“Ah, the great outdoors. Fresh air, breathtaking views, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life. But with so many national parks to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to go.
Imagine standing at the edge of a crystal clear lake surrounded by towering peaks, or hiking through a narrow canyon with walls so tall they touch the sky. These are just a few experiences you can have at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park.
Both parks offer a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two incredible parks and compare them in terms of their history, geography, climate, attractions, and activities.
So, grab your hiking boots and pack your sense of adventure, because we’re about to embark on a journey to discover the differences and similarities between Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park.”
Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, turquoise lakes and rugged mountains. The park offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers, from easy walks to strenuous backpacking trips. One of the easiest hikes is the Telaquana Trail, a 3-mile round trip that takes you to the shores of Telaquana Lake. The trail is relatively flat and offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
On the other hand, Zion National Park in Utah is known for its towering red rock cliffs, canyons, and diverse plant and animal life. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to the strenuous and challenging Angels Landing Trail, a 5.4-mile round trip hike with steep drop-offs and narrow paths. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the West Rim Trail is a popular 14-mile hike that takes you to stunning views of the park’s canyons and valleys.
In conclusion, both Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, both parks have something to offer. The Telaquana Trail in Lake Clark is a great option for those looking for a relatively easy hike with stunning views, while Angels Landing in Zion is a more strenuous hike for those seeking a challenge.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most stunning and diverse areas in the United States. Both parks are known for their stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and breathtaking views.
At Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and foxes. This park is also known for its bird watching opportunities, with species like the bald eagle, northern harrier, and peregrine falcon commonly seen.
In contrast, Zion National Park is home to a different set of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions. The park is also known for its diverse birdlife, with species such as the American dipper, peregrine falcon, and the violet-green swallow commonly seen.
In terms of plant life, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve boasts a mix of tundra, spruce and birch forests, and wetlands. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees throughout the park. Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its distinctive red rock formations and towering cliffs, as well as its diverse vegetation, including pinyon pine forests, sagebrush, and yucca.
Overall, both Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park offer visitors unique and unforgettable wildlife experiences. Whether you’re interested in bird watching, wildlife photography, or just want to soak in the natural beauty of these parks, both are definitely worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Gray Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Snowshoe Hare | Porcupine |
| Northern River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Water Shrew | Red Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
| Lynx | Mountain Lion |
| Wolverine | Mule Deer |
| American Marten | Gray Fox |
| Brown Bear | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Meadow Vole | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Moose | American Badger |
| Least Weasel | Ermine |
| Pygmy Shrew | California Myotis |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Speckled Dace |
| Burbot | Channel Catfish |
| Silver Salmon | Goldfish |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, that’s known for its stunning landscapes including the turquoise waters of Lake Clark and the rugged mountains that surround it. Visitors can take scenic flights over the park to see glaciers and the Alaska Range, or hike through the Chigmit Mountains to see glaciers and waterfalls.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is famous for its towering red cliffs, deep canyons, and narrow slot canyons. The park’s most famous hike is the Angels Landing Trail, which takes you to a breathtaking overlook of the Virgin River and the surrounding landscape. The Narrows, a hike through a narrow canyon, is another popular trail and offers the chance to see towering walls of Navajo Sandstone.
Both Lake Clark and Zion National Parks offer visitors the chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Whether you’re interested in scenic flights, hiking, or just taking in the views, both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Lake Clark, visitors can engage in activities such as fishing, bear viewing, and flightseeing. The park is known for its stunning views of glaciers, volcanoes, and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can also take guided boat tours of the park’s many lakes and rivers, which offer an up-close and personal experience with the park’s natural beauty.
At Zion National Park, visitors can enjoy popular activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering. The park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and beautiful waterfalls, making it a popular destination for rock climbers. Visitors can also hike to the top of Angels Landing, one of the park’s most famous hikes, for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Both Lake Clark and Zion offer visitors a unique and breathtaking experience in the great outdoors. Whether you’re interested in fishing, bear viewing, or rock climbing, these parks have something for everyone. With their stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, these parks are must-visit destinations for nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both parks have unique weather patterns. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when temperatures are relatively mild and the park is accessible by boat or floatplane.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Utah and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Zion is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are more moderate and there is less chance of flash floods in the narrow canyons.
The weather at both parks can be unpredictable and visitors should be prepared for changes. In Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, visitors should be prepared for rain and snow, even during the summer months. In Zion National Park, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and for the potential for flash floods.
By understanding the seasonal weather patterns at each park, visitors can plan their trip and make the most of their time in these beautiful places. Whether you’re looking for a summer adventure in Alaska or a spring or fall trip to Utah, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are both incredible destinations with unique beauty and weather patterns.
Family Friendliness of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park both offer stunning landscapes and unique experiences for families, but they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
Lake Clark is known for its remote location, with limited access to facilities and services. This can make it a challenging destination for families with young children. However, the park does offer a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. These activities can provide a memorable experience for families who are comfortable with a more rugged, wilderness-style vacation.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is more developed and better equipped for families. With a shuttle system, paved trails, and several campgrounds, Zion provides a more accessible and convenient experience for families. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including Junior Ranger activities and nighttime campfire programs, which can be a fun and educational experience for children. Additionally, the park’s proximity to Springdale, Utah makes it easy to find restaurants, shops, and other amenities.
Overall, if you’re traveling with children, Zion National Park is likely the better choice as it offers a more developed and family-friendly experience. However, if you’re looking for a more remote and rugged wilderness adventure, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is worth considering.