Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most magnificent and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but which one is the better choice for your next adventure? In this article, we will compare and contrast these two parks, highlighting the differences and similarities between them. Get ready to be transported to two of the most beautiful and wild places on earth, where you can explore mountains, canyons, glaciers, and much more. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a nature photographer, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, these parks have something for everyone. So, pack your bags and join us on a virtual journey through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park.
Hiking Trails in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the largest national parks in the United States, both offering unique hiking experiences.
At Wrangell – St Elias, visitors will find rugged wilderness and remote trails, with the highlight being the multi-day backpacking trips. Hikes range from challenging multi-day treks to shorter day hikes through scenic valleys. The park’s size and remote location make for a true wilderness experience, with opportunities to see wildlife such as caribou, grizzly bears, and Dall sheep. One of the most difficult hikes is the McCarthy Road and Root Glacier Trail, which is a strenuous 11-mile round trip hike with a steep ascent to the glacier.
In contrast, Zion National Park is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs and canyons, making for a more accessible hiking experience. The park has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from the easy Riverside Walk to the challenging Angels Landing. The most popular hike in the park is the Narrows, which is a strenuous hike through a narrow canyon with a river running through it. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the West Rim Trail is a challenging 14.5-mile round trip hike with steep ascents and descents.
In conclusion, both Wrangell – St Elias and Zion offer unique hiking experiences, with Wrangell – St Elias being a remote wilderness destination and Zion being a more accessible park with stunning sandstone cliffs and canyons.
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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve and Zion National Park both offer unique experiences and diverse wildlife. In Wrangell – St. Elias, visitors can expect to see a variety of large mammals such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The park is also home to numerous bird species, including trumpeter swans, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons. Additionally, the park’s glaciers and alpine tundra provide habitats for a range of plant species, including heath and willow shrubs.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is characterized by its stunning red rock formations and diverse desert landscape. Visitors to the park can expect to see a range of desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and desert tortoises. The park is also known for its bird watching opportunities, with over 200 species of birds found within its borders, including the colorful painted redstart and the elusive spotted owl. Additionally, the park’s desert landscape is home to a range of cacti and other succulent plants, as well as a variety of wildflowers and shrubs.
In conclusion, both Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Preserve and Zion National Park offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors. From the glaciers and large mammals of Wrangell – St. Elias to the red rock formations and desert wildlife of Zion, these parks provide opportunities to see a range of species and habitats.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve | Zion 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 | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Puma | Deer Mouse |
| Mink | Raccoon |
| Mule Deer | Black Bear |
| Wolf | Porcupine |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Hoary Bat |
| Land Otter | Red Fox |
| Common Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Water Shrew | House Mouse |
| Red Squirrel | Mountain Lion |
| Montane Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Gray Fox |
| Lynx | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Wolverine | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Marten | American Badger |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Ermine |
| Grizzly Bear | California Myotis |
| Meadow Vole | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Speckled Dace |
| Burbot | Channel Catfish |
| Silver Salmon | Goldfish |
| 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 | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Reptiles
| Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most famous parks in the US. Wrangell – St. Elias, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the country, encompassing over 13 million acres. The park is known for its stunning mountain ranges and glaciers, including Mount St. Elias, which is the second highest peak in the US. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing in the park.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is also renowned for its stunning landscapes. The park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, including the famous Zion Canyon, which is over 2,000 feet deep. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and rock climbing in the park. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Angels Landing Trail, which leads to a breathtaking overlook of the canyon. Another popular destination is the Narrows, a slot canyon with towering walls and a shallow stream running through it.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, making them must-see destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer expansive mountain ranges and glaciers or towering sandstone cliffs, both Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities, but each park has its own unique attractions.
At Wrangell – St. Elias, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and backcountry camping. The park is known for its stunning glaciers, and visitors can take guided tours or go on their own explorations. Wrangell – St. Elias is also home to over 9 million acres of wild lands and is one of the largest national parks in the country.
At Zion National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and canyoneering. The park is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons, and visitors can take guided tours or go on their own explorations. Zion is a popular destination for rock climbers, and the park offers a range of climbing opportunities for all skill levels.
Both Wrangell – St. Elias and Zion are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, and both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, backcountry camping, or rock climbing, both parks have something to offer. If you’re planning a trip to either park, be sure to research the different activities available and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are both popular destinations for nature enthusiasts, but their seasonal weather patterns are remarkably different.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its long and harsh winters, with temperatures dropping as low as -40°F. Summer temperatures can rise to 60°F but the weather is often unpredictable with rain, snow and fog common. The best time to visit Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is during the summer months, June-August, when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in Utah and experiences a much milder climate. Winter temperatures average in the 40°F range and summer temperatures can reach the low 90s°F. Zion National Park is prone to flash floods, so the best time to visit is during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when the weather is less extreme and the risk of flash floods is lower.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and come equipped with appropriate gear for their trip. Whether you’re visiting for the summer or winter, both Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park offer unique and breathtaking experiences for nature lovers all year round.
Family Friendliness of Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are both unique destinations that offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty and wonder of nature. However, when it comes to family-friendly activities and amenities, there are some differences to consider.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is a vast, remote wilderness area that covers over 13 million acres. This park is ideal for families who love adventure and exploring the great outdoors. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, but the lack of developed infrastructure means that visitors need to be prepared for a more rugged experience.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is a more developed and accessible national park that is great for families with children. The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as scenic drives, short hikes, and ranger-led programs. There are also picnic areas, campgrounds, and a shuttle system that makes it easy to get around the park.
In conclusion, both Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park have their own unique features and attractions that make them great destinations for families. However, if you’re traveling with children, Zion National Park is the better choice due to its accessibility and range of family-friendly activities and amenities.