National Parks: Best Wildlife
Where the words "wild" and "life" take on new meaning
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Game Trails
- Denali: The best wildlife venue is, ironically, the shuttle bus ride. Take advantage of it (and the eyes of your fellow visitors) while heading to backpacking sites in the environs of Wonder Lake (moose country) or Polychrome Pass (excellent sheep country). Contact: (907) 683-2294; www.nps.gov/dena.
- Glacier: Hike the 32-mile Highline Trail from Logan Pass to Goat Haunt and watch for mountain sheep, mountain goats, bears, marmots, weasels, wolverines, moose, and more. The southern half of the trail is especially productive. Contact: (406) 888-7800; www.nps.gov/glac.
- Yellowstone: On a summer trip between the Glen Creek trailhead and Sportsman Lake (14 miles one way), you’re likely to see elk and bighorn sheep near Electric Divide (possibly bears, too), as well as moose and deer near Sportsman Lake. From late fall to spring, the Yellowstone River Trail is excellent for sighting bison, elk, sheep, pronghorns, mule deer, and coyotes. Contact: (307) 344-7381; www.nps.gov/yell.
- Isle Royale: The Feldtmann Lake Loop, starting at Windigo and passing Feldtmann Lake, Feldtmann Ridge, Siskiwit Bay, and Island Mine, is one of the best long hikes (about 30 miles) for viewing wildlife. Feldtmann Lake is known for its moose sightings. Rainbow Cove (1 mile away) on the shores of Lake Superior is a good birding site. Contact: (906) 482-0984; www.nps.gov/isro.