Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to witness the majesty of glaciers and towering mountains, but each park has its own unique features that set it apart from the other. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to take in the breathtaking scenery, these two parks are sure to leave an impression.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Alaska. It’s known for its massive glaciers, pristine waterways, and diverse wildlife. With turquoise waters, towering glaciers, and whales breaching in the distance, Glacier Bay is a photographer’s dream come true.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui, Hawaii, is equally stunning. The park is home to the largest dormant volcano in the world, and the summit of this massive mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. From the deep, dark crater to the rolling hills and lush vegetation, Haleakalā is a place of intense beauty and contrasts.
So, which park is better for your next adventure? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its stunning glaciers, wildlife, and breathtaking views. The park has a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. One of the easiest hikes is the West Beach Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that provides breathtaking views of glaciers and the surrounding landscape. For a more challenging hike, visitors can tackle the Bartlett Cove Trail, a 7-mile round trip hike through the forest to the cove.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is known for its unique volcanic landscapes and diverse ecology. The park has a variety of hiking trails that range from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. One of the easiest hikes is the Sliding Sands Trail, a 2-mile trail that descends into the crater, offering stunning views of the park’s unique landscapes. For a more challenging hike, visitors can tackle the Halemau’u Trail, a 7.5-mile round trip hike to the summit of the park’s highest peak.
Overall, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park offer a range of hiking opportunities, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Both parks provide breathtaking views of unique landscapes, making them ideal destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett Cove Forest Loop Trail | 1770.274 | 33.8328 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bartlett River Trail | 11104.446 | 266.7 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Bartlet Lake Trail | 9495.106 | 141.732 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Tlingit Trail | 1770.274 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Point Gustavus | 20116.75 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are two unique national parks that offer visitors the chance to experience diverse wildlife and plant life.
At Glacier Bay, visitors can observe a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, orcas, seals and sea lions, in addition to a vast array of bird life such as bald eagles, terns, and puffins. The park is also home to four species of salmon, and an array of seabirds.
Haleakalā National Park offers a different wildlife experience, with its high elevation and diverse landscape. The park is home to a large number of endemic species, including the Hawaiian goose and the Hawaiian petrel. Visitors may also observe mule deer, Hawaiian hoary bats, and many species of endemic plants.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, with Glacier Bay showcasing marine mammals and seabirds, while Haleakalā offers a glimpse into the unique and endemic species found in Hawaii. Whether you’re a birder, mammal watcher, or just enjoy observing nature, both parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Rock Pigeon |
| Osprey | House Sparrow |
| Tree Swallow | Northern Mockingbird |
| Mallard | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Canada Goose | Barn Owl |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Cattle Egret |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| American Robin | Chukar |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Cardinal |
| Northern Flicker | California Quail |
| Merlin | |
| Barn Swallow | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Rat |
| Deer Mouse | Domestic Cattle |
| Black Bear | Feral Hog |
| Porcupine | |
| Red Fox | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Long-Tailed Vole | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Grizzly Bear |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. The park is home to the largest collection of glaciers in North America, including the 16-mile-long Grand Pacific Glacier. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glaciers close up and observe calving, where chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. In addition to glaciers, the park is also home to humpback whales, sea lions, and other marine wildlife.
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii is famous for its volcanic landscapes, including the massive Haleakalā Crater. The park offers visitors the chance to hike to the summit of the 10,023-foot mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. The park also features unique volcanic landscapes, including cinder cones and lava fields, as well as lush forests and waterfalls. The park is home to many rare and endemic species, including the Hawaiian goose and the silversword plant.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park offer visitors the chance to experience some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the United States. Whether you’re interested in glaciers, volcanoes, or just breathtaking views, these parks are must-see destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their incredible natural beauty, unique landscapes, and abundant wildlife, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is famous for its glaciers, fjords, and whales. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, whale watching, and ranger-led programs to learn about the park’s history and ecology. Glacier Bay also offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is located in Hawaii and is best known for its volcanic landscapes, including its towering sunrises and sunsets. The park offers several scenic drives and hiking trails, as well as opportunities for stargazing and birdwatching. Visitors can also take guided tours to explore the park’s unique ecosystem, including its rare and endemic species.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature, but each park has its own unique features and activities that make it a unique destination. Whether it’s kayaking in Alaska or stargazing in Hawaii, these two parks are sure to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii are two popular destinations for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Both parks offer unique landscapes and experiences, but their seasonal weather patterns are significantly different.
Glacier Bay experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures can reach as low as -20°F (-29°C) and snow can accumulate up to several feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C), with occasional rain showers. The best time to visit Glacier Bay is from mid-May to September when the weather is milder, the days are longer, and the park’s glaciers are more accessible for boats and kayaking tours.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park has a tropical climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), with low humidity and little rainfall. Winter temperatures can drop to the low 50s°F (10-12°C), with more frequent rain showers. The park’s high elevation provides cooling relief from the tropical climate, making it a comfortable destination year-round. However, the best time to visit Haleakalā is during the dry season from April to October, when the skies are clear and visibility is optimal for stargazing and sunrise/sunset viewing.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking views. On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park is located in Hawaii and is famous for its scenic landscapes and unique volcanic features. Both parks are great destinations for families looking to experience the beauty of nature.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offers many opportunities for families to explore and learn about the natural environment. There are guided boat tours, ranger-led activities, and hiking trails suitable for families. The park also provides educational information about the glaciers and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for families with an interest in nature.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is a perfect destination for families who enjoy scenic views, hiking, and exploring unique geological features. The park offers a variety of trails for families to explore, including the Sliding Sands Trail, which takes visitors through a unique landscape of cinder cones and volcanic craters. Additionally, the park provides ranger-led activities and educational programs to help families learn about the geology and cultural history of the area.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Haleakalā National Park are great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature. However, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is better for families who are interested in learning about glaciers and wildlife, while Haleakalā National Park is better for those who enjoy scenic views and exploring unique geological features.