By comparing Alaska’s national parks to US National Parks we will find that the United States is home to numerous breathtaking national parks, each offering unique landscapes, geological features, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Alaska’s national parks, in particular, stand out for their vast wilderness areas, diverse wildlife, and unmatchable natural beauty. Now let’s compare Alaska’s national parks to other US national parks, highlighting their distinctive features and attractions.
Size and Remoteness of Best US National Parks Compared to Alaska
Alaska’s national parks are significantly larger, massive, and more remote than most other US national parks. A comparison of the main parks of both is as follows.
| Alaska National Park’s size | ||
| Park | Area | State |
| Wrangell-St. Elias National Park | 13.2 million acres | Alaska |
| Denali National Park | 6 million acres | Alaska |
| US National Parks size | ||
| Yellowstone National Park | 2.2 million acres | Wyoming |
| Grand Canyon National Park | 1.2 million acres | Arizona |
The vastness and remoteness of Alaska’s national parks provide a truly immersive wilderness experience, with abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing of Alaska National Parks and US National Parks differ regarding the accessibility of these parks
Alaska Wildlife
Alaska’s national parks are renowned for their incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. The state is home to an impressive array of species, including:
- Brown bears
- Moose
- Caribou
- Wolves
- Dall sheep
- Bald eagles
US Wildlife
In contrast, other US national parks may offer more limited wildlife viewing opportunities. For example:
- Yellowstone National Park: Known for its grizzly bears, wolves, and bison
- Grand Canyon National Park: Home to condors, eagles, and bighorn sheep
- Yosemite National Park, California: Features black bears, mule deer, and peregrine falcons
As Alaska national parks are remote therefore wildlife sightings are common and the animals can be seen roaming frequently but in US national parks you will have rare encounters with the wildlife because of the crowd.
Landscapes and Geological Features
In order to find that how Alaska’s parks differ from other U.S parks in terms of landscapes is determined by its geological features.
Alaska National Parks
Alaska’s national parks boast some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in the US. From the towering peaks of Wrangell-St. Elias to the jaw-dropping fjords of Kenai Fjords, Alaska’s national parks offer:
- Glacier-covered mountains
- Fjords and coastal scenery
- Tundra and Arctic landscapes
- Volcanic landscapes and hot springs
US National Parks
In comparison, other US national parks feature distinct landscapes and geological features, such as:
- Grand Canyon National Park: One of the most iconic canyon systems in the world
- Yellowstone National Park: Home to Old Faithful and numerous other geothermal features
- Zion National Park, Utah: Known for its red rock canyons and unique rock formations
Accessibility and Tourism of Alaska Vs US national parks
One of the key differences between Alaska’s national parks and other US national parks is the level of crowds and accessibility. Alaska’s national parks are generally less crowded and more remote, requiring more planning and effort to visit. In contrast, other US national parks tend to be more accessible and attract larger crowds.
Here is a table for the year 2020 giving the readings of tourism and accessibility of both national parks
| National Park | Visitation (2020) | Accessibility |
| Denali National Park, Alaska | 595,000 | Remote, limited transportation options |
| Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska | 30,000 | Very remote, limited transportation options |
| Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona | 7 million | Easily accessible by car or shuttle bus |
| Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming | 4 million | Easily accessible by car or shuttle bus |
| Zion National Park, Utah | 3.6 million | Easily accessible by car or shuttle bus |
Conclusion
US Unparalleled experience and unique features of Alaska national parks offer vast landscapes, incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and diverse geological features. While other US national parks have distinct attractions and characteristics, Alaska’s national parks stand out for their remoteness, size, and untouched natural beauty. The US national parks stand out for their easy accessibility. I would suggest experiencing both because they are worth visiting with their distinctive features.
