Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most iconic and magnificent national parks in the United States. Both of these parks are home to breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique geological formations that are sure to leave you in awe. But, which one is the better park to visit? In this article, we will compare Saguaro National Park vs Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, exploring everything from the natural beauty to the recreational opportunities and more.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is named after the giant saguaro cacti that dot its landscape. This park is a true desert oasis, with towering cacti, vibrant sunsets, and a rich cultural history. Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is one of the largest national parks in the world. This park is home to glaciers, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife, including moose, caribou, and grizzly bears.
So, which park will come out on top in this showdown? Will it be the serene beauty of Saguaro National Park or the rugged wilderness of Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While Wrangell – St Elias is known for its massive glaciers and rugged peaks, Saguaro National Park is famous for its towering cacti and desert landscapes. When it comes to hiking, both parks offer a variety of trails for all levels of hikers.
Saguaro National Park has many easy hikes, including the Cactus Forest Trail, which is an easy 1.5-mile loop that winds through the park’s iconic cacti. The park also has several moderately difficult hikes, including the King Canyon Trail, a 5-mile hike that takes you up to a scenic overlook of the park’s desert landscape. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Hugh Norris Trail is a 9.5-mile hike that takes you to the top of Wasson Peak, offering stunning views of the park.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is a hiker’s paradise, with a variety of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. The Root Glacier Trail is an easy 2-mile hike that takes you to the base of the Root Glacier, where you can see the stunning ice formations up close. The park also has several challenging hikes, including the Mount Wrangell Volcano Hike, which is a strenuous 7-mile hike that takes you to the top of the park’s active volcano. For those looking for an even more challenging hike, the 16-mile Nabesna Road Hike takes you to the top of the park’s highest peak, Mount Bona.
Both Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer a variety of hikes for all levels of hikers, from easy walks to challenging treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these parks offer something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 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 Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks that offer different wildlife experiences. Saguaro National Park is located in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and is known for its towering saguaro cactus, which can reach up to 40 feet tall. Wildlife in the park includes rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and various species of desert birds such as roadrunners and Gilded Flickers. Visitors may also spot black-tailed deer, coyotes, and bobcats.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States and offers a wide range of wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors may see Alaskan moose, mountain goats, and caribou, as well as bears, wolves, and wolverines. The park is also home to a variety of bird species including eagles, falcons, and owls. In addition, the park’s glaciers and ice fields provide a unique opportunity to see marine mammals such as humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions.
In conclusion, both Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors. Whether you’re looking to see towering cacti in the desert or wildlife in the Alaskan wilderness, both parks are worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Saguaro 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 |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Killdeer | European Starling |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Saguaro National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Big Brown Bat | Muskrat |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Porcupine |
| Deer Mouse | Red Fox |
| Raccoon | Puma |
| Black Bear | Mink |
| Porcupine | Mule Deer |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Wolf |
| Hoary Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mule Deer | Land Otter |
| Common Gray Fox | Common Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Water Shrew |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| Badger | Montane Shrew |
| Californis Myotis | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Fringed Myotis | Lynx |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | Wolverine |
| Western Harvest Mouse | American Marten |
| Yuma Myotis | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Bighorn Sheep | Grizzly Bear |
| White-Tailed Deer | Meadow Vole |
Reptiles
| Saguaro National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Saguaro National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Saguaro 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
| Saguaro National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Saguaro National Park in Arizona is a desert landscape famous for its towering saguaro cacti. These cacti can grow up to 50 feet tall and are unique to the Sonoran Desert. Hiking trails offer up-close views of these fascinating plants, as well as distant views of the Tucson valley. The park is also home to scenic drives through the desert, including the Bajada Loop Drive and the Cactus Forest Drive.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska boasts a landscape of glaciers, mountains, and coastlines. This park is the largest in the United States, covering over 13 million acres. It is home to the Wrangell Mountains, which contain nine of the 16 tallest peaks in the United States. Visitors can see glaciers flowing from the mountains into the ocean, and hike through the rugged terrain to reach stunning overlooks of the surrounding landscape. The park is also famous for its wildlife, including grizzly bears and moose.
Things To-Do and Activities in Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Saguaro National Park, located in southern Arizona, and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, are two vastly different national parks that offer unique outdoor experiences. Saguaro is known for its towering cactus, while Wrangell – St. Elias is a remote wilderness with glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.
At Saguaro, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The park’s roads wind through the desert and offer stunning views of the towering saguaro cacti. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with visitors often spotting javelinas, roadrunners, and rattlesnakes. Picnicking is a popular pastime, and visitors can take advantage of the park’s many picnic areas and ramadas.
Wrangell – St. Elias offers a more rugged wilderness experience. Visitors can take scenic drives, go fishing, and explore glaciers. The park is home to some of the largest glaciers in North America, and visitors can take guided tours or go on their own to explore these massive ice formations. Fishing is also a popular activity in the park, with visitors often catching salmon in the many rivers and streams.
In conclusion, both Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive through the desert or a rugged wilderness adventure, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks with distinct seasonal weather patterns. Saguaro National Park is located in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and experiences hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when temperatures are comfortable and there is less chance of monsoon rain. Summer temperatures can soar above 100°F making it less ideal for outdoor activities. However, nighttime temperatures can still drop low enough for stargazing opportunities.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate. This means that although it has mild summers, winter temperatures can drop below zero. Winter activities such as skiing and snowshoeing are popular, but visitors should be prepared for harsh weather conditions. Summer temperatures are warm enough for hiking and camping, but visitors should be aware of the potential for rain and fog. The best time to visit Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is mild and days are long.
Family Friendliness of Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both parks are great destinations for families, but each park has their own unique qualities that set them apart.
Saguaro National Park is known for its iconic saguaro cacti and diverse wildlife, making it a great destination for families who love nature and outdoor activities. There are plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic drives to explore. The park also offers ranger-led programs and educational activities that are especially appealing to families with children.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is great for families looking for an adventure. The park is the largest national park in the country, and it offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and even flightseeing. While the park is more remote than Saguaro, it offers a unique experience for families who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In conclusion, both Saguaro National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve are great family-friendly destinations. If you are traveling with children, Saguaro National Park is the better option for families looking for a nature-focused experience, while Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve is better for families looking for an adventure.