Park Comparison
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve vs Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve
Two iconic parks, different strengths. Here's how they stack up.
Updated
The Quick Take
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve
Six million acres where caribou migrations follow ancient routes and the Brooks Range rises through valleys most will never reach.
Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve
America's largest park holds nine of the continent's sixteen highest peaks, including Mount St. Elias, with glaciers you can drive to.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve sees less than half the visitors Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve gets, which translates to a noticeably different crowd experience on trails and at viewpoints.
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve welcomes 11,907 visitors annually across 20,685 square miles — about 1 visitors per square mile. Congestion is low, peaking in July. With only 1 comfortable months, visitors concentrate into a short window.
Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve
Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve welcomes 81,670 visitors annually across 20,626 square miles — about 4 visitors per square mile. Congestion is low, peaking in July. With only 0 comfortable months, visitors concentrate into a short window.
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve edges out Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve on elbow room, though both can get busy in peak season.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve has more trail mileage for exploration.
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve Top Activities
- hiking 10/10
- backpacking 10/10
- photography 10/10
- kayaking canoeing 9/10
- stargazing 9/10
Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve Top Activities
- rock climbing 9/10
- scenic driving 9/10
- photography 9/10
- hiking 8/10
- backpacking 8/10
Camping
Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve offers significantly more camping options.
The Bottom Line
Choose Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve if you...
- Want to experience Brooks Range
- Are looking for world-class hiking
- Love mountain and glacier landscapes
Choose Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve if you...
- Want to experience Mount St. Elias
- Are looking for world-class scenic driving
- Are planning a couples getaway
- Want more trail options (70 miles vs 0)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve or Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve?
It depends on what you're looking for. Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is known for Brooks Range, while Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve is known for Mount St. Elias. Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve or Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve more crowded?
Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve has a congestion index of 1/10 and receives 11,907 visitors per year. Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve scores 3/10 with 81,670 annual visitors. Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve vs Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve?
The best month to visit Gates Of The Arctic & Preserve is July, while Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve is best visited in June. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.