If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Arches National Park, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Overview
- 2 Arches National Park Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Arches National Park
- 6 Wildlife at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
- 7 Wildlife at Arches National Park
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Overview
Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast national park that rises from the ocean all the way up to 18,008 ft. At 13.2 million acres, the park is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined! Within this wild landscape, people continue to live off the land as they have done for centuries. This rugged, beautiful land is filled with opportunities for adventure.
Arches National Park Overview
Arches National Park is a beautiful natural preserve that is home to some of the most awe-inspiring geological formations in the world. Arches consists of thousands of massive sandstone arches stretching across over 76,000 acres of desert terrain, including towering spires, jagged pinnacles, and delicate fins. Some of the most famous arches in Arches National Park include Delicate Arch and Double Arch. Whether you choose to explore Arches on foot or by bike, this magical park is sure to delight and amaze visitors of all ages. So if you’re looking for a stunning outdoor escape that will take your breath away, be sure to visit Arches National Park!
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Hiking Trails
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is a haven for hikers of all levels of experience. Novice hikers can start with the easy Crosswind Lake trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains without too much elevation gain. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Crescent Lake trail is a great option. It is longer than the Crosswind Lake trail and has a steeper elevation gain, but it is still considered to be relatively easy. More experienced hikers can tackle one of the park’s difficult trails, such as the Donoho Peak trail, which summits one of the park’s tallest peaks. Wrangell – St Elias National Park is truly a paradise for hikers of all levels of ability.
Best Hikes At Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 598.932 | 7 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 697.992 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 80.772 | 3 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 1079.9064 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 47.8536 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Trail | 143.8656 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Pinion Flats Campground Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| High Dune Trail | 191.7192 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| High and Star Dune Loop | 403.86 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
Hiking Overview at Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the United States. With over 2,000 natural arches, the park offers hikers a wide variety of trails to choose from. While some trails are more difficult than others, there is something for everyone at Arches National Park.
For those looking for an easy hike, the Park Avenue trail is a great option. This two-mile trail takes hikers through a canyon of red sandstone spires and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Devils Garden trail is a great option. This seven-mile trail takes hikers through a series of narrow canyons and sandstone fins. The trail can be difficult at times, but the views are well worth the effort.
no matter what your hiking level, Arches National Park has something to offer. So get out there and explore!
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Arches National Park
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch | 57.912 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Loop | 98.7552 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Delicate Arch Trail | 186.8424 | 3 | out and back | 5 |
| Eye of the Whale Trail | 124.968 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Sevenmile Rim OHV Route | 425.8056 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Metal Masher OHV Trail | 787.908 | 5 | loop | 4.5 |
| Willow Springs OHV Road | 300.8376 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Lower Courthouse Wash Trail | 19.812 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 325.8312 | 5 | loop | 5 |
| Ribbon Arch Trail | 119.7864 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to an incredible array of animals, including bears, moose, wolves, and caribou. In addition, the park is also home to a variety of plant life, including tundra plants and towering spruce trees. With so much to see and explore, Wrangell – St Elias National Park is the perfect place to get up close and personal with some of Alaska’s most amazing wildlife.
Wildlife at Arches National Park
Arches National Park is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. The park’s high desert landscape is home to species like the pronghorn antelope, mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyote, and red-tailed hawk. In the springtime, the park comes alive with wildflowers like the Shivwits sunflower, Arches mantleflower, and Deseret evening primrose. Arches is also home to a variety of cacti and succulents, including the beavertail cactus, cliffrose, and yucca. Whether you’re looking for wildlife or plant life, Arches National Park is sure to delight.
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve Weather Considerations
Wrangell – St Elias National Park is one of the largest national parks in the United States, and it is known for its varied and extreme weather conditions. The park experiences very cold winters, with average temperatures ranging from -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the summers are relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when the weather is more conducive to outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. However, visitors should be aware that the early summer months can be rainy, so it is best to plan accordingly. The worst time to visit the park is during the winter, when temperatures are at their lowest and conditions are often treacherous. If you do choose to visit during this time, be sure to bring appropriate clothing and gear to ensure your safety.
Arches National Park Weather Considerations
Arches National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Located in Utah, the park is known for its stunning red rock formations and abundance of arches. While the park can be visited year-round, the best time to go is typically in the spring or fall. During these seasons, the weather is generally mild and comfortable, making it ideal for hiking and exploring. In contrast, summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters can also be tough, with cold temperatures and potential snowstorms. As a result, most visitors prefer to avoid Arches National Park during these times of year.