Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the United States, each offering unique and breathtaking experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With their diverse landscapes and rich histories, these parks are the perfect destinations for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Wind Cave National Park is a wonder of nature, with its intricate cave systems and stunning prairies. It is home to some of the most fascinating geological formations in the world, including the famous Wind Cave, which is known for its natural air currents and intricate boxwork formations. With over 28,000 acres of pristine wilderness to explore, visitors can hike, camp, and wildlife watch to their heart’s content.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a wilderness lover’s dream come true. Spanning over 13.2 million acres, it is the largest national park in the United States and one of the largest in the world. With its glaciers, mountains, and valleys, this park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from backpacking and skiing to fishing and kayaking. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply looking to escape the city, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is the perfect place to do so.
Hiking Trails in Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, is known for its unique underground formations and abundant wildlife. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. One of the most popular hikes is the Wind Cave Canyon Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding prairie and forest. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Rankin Ridge Trail is a 5.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of the ridge for panoramic views of the park.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States. It offers a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry expeditions. One of the most popular hikes is the Root Glacier Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip hike that offers a close-up view of the glacier and its unique formations. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Mount Blackburn Expedition is a multi-day backpacking trip that takes you to the summit of the park’s highest peak.
Both Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all abilities. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, these parks have something for everyone. With their unique landscapes and abundant wildlife, they are both must-visit destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Wind Cave National Park
| 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 | 4.5 |
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 Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are both located in the United States and offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota and is home to a variety of animals including bison, pronghorn, elk, and coyotes. Visitors to the park may also see mule deer, black-tailed prairie dogs, and a variety of birds such as the American goldfinch and Western meadowlark.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is home to a diverse range of wildlife including moose, caribou, brown bears, and wolves. The park also has a rich bird population, including bald eagles, great horned owls, and the northern goshawk. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including wildflowers and shrubs.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, and visitors should be prepared for the different environments and habitats found in each park. Whether you’re interested in observing bison in Wind Cave National Park or brown bears in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, both parks offer unique experiences for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Wind Cave 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
| Wind Cave 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 |
| Weasels | Common Shrew |
| House Mouse | Water Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Red Squirrel |
| Mink | Montane Shrew |
| Mule Deer | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Wolf | Lynx |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolverine |
| Long-Eared Myotis | American Marten |
| Badger | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Ermine | Grizzly Bear |
| Fringed Myotis | Meadow Vole |
Reptiles
| Wind Cave National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Milksnake |
Fish
| Wind Cave National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Steelhead |
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Long Nose Dace | Lake Trout |
| Black Bullhead | Northern Pike |
| Creek Chub | Burbot |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Wind Cave National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouses Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Wind Cave National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfer | Silvery Blue |
| Painted Lady | Clouded Sulphur |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary |
Beautiful Landscapes in Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are both iconic American national parks, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature in unique and breathtaking ways. Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, is famous for its underground cave systems, including its namesake Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. The park’s above-ground landscapes are equally impressive, featuring rolling hills covered in prairie grasses, a scenic drive along the Needles Highway, and a wide range of wildlife, including bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a massive park located in Alaska, covering an area larger than the state of Vermont. It is home to towering mountain ranges, including Mount St. Elias, the second highest peak in the United States, glaciers, and wild rivers. The park is also home to a range of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and caribou. Visitors can take scenic drives, hike to stunning overlooks, and even go dog sledding in the winter. Whether you’re interested in exploring underground caves or scaling snow-capped mountains, both Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Things To-Do and Activities in Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. While Wind Cave National Park is known for its unique cave system, Wrangell-St. Elias is famous for its incredible wilderness and untamed beauty.
Wind Cave National Park is a popular destination for visitors who love to explore caves and experience the unique geology of this area. The park offers guided tours of the Wind Cave, which is one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in the park, with the opportunity to see bison, elk, and other wildlife.
Wrangell-St. Elias, on the other hand, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore the wilderness. The park is one of the largest national parks in the country, with millions of acres of wilderness to explore. Visitors can enjoy activities such as backpacking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with the opportunity to see bears, moose, and other wildlife. The park also offers incredible scenic drives, with stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and valleys.
Both Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, with a range of activities for all interests and skill levels. Whether you are looking for a peaceful hike through stunning wilderness or an exciting adventure exploring caves and glaciers, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two distinct parks located in different parts of the United States, with different climates and weather patterns.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. The park experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months, making it difficult to access some of the park’s trails and roads. This makes spring and fall the best times to visit the park, when temperatures are mild and the snow has melted.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The park is known for its heavy snowfall and harsh weather, making it a challenging destination for visitors. However, this also means that the park is a prime destination for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Summer is the best time to visit the park, when temperatures are mild and the snow has melted, making it easier to explore the park’s vast wilderness.
In conclusion, both Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve have different climates and weather patterns, making each park a unique destination for visitors. The best time to visit each park depends on the type of experience you are looking for and your tolerance for harsh weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wind Cave National Park and Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are unique in their own ways and offer a range of activities for families. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, Wind Cave National Park is the better option for those traveling with children.
Wind Cave National Park offers a variety of educational programs, ranger-led tours, and interactive exhibits that families can enjoy together. The park also has a number of easy-to-moderate trails that are great for hiking with children, as well as picnic areas and scenic drives. The park also has a well-stocked visitor center that has a variety of educational materials and interactive displays, making it a great place to start a visit to the park.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is more remote and rugged, with fewer facilities and limited access to services. While the park offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking and backpacking, it may not be as suitable for families with young children or those who are looking for a more relaxed, educational experience. The park is also known for its abundant wildlife, including bears, so visitors need to be prepared for encounters with wild animals.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Wind Cave National Park is the better option for a family-friendly experience. With its range of educational programs, ranger-led tours, and interactive exhibits, families are sure to have a great time learning about the park’s unique features and history.