Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most awe-inspiring wilderness destinations in the United States. Both parks boast breathtaking landscapes and offer a wide range of outdoor activities for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts. But which one is the best for your next trip?
If you’re looking for towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park might be your ideal destination. With over 265,000 acres of protected wilderness, the park offers endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, Rocky Mountain National Park is sure to leave you in awe.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a true wilderness adventure, then Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the place for you. This massive park, which covers over 13.2 million acres, is the largest national park in the country and offers a truly remote and rugged experience. From glaciers to volcanoes and everything in between, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a true wilderness wonderland.
Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, offers over 350 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. Some popular easy hikes include Bear Lake and Alberta Falls, both offering stunning views of the park’s natural beauty. For those seeking a challenge, the park’s most difficult hike is thesummit of Longs Peak, a 14,259-foot mountain that requires technical climbing skills.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is also known for its scenic hiking trails and vast wilderness. The park offers options for both easy and challenging hikes, with one of the easiest being the Root Glacier Trail, a flat, 2.5-mile hike on a glacial outwash plain. On the other hand, the park’s most difficult hike is Mount Bona, which requires technical mountaineering skills and is considered one of the toughest hikes in the country.
In conclusion, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer diverse hiking options for visitors, from easy walks to strenuous mountain adventures. Whether you’re seeking stunning views or a physical challenge, each park provides opportunities to explore and experience the great outdoors.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
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 Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning mountain scenery. Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals including elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and moose. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds including the American goldfinch, the mountain bluebird, and the common raven. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including wildflowers like columbine, lupine, and Indian paintbrush.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its vast wilderness and diverse wildlife. Visitors to this park can expect to see a variety of animals including caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and Dall sheep. The park is also home to a variety of bird species including the bald eagle, the common loon, and the Steller’s jay. The park is also home to a variety of plant species including spruce, hemlock, and cottonwood trees.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife, but the species found at each park are unique to their respective ecosystems. Whether you are interested in seeing large mammals, bird species, or unique plant life, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Rocky Mountain 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
| Rocky Mountain 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 |
| Mountain Lion | Water Shrew |
| Mink | Red Squirrel |
| Mule Deer | Montane Shrew |
| Gray Fox | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Gray Wolf | Lynx |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolverine |
| Long-Eared Myotis | American Marten |
| Badger | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Ermine | Grizzly Bear |
| Snowshoe Hare | Meadow Vole |
Fish
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Western Longnose Sucker | Northern Pike |
| Mottled Sculpin | Burbot |
| Speckled Dace | Silver Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | King Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Silvery Blue |
| Painted Lady | Clouded Sulphur |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. It is known for its stunning mountain vistas, including Longs Peak, which towers over the park at 14,259 feet. Visitors can also experience the beauty of the alpine tundra and see a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and marmots.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a vast wilderness area in Alaska, known for its striking glaciers, rugged mountain ranges, and abundant wildlife. It is home to Mount St. Elias, which stands at 18,008 feet, and is one of the largest national parks in the country. Visitors can explore the park’s glaciers and ice fields, go fishing in its rivers, and watch for bears, moose, and other wildlife.
Both Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias offer visitors breathtaking landscapes and diverse natural wonders. Whether you’re looking for dramatic mountain vistas or rugged wilderness, these parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve both offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors, however, the type of activities vary greatly due to the differences in their geography and climate.
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its scenic drives and diverse wildlife. Visitors can drive the Trail Ridge Road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, or take a tour of the park in search of elk, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. Popular activities also include camping, fishing, horseback riding, and picnicking.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, offers a more remote and rugged wilderness experience. This park is the largest national park in the United States and is home to glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and wild rivers. Activities such as backpacking, kayaking, and rafting are top draws for visitors, as well as wildlife viewing, especially bear watching. The park’s scenic byways and backcountry roads provide ample opportunities for scenic drives and wildlife viewing.
Both parks offer unique experiences and opportunities for visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you prefer a scenic drive or a rugged adventure, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and is known for its cool and dry summers, with temperatures ranging from 40-70°F (4-21°C) and occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons. Winter in the park is cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from 0-30°F (-18 to -1°C) and high winds, and occasional blizzards. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is from June to September, when visitors can enjoy mild temperatures and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a completely different climate. Summer temperatures in the park are warm, ranging from 40-60°F (4-16°C) with occasional rain, and is the best time for visitors to enjoy the park’s scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. Winter temperatures in the park are extremely cold, ranging from -50 to 20°F (-46 to -6°C), with heavy snow and high winds making it difficult for visitors to access the park’s many trails and scenic areas. Visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve should plan their trip between May and September to enjoy the park’s mild weather and scenic beauty.
In conclusion, both Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve have unique seasonal weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit. While Rocky Mountain National Park is best visited in the summer months, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is best visited in the summer and early fall. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly to ensure they have the best possible experience in these stunning national parks.
Family Friendliness of Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Rocky Mountain National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two distinct national parks located in the United States, both offering unique and diverse outdoor experiences. With regards to family-friendliness, both parks have their pros and cons.
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its stunning mountain vistas, diverse wildlife, and ample outdoor recreational opportunities. The park features many easy to moderate hikes, scenic drives, and picnic areas, making it a great option for families with kids. There are also ranger-led activities and educational programs that are designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a vast wilderness area that covers over 13 million acres. It is a great destination for families who are looking for an adventure, but it is not as easily accessible as Rocky Mountain National Park. The park offers opportunities for backcountry camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, but many of the trails are more challenging and not suitable for younger children.
In conclusion, both parks are great options for families, however, if you’re traveling with children, Rocky Mountain National Park is a better choice as it is more accessible and offers a wider range of age-appropriate activities.