Skilak Loop, a challenging 40-mile hike that takes several days to complete.
Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, both Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer something for everyone. Just be sure to come prepared with the proper gear and a good understanding of the trail you plan to hike.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
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 Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks that offer a variety of outdoor experiences to visitors. When it comes to wildlife, both parks have a lot to offer.
Hot Springs National Park is known for its variety of species that include white-tailed deer, coyotes, raccoons, and black bears. Visitors may also come across birds such as the red-tailed hawk, scarlet tanager, and the pileated woodpecker. The park is also home to an array of plant life including native wildflowers and hardwood trees.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a rugged wilderness area that offers a chance to see a variety of Alaskan wildlife. Visitors to the park can expect to see brown bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as the bald eagle, northern hawk owl, and sandhill crane commonly seen. The park features a diverse range of plant life including tundra, spruce forest, and alder thickets.
Both Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities and are great destinations for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in observing bears in their natural habitat or spotting a variety of bird species, both parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hot Springs 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
| Hot Springs 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 |
| Black Bear | 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 |
| Mink | Montane Shrew |
| Gray Fox | Lynx |
| North American River Otter | Wolverine |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | American Marten |
| White-Tailed Deer | Brown Bear |
| Virginia Opossum | Meadow Vole |
| Eastern Red Bat | Moose |
| White-Footed Mouse | Least Weasel |
| Norway Rat | Pygmy Shrew |
| Eastern Cottontail | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Amphibians
| Hot Springs National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Fish
| Hot Springs National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Steelhead |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Lake Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Northern Pike |
| Golden Shiner | Burbot |
| European Carp | Silver Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | King Salmon |
| Graceful Catfish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Black Crappie | Threespine Stickleback |
| Black Bullhead | Sockeye Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | Pink Salmon |
| Creek Chub | Chum Salmon |
| Brown Bullhead | Dolly Varden |
| Goldfish | Arctic Grayling |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is famous for its 47 hot springs that flow from the base of Hot Springs Mountain. The park also features scenic drives and hiking trails, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a wilderness park that encompasses the Chigmit Mountains, glaciers, and the shores of Lake Clark. Visitors can view the stunning landscapes from the park’s many overlooks, or take a boat tour of the lake for a closer look at the glaciers and wildlife. The park is also a popular destination for fishing, hunting, and backpacking.
Both Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique natural wonders for visitors to enjoy. Whether it’s taking a dip in the hot springs of Hot Springs or watching for wildlife along the shores of Lake Clark, these parks provide a chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two of the most visited national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors, each with its own unique character.
At Hot Springs National Park, visitors come to take a dip in the park’s famous hot springs. The park also offers scenic drives and picnic areas, as well as ranger-led programs and historical tours of the park’s bathhouses. In addition, there are several parks and gardens within the park, including the Grand Promenade, which offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
In contrast, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness area that is popular for its scenic beauty, wildlife viewing opportunities, and recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and backpacking. The park’s two main lakes, Lake Clark and Port Alsworth, offer excellent fishing opportunities for Arctic char, rainbow trout, and northern pike. The park also has several trails that wind through its pristine wilderness, offering visitors the chance to explore its stunning landscapes on foot.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing soak in hot springs, a scenic drive, or a backcountry adventure, both Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two distinct parks that have their own unique weather patterns and conditions. The weather affects when is the best time to visit each park, so it’s important to understand the seasonal differences.
Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and is known for its hot springs, which are a result of a geothermal system under the park. The park is open year-round and has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, but the hot springs provide a refreshing escape from the heat. Winter temperatures are mild, with occasional snow and freezing temperatures, so visitors should be prepared for winter weather if visiting during that time.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. The park has a subarctic climate and experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Summer temperatures can reach 60°F, but the park is also known for its frequent rain. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, and the park is often covered in snow and ice. The best time to visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is more active.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique weather patterns and conditions that affect the best time to visit. Hot Springs National Park is open year-round, but visitors should be prepared for hot summers and mild winters, while Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is best visited during the summer months when the weather is milder and the wildlife is more active.
Family Friendliness of Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two popular family vacation destinations in the United States, each offering unique experiences for families. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their pros and cons.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its hot springs and bathhouses. The park has a number of hiking trails that are easy and suitable for families, including the popular Hot Springs Mountain Tower trail. The park also offers ranger-led programs for children, making it a great choice for families who want to learn about the park and its history.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a remote wilderness destination that offers families the chance to experience the beauty of Alaska’s rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife. The park has a number of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking, but it may not be as accessible or as well-suited for families as Hot Springs National Park.
Ultimately, the choice between Hot Springs National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve will depend on what type of experience you’re looking for. If your goal is to relax and learn about the park’s history, Hot Springs National Park may be the better choice. If you’re looking for a more adventurous and remote wilderness experience, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve may be the way to go.