The Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most unique and captivating national parks in the United States. Both offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and explore some of the most pristine and breathtaking landscapes in the country. But which one is right for you?
Do you want to bask in the sun on a tropical beach and snorkel in crystal-clear waters? Then the Virgin Islands National Park might be the perfect choice. Or would you rather hike through rugged, snow-capped mountains and glimpse glaciers that have been frozen for thousands of years? Then Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve might be more your style.
In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two incredible national parks, highlighting their unique features, recreational opportunities, and must-see attractions. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just now starting to plan your next adventure, this comparison will give you a better understanding of what each park has to offer and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next trip.
Hiking Trails in Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks with distinct hiking trails, each offering an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Virgin Islands National Park boasts a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult, including the Cinnamon Bay Trail, which is an easy hike that takes visitors through a lush, tropical forest to the serene Cinnamon Bay beach. On the other hand, the challenging Reef Bay Trail takes hikers through a strenuous descent to the historic Reef Bay Sugar Plantation, showcasing the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is the largest national park in the United States, offering a diverse range of trails including the Root Glacier Trail, which is an easy hike that leads visitors to the stunning Root Glacier, and the challenging McCarthy Road, a rough and remote trail that takes hikers deep into the heart of the park’s wilderness.
For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers the challenging Mount Drum trail, a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the summit of Mount Drum, the park’s highest peak, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and glaciers.
Both parks offer an incredible outdoor experience, with a range of trails to suit all levels of hikers. Whether you are looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, both Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Virgin Islands National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
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 Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park differ in both size and wildlife. Wrangell – St Elias is the largest national park in the US and encompasses over 13 million acres of rugged wilderness. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and caribou. The park is also home to a large population of Dall sheep and is a popular destination for birdwatching, with over 170 species of birds recorded in the park.
Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is much smaller, covering just over 7,000 acres on the island of St. John. Despite its size, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and a variety of bird species, such as the brown pelican and the bananaquit. The park is also known for its lush vegetation and its coral reefs, which are home to a variety of fish and other marine life.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitats. However, if you are looking for a more remote and rugged wilderness experience, with the chance to see large predators like grizzly bears and caribou, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you are interested in exploring a tropical island with abundant marine life and lush vegetation, Virgin Islands National Park is the way to go.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Virgin Islands 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 |
American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
European Starling | Song Sparrow |
Northern Pintail | European Starling |
American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Virgin Islands 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 |
Porcupine | Mule Deer |
Silver-Haired Bat | Wolf |
Hoary Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
Red Fox | Snowshoe Hare |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Land Otter |
House Mouse | Common Shrew |
Mountain Lion | Water Shrew |
Mink | Red Squirrel |
Mule Deer | Montane Shrew |
Gray Wolf | Long-Tailed Vole |
Long-Legged Myotis | Lynx |
Long-Eared Myotis | Wolverine |
Badger | American Marten |
Snowshoe Hare | Northern Flying Squirrel |
North American River Otter | Grizzly Bear |
Masked Shrew | Meadow Vole |
Reptiles
Virgin Islands National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Bullsnake | |
Racer | |
Rattlesnake | |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Amphibians
Virgin Islands National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
Virgin Islands National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Longnose Sucker | Steelhead |
Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
Bluegill | Lake Trout |
Flathead Minnow | Northern Pike |
Golden Shiner | Burbot |
Carp/European Carp | Silver Salmon |
Northern Pike | King Salmon |
Burbot | Slimy Sculpin |
Longnose Dace | Threespine Stickleback |
Channel Catfish | Sockeye Salmon |
Black Bullhead | Pink Salmon |
Creek Chub | Chum Salmon |
Dolly Varden | |
Cutthroat Trout | |
Arctic Grayling |
Insects
Virgin Islands National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Silvery Blue | |
Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Virgin Islands National Park is located on St John in the US Virgin Islands, and is known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can explore the beautiful landscapes by hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking. The popular Trunk Bay beach is a must-visit, with its clear water and white sand, it is considered one of the best beaches in the world.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States and boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and valleys. The park is home to many of Alaska’s tallest peaks, including Mount St Elias, which stands at 18,008 feet. Visitors can also explore glaciers, including the Malaspina Glacier, which is one of the largest piedmont glaciers in the world, and can be seen from the park’s scenic drives.
Both Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that visitors can explore and enjoy. Whether you are looking for stunning beaches, towering mountains, or glaciers, these parks offer a diverse range of natural wonders that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are both popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and exploring to boating and fishing. However, each park offers unique experiences that set it apart from the other.
In Virgin Islands National Park, visitors can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. The park’s beaches are also popular for sunbathing and swimming. Visitors can also take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands and cays.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and wilderness-oriented experience. The park is home to glaciers, alpine tundra, and the largest national park in the country. Visitors can take guided tours to see wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, and moose. They can also go backpacking and camping in the remote wilderness areas of the park.
Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities and stunning natural scenery, making them great destinations for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure in the wilderness, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell- St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two popular national parks in the United States. With a difference of over 3,000 miles between the two, the seasonal weather also varies greatly.
The Virgin Islands National Park, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The dry season runs from January to April, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s. The rainy season runs from May to December, with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s. The park is open year-round and is best visited during the dry season, as the rain can make hiking and other outdoor activities difficult.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to September, when temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-60s. Winter temperatures can be extremely cold and snow can make access to the park difficult.
In conclusion, both Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve have unique weather patterns that affect when is the best time to visit. The Virgin Islands National Park is best visited during the dry season, while Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is best visited during the summer months, when temperatures are mild and access to the park is easiest.
Family Friendliness of Virgin Islands National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are two popular national parks located in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and are great options for families to visit. However, each park offers different levels of family-friendliness.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a more rugged and adventurous experience. With over 13 million acres of land, there are numerous opportunities for families to explore and hike. The park also offers camping options, which is a great way for families to bond and get closer to nature. However, this park is not as accessible as Virgin Islands National Park, and the trails can be challenging for young children.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is a more relaxed and accessible option for families. With its pristine beaches, snorkeling, and hiking trails, there is something for everyone. The park is also relatively small, making it easier for families to navigate and explore. Additionally, the park offers numerous amenities, such as restaurants, accommodations, and shops, which make it a more convenient option for families.
In conclusion, both Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique experiences for families. However, if you’re traveling with children, Virgin Islands National Park may be the better option due to its accessibility and the range of activities available for families.