Are you looking for an adventure that will take you from the red rocks of the desert to the snow-capped peaks of the mountains? Look no further than Arches National Park and Glacier National Park! These two national parks offer vastly different landscapes and experiences, making them the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. Arches National Park, located in the desert of Utah, is known for its unique sandstone formations and red rock landscapes that will take your breath away. Meanwhile, Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is home to towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and an abundance of glaciers that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a scenic drive, these two parks have something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we compare and contrast Arches National Park and Glacier National Park.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Glacier National Park
Arches National Park and Glacier National Park both offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
At Arches National Park, visitors can choose from a variety of trails that range in difficulty level. Some of the easiest hikes include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a 1.4-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon and offers views of towering red rock formations. Another easy hike is the Balanced Rock Trail, which is a 0.3-mile round trip hike that leads to a viewpoint of the park’s famous Balanced Rock formation.
For those looking for more of a challenge, Arches National Park also offers several harder hikes. The Delicate Arch Trail is a 3-mile round trip hike that leads to the park’s most famous arch and offers views of the surrounding red rock formations. The Devils Garden Trail, which is a 7.2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a series of arches and offers a strenuous hike.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can choose from a variety of hikes that range in difficulty level. Some of the easiest hikes include the Trail of the Cedars, which is a 1-mile loop hike that takes visitors through a dense forest of western red cedar and hemlock, and the Apgar Lookout Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that leads to a viewpoint of Lake McDonald and the surrounding mountains.
For those looking for more of a challenge, Glacier National Park also offers several harder hikes. The Highline Trail is a 11.6-mile hike that takes visitors along a narrow ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The Grinnell Glacier Trail is a 7.6-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the Grinnell Glacier and offers a strenuous hike with a elevation gain of 1,600 ft.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Glacier National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to choose from, with trails that vary in difficulty level. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a more challenging one, both parks have something to offer. Hikers of all skill levels can find a trail that suits their abilities and enjoy the natural beauty of these two national parks.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | Easy | 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 Arches National Park and Glacier National Park
Both Arches National Park and Glacier National Park are home to a diverse array of wildlife.
At Arches National Park, visitors may see a variety of animals such as the desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and rock squirrels. In addition, the park is home to a variety of birds including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and the red-tailed hawk. Visitors may also see lizards, snakes, and a variety of other small animals.
Glacier National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. Visitors may also see wolves and lynx, as well as a variety of bird species such as the harlequin duck, the American dipper, and the peregrine falcon. Along with the animals, visitors may also see a variety of plants such as wildflowers, conifers, and deciduous trees.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Glacier National Park offer visitors the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife. Arches National Park is home to a variety of desert animals and birds, while Glacier National Park has a diverse array of wildlife that includes bears, mountain goats, and other mammals, as well as a variety of bird species. In both parks, visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty of the plants that are native to the area.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches 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
| Arches 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 |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
| Northern River Otter | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Rubber Boa |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Longnose Sucker |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Common Carp | Lake Trout |
| Speckled Dace | Northern Pike |
| Yellow Bullhead | Burbot |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Glacier National Park
Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its unique rock formations and scenic hiking trails. Some of the most famous landscapes at Arches National Park include:
1. Delicate Arch: This iconic natural arch is one of the most famous and recognizable features of the park. Visitors can hike to the arch and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
2. The Windows: This section of the park features a group of large arches, including the North and South Windows, that are set against a backdrop of red rock formations.
3. Park Avenue: This section of the park features a scenic hiking trail that takes visitors through a narrow canyon with towering red rock walls on either side.
4. Balanced Rock: This large rock formation sits precariously on a smaller rock base and is a popular spot for visitors to take photographs.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its stunning glaciers, mountain ranges, and diverse wildlife. Some of the most famous landscapes at Glacier National Park include:
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road: This scenic drive takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers incredible views of the mountains, glaciers, and valleys.
2. Grinnell Glacier: This large glacier is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the park and offers a great opportunity to see glacial features up close.
3. Logan Pass: This mountain pass is the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Saint Mary Lake: This large lake is surrounded by rugged peaks and offers great opportunities for boating, fishing and hiking.
5. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park: The park is located on the border of Canada and the United States, it’s the first international peace park in the world.
Both parks are incredibly diverse and offer a wide range of landscapes for visitors to enjoy. Each park offers a unique experience and different natural wonders to explore.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Glacier National Park
Arches National Park and Glacier National Park are both popular destinations that offer visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy.
At Arches National Park, some of the most popular activities include hiking and sightseeing. Visitors can explore the park’s famous red rock arches, such as Delicate Arch, as well as other natural features such as balancing rocks and spires. The park also offers several easy and moderate hiking trails, such as the Park Avenue Trail and the Devil’s Garden Trail.
Glacier National Park is also a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing. Visitors can explore the park’s rugged mountains and valleys, as well as its many glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. The park has over 700 miles of hiking trails, from easy to strenuous, including the Highline Trail, the Grinnell Glacier Trail, and the Iceberg Lake Trail.
In addition to hiking and sightseeing, visitors to Glacier National Park can also enjoy activities such as camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. Visitors can also take a scenic drive on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road which offers views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
In summary, both Arches National Park and Glacier National Park offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities. Arches National Park is known for its hiking and sightseeing, while Glacier National Park offers hiking, sightseeing, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. Both parks offer a chance to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Glacier National Park
Arches National Park is located in Moab, Utah, and is known for its hot summers and mild winters. The park experiences an average high temperature of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months of June, July, and August, with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoon. The park also experiences an average low temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months of December, January, and February, with occasional snowfall. The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana, and is known for its cool summers and cold winters. The park experiences an average high temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months of June, July, and August, with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoon. The park also experiences an average low temperature of around 0 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months of December, January, and February, with heavy snowfall. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is open for travel, however, is important to note that the park can be crowded during the peak summer season.
In summary, while Arches National Park is best visited during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller, Glacier National Park is best visited during the summer months when the weather is mild and the park’s famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is open for travel, however, it is important to note that the park can be crowded during the peak summer season.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Glacier National Park
Arches National Park and Glacier National Park are both beautiful national parks, but they have different offerings and experiences. Arches National Park, located in Utah, is known for its unique rock formations and scenic hiking trails. It is a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing. The park has several easy trails that are suitable for children, such as the Park Avenue Trail and the Delicate Arch Trail. The park also offers guided ranger programs, junior ranger program and campground facilities.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its stunning glaciers, mountain ranges, and diverse wildlife. It is a great destination for families who enjoy nature and adventure. The park offers a variety of activities, such as boat tours, kayaking, and hiking, but some of the trails can be strenuous for children. The park also offers guided ranger programs, junior ranger program, campground facilities and also a shuttle service for visitors to explore the park more easily.
In terms of which park is better to visit with children, it depends on the interests and abilities of the children. If your children enjoy outdoor activities and hiking, Arches National Park would be a great choice. If your children are interested in nature and adventure, Glacier National Park could be a great option. Both parks are family-friendly, but Arches National Park might be a bit more manageable for children because of the smaller number of strenuous hikes.