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.