Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the United States. Both parks boast breathtaking landscapes and offer a wide range of outdoor activities for adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike.
If you’re torn between visiting one of these parks, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll be comparing Wrangell-St. Elias and Yosemite, highlighting their differences, similarities, and what makes each one unique. You’ll learn about the best time to visit, what to expect from the weather, and what activities you can enjoy in each park.
So, are you ready to hit the road and explore the rugged beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias or the iconic vistas of Yosemite? Buckle up and let’s begin this journey through two of America’s most awe-inspiring national parks.
Hiking Trails in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning landscapes and a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. However, there are some key differences between the two parks when it comes to hiking.
Wrangell – St. Elias is one of the largest national parks in the country, and its trails range from easy, scenic walks to challenging backcountry hikes. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Root Glacier Trail, which takes visitors on a guided tour across a glacier. On the other hand, the hardest hike in the park is the Mount St. Elias summit hike, which requires technical climbing skills and is only recommended for experienced hikers.
Yosemite, on the other hand, is known for its towering granite cliffs and scenic valleys. The park offers a variety of hikes, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Yosemite Falls Trail, which takes visitors to the base of the tallest waterfall in North America. The hardest hike in the park is the Half Dome hike, which is a strenuous, 16-mile round-trip hike that requires visitors to climb steep, rocky switchbacks and use cables to reach the summit.
Overall, both Wrangell – St. Elias and Yosemite offer incredible hiking opportunities for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, these parks have something to offer.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Yosemite National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail | 10299.776 | 667.8168 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Upper Yosemite Falls Trail | 11587.248 | 967.74 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Half Dome Trail | 23818.232 | 1573.9872 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1609.34 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake | 19794.882 | 948.8424 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Four Mile Trail | 12070.05 | 998.8296 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sentinel Dome Trail | 3379.614 | 138.9888 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Glacier Point Trail | 965.604 | 71.9328 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Vernal Falls | 5954.558 | 406.908 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail | 9012.304 | 101.8032 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska is known for its diverse wildlife and rugged landscapes. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of animals such as caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and grizzly bears. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, Peregrine falcon, and the Harlequin duck.
In contrast, Yosemite National Park in California is known for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems. Visitors to the park can expect to see black bears, mule deer, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the American dipper, the mountain bluebird, and the black-backed woodpecker.
Both parks offer unique experiences for wildlife enthusiasts, but Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a greater variety of larger mammals, including grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep. Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse bird species and scenic vistas.
In terms of plant life, both parks offer a variety of ecosystems, but Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is known for its tundra and subalpine forests, while Yosemite National Park is known for its giant sequoia trees and meadows. Both parks offer unique experiences for those interested in plant life, but Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a greater variety of rugged landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| 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
| Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Land Otter | House Mouse |
| Common Shrew | Mountain Lion |
| Water Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Red Squirrel | Gray Fox |
| Montane Shrew | Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Lynx | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Wolverine | Badger |
| American Marten | Ermine |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | California Myotis |
| Grizzly Bear | River Otter |
| Meadow Vole | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Smallmouth Bass |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Reptiles
| Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Northern Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, covering a massive 13.2 million acres. The park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Alaska, including towering mountain ranges, glaciers, and stunning glaciers. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is Mount St. Elias, which stands at 18,008 feet and is the second highest peak in the United States. Another popular destination is the Kennicott Glacier, which is over 14 miles in length and is one of the largest glaciers in North America.
Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is located in California and covers over 748,000 acres. The park is famous for its towering granite cliffs, including Half Dome and El Capitan, which are two of the most popular destinations for rock climbers. Yosemite also features stunning waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. The park is also home to the Merced River, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for rafting and kayaking. Whether you’re looking for stunning landscapes or breathtaking natural wonders, both Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, but they offer very different experiences for visitors. Wrangell – St Elias is the largest national park in the country, covering over 13 million acres, while Yosemite is one of the smallest, covering just over 761,000 acres.
Wrangell – St Elias is a remote wilderness area with opportunities for backpacking, mountaineering, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain on foot or by air, with options for backcountry camping, guided hikes, and scenic flights. The park is also home to several glaciers, including the largest glacier system in North America, as well as several active volcanoes.
Yosemite, on the other hand, is a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and sightseeing. The park is known for its iconic granite cliffs, including Half Dome and El Capitan, which attract climbers from around the world. Hiking trails in the park range from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks, and the park’s scenic beauty draws millions of visitors each year.
While both parks offer unique experiences, the type of activities available will likely be the deciding factor for many visitors. If you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience with opportunities for backcountry camping and mountaineering, Wrangell – St Elias is the way to go. If you’re more interested in rock climbing and scenic beauty, Yosemite is the better choice.
Best Time to Visit Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the United States’ most popular national parks, both offering unique and breathtaking landscapes. However, the seasonal weather patterns of each park create variations in the best time of year to visit.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, experiences long, harsh winters with snow and sub-zero temperatures. Summer temperatures hover between 40-60°F, with occasional rain showers. This weather makes it a popular destination for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. Summer is also a great time to visit for those looking for adventure, with hiking and backpacking opportunities available.
Yosemite National Park, located in California, experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it a great time to visit for those interested in outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking. Winter temperatures can drop to freezing, with occasional snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
In conclusion, both Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park offer unique experiences, with seasonal weather patterns affecting the best time of year to visit. Whether you are looking for winter sports or summer adventures, both parks have something to offer.
Family Friendliness of Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness park located in Alaska, while Yosemite National Park is a popular destination in California. Both parks offer stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, but the family-friendliness of each park is quite different.
Wrangell – St. Elias is a great choice for adventurous families who enjoy rugged terrain and exploring the wilderness. With opportunities for backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, this park offers a unique and exciting experience for kids and adults alike. However, the park’s remote location and lack of amenities make it a less suitable choice for families with young children.
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park is a more traditional family-friendly destination. With well-developed trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds, Yosemite is an excellent choice for families who enjoy hiking and spending time in nature. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including nature walks and Junior Ranger activities, that are perfect for kids of all ages. Additionally, the park has a variety of hotels and restaurants, making it a convenient option for families who prefer a more comfortable experience.
In conclusion, both Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park offer unique outdoor experiences for families. However, Yosemite is the better choice for families with young children who prefer a more traditional park experience with amenities, while Wrangell – St. Elias is better suited for adventurous families who enjoy exploring the wilderness.