Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks vs Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Feel Free To Share:

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks vs Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both stunning, but each offers its own unique experiences and attractions. These two parks are located on opposite sides of the country and couldn’t be more different. From towering trees to towering glaciers, these parks will leave you in awe and wondering which one you should visit next.

Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, and for good reason. The park boasts an incredible network of glaciers, snow capped peaks, and wild rivers. It’s a true wilderness adventure, where you can hike, camp, and raft in the backcountry.

On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their giant sequoia trees, which are some of the largest and oldest trees on the planet. Here, visitors can hike and camp in the shadow of these incredible trees, and enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With its breathtaking vistas, scenic drives, and easy access, it’s the perfect destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Hiking Trails in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the largest and most diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks have a variety of hiking trails that offer unique experiences for visitors of all levels of fitness and experience.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have a range of hiking trails, from easy walks through giant sequoias to strenuous backcountry treks. One of the easiest hikes is the Congress Trail, a 2-mile loop that winds through a grove of giant sequoias. On the other hand, the strenuous Rae Lakes Loop is a 41-mile trek that takes you through alpine meadows, glistening lakes, and rugged mountain passes.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is also home to a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. The Chitistone River Trail is a relatively easy hike that takes you through a scenic valley and past a glacier. The toughest hike in the park is the Mount Bona climb, a demanding 16-mile round trip that takes you to the top of the park’s highest peak.

Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging backcountry adventure, both Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve have something to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Moro Rock Trail 643.736 56.9976 Moderate out and back 4.5
Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail 6437.36 194.7672 Moderate out and back 4.5
Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails 18990.212 887.8824 Hard out and back 5
General Sherman Tree Trail 1287.472 46.9392 Easy out and back 4.5
Marble Falls Trail 11909.116 495.9096 Moderate out and back 4.5
Congress Trail 5149.888 151.7904 Easy loop 4.5
Alta Peak Trail 23979.166 1238.7072 Very Hard out and back 4.5
Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail 10460.71 674.8272 Moderate out and back 5
Big Trees Trail 2092.142 36.8808 Easy loop 4.5
Giant Forest Loop Trail 11265.38 390.7536 Easy loop 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the largest parks in the United States and they are separated by over 3,000 miles. They both offer unique wildlife experiences that visitors can enjoy.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to a variety of mammals, including black bears, coyotes, and mountain lions. Visitors can also see a number of bird species such as the American dipper and the Clark’s nutcracker. The parks are also known for their diverse plant life, with over 1,400 species of plants, including the world’s largest tree, the General Sherman Tree.

Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its diverse wildlife populations, including caribou, moose, and Dall’s sheep. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the Steller’s jay. The park also has a diverse plant life with over 900 species of plants, including the fireweed, the lupine, and the heather.

Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, with Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks focusing on large mammals and unique plant life, while Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its diverse wildlife populations and bird species. Regardless of which park you choose, both offer spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities that visitors will not want to miss.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 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
Green-Winged Teal American Wigeon
American Pipit Green-Winged Teal

Mammals

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 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

Fish

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Rainbow Trout Steelhead
Brook Trout Charr Salter Longnose Sucker
Brown Trout Lake Trout
Green Sunfish Northern Pike
Golden Shiner Burbot
European Carp Silver Salmon
Black Bullhead King Salmon
Brown Bullhead Slimy Sculpin
Goldfish Threespine Stickleback
Smallmouth Bass Sockeye Salmon
Pink Salmon
Chum Salmon
Dolly Varden
Cutthroat Trout
Arctic Grayling

Reptiles

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Gopher Snake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Racer
Ring-Necked Snake
Sagebrush Lizard
Common Garter Snake
Common Kingsnake
Rubber Boa
Nightsnake
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake
Western Whiptail
Western Skink
Long-Nosed Snake
Western Fence Lizard

Amphibians

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Bullfrog Wood Frog

Insects

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Silvery Blue
Clouded Sulphur

Beautiful Landscapes in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of scenic landscapes, from towering mountain ranges to breathtaking overlooks and rushing waterfalls.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are famous for their giant sequoia trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old and are among the largest trees on Earth. Visitors can hike through the giant forest, witness the majesty of the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume, and explore the many scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its vast wilderness, which includes glaciers, towering peaks, and some of the largest protected wilderness in the country. Visitors to this park can explore the glaciers, take scenic drives through the mountains, and hike to stunning overlooks that offer breathtaking views. The park is also home to historic mining towns and a variety of wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Things To-Do and Activities in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most beautiful parks in California, offering breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, as well as a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy. Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its vast glaciers, rugged terrain, and pristine wilderness.

At Sequoia & Kings Canyon, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Popular activities also include rock climbing, horseback riding, and visiting the General Sherman Tree, one of the largest trees in the world. In Wrangell – St. Elias, visitors can explore glaciers, go backcountry camping, and go fishing or hunting in the park’s wilderness.

Both parks offer a range of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy outdoor activities. However, Wrangell – St. Elias is known for its rugged wilderness, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon is known for its towering trees and stunning mountain vistas. Ultimately, the choice between these two parks will depend on your personal interests and the type of outdoor experience you are seeking.

Best Time to Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors. However, their weather patterns are vastly different, affecting the best time to visit.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making it a great time to hike and camp in the park. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow can make some roads inaccessible. Winter is also the best time to see the famous giant sequoias, as they are covered in snow and stand out against the white landscape.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate. Summer temperatures are cool and often rainy, making it the best time for fishing and exploring the park’s glaciers. Winter is harsh, with temperatures dropping well below freezing and heavy snowfall. This makes it difficult to access the park, but creates a beautiful winter wonderland for those who are able to visit.

When deciding when to visit these parks, it’s important to consider the weather and what activities you’re interested in. Summer is the best time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks for hiking and camping, while winter is the best time to see the giant sequoias. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is best visited in the summer for fishing and exploring glaciers, but winter offers a unique and stunning winter wonderland.

Family Friendliness of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both popular destinations for families, but they offer different experiences. Sequoia & Kings Canyon are known for their towering trees and scenic drives, making them a great choice for families with young children. The parks offer easy walks and trails, including the Big Trees Trail, which is a half-mile hike that takes visitors through a grove of giant sequoias. Additionally, the parks offer a variety of educational programs and ranger-led activities, such as campfire programs and Jr. Ranger activities, perfect for families looking to learn more about the natural world.

Wrangell – St Elias, on the other hand, is a larger and more rugged park, offering more challenging hikes and adventures for families with older children. This park is home to glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for families looking for a wilderness experience. Visitors can take guided hikes and backpacking trips, or even go rafting on the Copper River. However, due to its remote location and lack of developed infrastructure, Wrangell – St Elias may not be the best option for families with younger children or those looking for a more leisurely trip.

In conclusion, both Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer unique and family-friendly experiences, depending on the age and interests of your children. If you’re traveling with young children and looking for a more relaxed and educational experience, Sequoia & Kings Canyon is the better choice. However, if you have older children and are looking for a more challenging and adventurous trip, Wrangell – St Elias may be the way to go.

Leave a Comment