Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park are two of America’s most iconic natural treasures, each offering its own unique set of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. Imagine towering red rock spires and deep canyons of Canyonlands, juxtaposed with the rugged mountains, crystal clear lakes, and ancient glaciers of Glacier National Park. Both parks offer an array of outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, and scenic drives that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time national park visitor, both parks offer something for everyone. Come and explore the natural beauty of these two parks and discover what makes them special. From the deserts of Canyonlands to the mountains of Glacier, this comparison will leave you wanting more. So come along and join us as we explore and compare these two incredible national parks, and discover which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park both offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors, but the difficulty and type of trails vary between the two parks.
Canyonlands National Park is known for its challenging and strenuous hikes that offer stunning views of the park’s canyons and mesas. Some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Chesler Park Loop Trail and the Druid Arch Trail. The Chesler Park Loop Trail is a 11-mile hike that takes visitors through a remote and rugged area of the park, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. The Druid Arch Trail is an 8-mile hike that takes visitors to the top of a mesa, where they can see the famous Druid Arch.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its challenging hikes that offer stunning views of the park’s glaciers, alpine meadows, and mountain ranges. Some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Highline Trail and the Grinnell Glacier Trail. The Highline Trail is a 11.6-mile hike that takes visitors along a narrow trail with steep drop-offs and offers views of the park’s mountains, glaciers and wildflowers. The Grinnell Glacier Trail is a 7.6-mile hike that takes visitors to the Grinnell Glacier, one of the park’s most famous landmarks.
Both parks also have easier hikes for visitors who are not looking for a strenuous hike. Canyonlands National Park, easy hikes include the Upheaval Dome Trail and the Grand View Point Trail. Glacier National Park, easy hikes include the Trail of the Cedars and the Avalanche Lake Trail.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park both offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors, but the difficulty and type of trails vary between the two parks. Canyonlands is known for its challenging and strenuous hikes that offer stunning views of the park’s canyons and mesas, while Glacier National Park is known for its challenging hikes that offer stunning views of the park’s glaciers, alpine meadows, and mountain ranges. Both parks also have easier hikes for visitors who are not looking for a strenuous hike.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Arch Trail | 965.604 | 18.8976 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand View Point Trail | 2896.812 | 52.7304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chesler Park Loop Trail | 18668.344 | 589.788 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| False Kiva Trail | 3057.746 | 136.8552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail | 2414.01 | 91.7448 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Aztec Butte Trail | 2092.142 | 66.7512 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Druid Arch Trail | 15288.73 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Shafer Trail | 30899.328 | 949.7568 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| White Rim Overlook Trail | 2896.812 | 48.768 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Syncline Loop | 13840.324 | 496.824 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park are both home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and plants. However, each park has its own unique set of species that can be seen.
At Canyonlands National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals such as pronghorn, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a variety of predators, including coyotes, mountain lions, and bobcats. Birds such as golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons can also be seen in the park. The park also boasts a wide variety of plants, including sagebrush, cactus, and junipers.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of mammals, such as grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, and bighorn sheep. Elk and moose are also commonly seen in the park. The park also boasts over 260 species of birds, including the iconic American Bald eagle, the Great Gray Owl, and the Peregrine Falcon. The park also has a wide variety of plants, including wildflowers, huckleberries and thimbleberries, and conifers such as Douglas fir, and western red cedar.
Both of these parks offer visitors a chance to see some of the most iconic wildlife in the United States, but each park has its own unique set of species that can be seen. Canyonlands National Park is known for its desert wildlife and the park’s rugged terrain and remote wilderness, while Glacier National Park is known for its alpine wilderness, rugged peaks, and its diverse wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands National Park | Glacier 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
| Canyonlands National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| American Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Wolf |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Legged Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| American Badger | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Ermine | California Myotis |
| California Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Fathead Minnow |
| Bluegill | Lake Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Northern Pike |
| Common Carp | Burbot |
| Northern Pike | Mottled Sculpin |
| Speckled Dace | Slimy Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Channel Catfish | Sockeye Salmon |
| Kokanee Salmon | Arctic Grayling |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Rubber Boa |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| 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 | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park are both renowned for their spectacular natural landscapes and features.
At Canyonlands National Park, the most famous landscapes include the Island in the Sky mesa, which offers panoramic views of the park’s red rock canyons, mesas, and buttes. Another famous landscape is the Maze district, which is known for its labyrinth of canyons, spires, and towers. The Needles district is also famous for its colorful sandstone spires and is a popular destination for hikers and backpackers. Additionally, the park’s White Rim Road offers a scenic drive that takes visitors to the park’s most famous overlooks, including the Grand View Point and the Green River Overlook.
At Glacier National Park, the most famous landscapes include the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers a scenic drive through the park’s rugged mountains and glaciers. The park’s lakes, including Lake McDonald, Saint Mary Lake, and Two Medicine Lake, are also famous for their crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views. Additionally, the park’s high peaks, including Mount Reynolds, Mount Grinnell, and Mount Cleveland, offer challenging hikes and stunning panoramic views of the park. The park also offers several waterfalls, including Siyeh Falls and St. Mary falls, that are worth visiting.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park is known for its red rock canyons, mesas, and buttes, while Glacier National Park is known for its rugged mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. Both parks offer a variety of landscapes and natural features that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but each park offers a different set of activities for visitors.
Canyonlands National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with a wide variety of trails that offer breathtaking views of the park’s unique landscapes. The park’s most popular hike is the “Mesa Arch” which offers a great view of the surrounding area. The park also offers a wide range of backcountry hiking and camping, as well as rock climbing and canyoneering for more adventurous visitors. The park also has several scenic drives for visitors to enjoy, including the White Rim Road and the Shafer Trail.
Glacier National Park is known for its spectacular glaciers, rugged peaks, and abundant wildlife. The park’s most popular activity is hiking, with over 700 miles of trails that offer breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers, lakes, and wildflowers. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers and peaks. The park also offers a wide range of other activities such as backpacking, camping, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also take a guided tour to see the park’s glaciers and wildlife up close.
Both of these parks offer visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, but each park has its own unique set of activities that visitors can enjoy. Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and remote wilderness, while Glacier National Park is known for its alpine wilderness, rugged peaks, and glaciers. Both parks are great options for outdoor enthusiasts, but it depends on what type of activities you are looking for.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park have different seasonal weather patterns that affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Canyonlands National Park is located in the desert region of southern Utah and has hot summers and mild winters. The park’s hottest months are June, July, and August, with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). The park’s mildest months are September, October, and November, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 degrees Celsius). The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is located in Montana’s Rocky Mountains and has much colder weather than Canyonlands. The park’s warmest months are June, July, and August, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 degrees Celsius). The park’s coldest months are December, January, and February, with temperatures dropping below freezing. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s glaciers are accessible. However, visitors should be prepared for cold weather and snow, even during the summer months.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park has hot summers and mild winters, with the best time to visit being during the spring and fall. Glacier National Park has much colder weather than Canyonlands, with the best time to visit being during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s glaciers are accessible. However, visitors should be prepared for cold weather and snow, even during the summer months at Glacier National Park.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Glacier National Park are both great options for families looking for an outdoor adventure, but each park offers a different type of experience.
Canyonlands National Park is known for its rugged and remote wilderness, and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, and off-roading. Some of the park’s easier trails include the Grand View Point Trail and the Upheaval Dome Trail, both of which offer great views and are suitable for families with children. However, the park’s remote wilderness and lack of developed amenities make it less suitable for families with very young children.
On the other hand, Glacier National Park offers a more developed and accessible experience for families. The park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a scenic drive through the park’s rugged mountains and glaciers, and the park’s lakes, including Lake McDonald, Saint Mary Lake, and Two Medicine Lake, offer great opportunities for swimming and boating. The park also offers a variety of easy hikes and nature walks, such as the Trail of the Cedars, that are suitable for families with children.
In summary, Canyonlands National Park is better for families with older children who are interested in rugged wilderness and outdoor adventure, while Glacier National Park is better for families with young children who are looking for a more developed and accessible experience.