“Discover two of America’s most awe-inspiring national parks and the unique adventures they offer. Mesa Verde National Park, with its ancient cliff dwellings and rich cultural history, and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, with its towering glaciers and rugged wilderness, are both must-visits for nature lovers and adventurers alike. But which one is right for you?
Travel back in time to the days of the Anasazi at Mesa Verde National Park. Explore the mysterious cliff dwellings that have been carved into the sides of towering mesas, and learn about the lives of the ancient people who once called these cliffs home. Marvel at the intricate architecture and the creativity of a people who lived in harmony with nature for centuries.
Or, head to Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and be awed by the sheer size and scale of the glaciers that fill this rugged wilderness. Hike through the tundra, cross glacial rivers and lakes, and experience the thrill of climbing a mountain that rises above the clouds. With over 13 million acres of diverse wilderness, there’s no shortage of adventure here.”
Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado and is known for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park offers a number of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Cliff Palace Loop Trail, which is a 0.5-mile trail that takes you to the largest cliff dwelling in North America, and the Spruce Tree House Loop Trail, which is a 1-mile trail that takes you to a well-preserved cliff dwelling.
Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in southern Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States and offers a variety of hiking experiences. The park features glaciers, high peaks, and alpine tundra, making it a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the easiest hikes include the Root Glacier Trail, which is a 2.5-mile hike through the Root Glacier, and the Nabesna Road, which is a scenic drive that offers access to several trails. Some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Mount St. Elias, which is a challenging 18-mile hike with a 9,000-foot elevation gain, and the Bona-Churchill Ridge, which is a strenuous 14-mile hike with a 5,500-foot elevation gain.
Both parks offer unique and diverse hiking experiences, but Wrangell-St. Elias is known for its more challenging hikes, while Mesa Verde is known for its easier and more accessible trails. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a strenuous hike, both parks offer a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroglyph Point Trail | 4184.284 | 131.9784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cliff Palace Loop Trail | 643.736 | 25.908 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balcony House Loop Trail | 643.736 | 27.7368 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail | 3379.614 | 161.8488 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Soda Canyon Overlook Trail | 1931.208 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | 24140.1 | 797.9664 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Long House Trail | 3379.614 | 86.868 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Step House Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Knife Edge Trail | 3218.68 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Prater Ridge Trail | 11748.182 | 311.8104 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
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 Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks that each offer a unique wildlife experience. Mesa Verde is known for its diverse plant life, including piñon pine, juniper, and sagebrush, while Wrangell – St Elias is home to more than 20 glaciers, making it the largest national park in the United States.
The wildlife in Mesa Verde is characterized by its diverse bird population, including the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and the endangered Mexican spotted owl. In addition, you can also see mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, is famous for its large mammals, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep.
When it comes to plant life, Mesa Verde is home to a variety of species that are adapted to its dry and arid climate, including cactus, yucca, and prickly pear. Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, has a more varied climate, with both temperate and arctic regions, so it supports a wider range of vegetation, including conifers, birch, and willow.
Both parks are excellent destinations for anyone interested in experiencing the unique wildlife of the American West, but they offer very different experiences. Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, observing large mammals, or exploring unique plant life, both Mesa Verde and Wrangell – St Elias are sure to provide a memorable and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Mesa Verde 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 |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Mesa Verde National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | Puma |
| Raccoon | Mink |
| Black Bear | Mule Deer |
| Porcupine | Wolf |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Red Fox | Land Otter |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Shrew |
| House Mouse | Water Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Red Squirrel |
| Mink | Montane Shrew |
| Mule Deer | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Gray Fox | Lynx |
| Wolf | Wolverine |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Marten |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Badger | Grizzly Bear |
| Ermine | Meadow Vole |
Reptiles
| Mesa Verde National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Mesa Verde National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Mesa Verde National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | |
| 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 |
Insects
| Mesa Verde National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado, and features the largest concentration of ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in the world. The most famous landmark in the park is Cliff Palace, which is a large cliff dwelling that was built into a cave. Visitors can take guided tours of the site to learn about the history and architecture of the ancient Pueblo people.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve is located in southern Alaska and is the largest national park in the United States. This park features stunning mountain ranges, glaciers, and valleys. The most famous landscape in the park is Mount St. Elias, which is the second highest peak in both Alaska and the United States. Visitors can take scenic drives to view glaciers and mountain ranges, or go on backpacking trips to explore the park’s wilderness.
Both Mesa Verde and Wrangell – St. Elias are National Parks that offer breathtaking natural landscapes and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient cliff dwellings or taking in the beauty of mountain ranges and glaciers, both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks with distinct experiences to offer visitors. Mesa Verde is located in southwestern Colorado and is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings, while Wrangell – St Elias is located in southern Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers and vast wilderness.
A popular activity at Mesa Verde is touring the cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace and Balcony House. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins and learn about the lives of the ancestral Pueblo people who lived there over 700 years ago. The park also offers ranger-led tours and self-guided hikes for those seeking a more immersive experience.
Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, offers a range of outdoor activities, including backcountry camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to several glaciers, including the Malaspina Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in North America. Visitors can take a scenic flightseeing tour to see the glaciers up close or go on a guided hike on the glaciers. The park is also known for its abundant wildlife, including caribou, moose, and bear, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing.
Both parks offer unique experiences and are sure to leave visitors with lasting memories. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor recreation, or wildlife, Mesa Verde and Wrangell – St Elias have something to offer everyone.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both located in the southwestern United States and are known for their breathtaking natural beauty. However, their seasonal weather patterns are quite different, which affects when is the best time to visit each park.
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado, and the weather is characterized by mild, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is from June to September, when temperatures are warm and the skies are clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Visitors should be prepared for sudden rain showers during the monsoon season, which generally occurs from July to August.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is located in south-central Alaska and is known for its harsh, rugged terrain. The weather is characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and the days are long. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden rain and snow showers, which can occur at any time. Winter is not recommended for visitors as the park is covered in snow and ice, which can make travel and outdoor activities extremely difficult.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit depends on the weather patterns and the type of activities you want to do. While Mesa Verde National Park is ideal for hiking and camping during the summer months, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is best visited during the summer for its mild weather and long days.
Family Friendliness of Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Mesa Verde National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve both offer unique and exciting experiences for families. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some key differences between the two.
Mesa Verde is known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and is a great choice for families who appreciate history and archaeology. The park offers ranger-led tours of the cliff dwellings, as well as several self-guided trails and a museum. The park also has picnic areas, campsites and a visitors center with interactive exhibits.
Wrangell – St. Elias, on the other hand, is a wilderness park with a vast and diverse landscape. While the park offers scenic drives and hiking trails, it may not be as accessible for families with young children. However, it is an ideal destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and backpacking. The park also has several glaciers and is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great choice for families who enjoy nature and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, both Mesa Verde and Wrangell – St. Elias offer unique experiences for families. If you’re traveling with children and interested in history, Mesa Verde is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a more rugged wilderness experience, Wrangell – St. Elias is the way to go.