Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most spectacular natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer a wide variety of scenic vistas, rugged terrain, and an abundance of wildlife. But which park is right for your next adventure? Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a hiker, or just looking for a unique vacation experience, Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two parks, highlighting the similarities and differences between them. From the otherworldly landscapes of Badlands National Park to the majestic glaciers of Glacier National Park, you’ll discover why these two parks are must-see destinations for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime as we compare Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the type of hiking experiences available at each park is quite different.
Badlands National Park offers a mix of easy and strenuous hiking trails, with several boardwalks and nature walks that are perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Door Trail and the Fossil Exhibit Trail. These short, easy hikes take visitors through some of the most scenic areas of the park and offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its more strenuous hiking trails, many of which take visitors through some of the most rugged and remote wilderness areas of the park. Some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Highline Trail and the Grinnell Glacier Trail. Both of these hikes are long and strenuous, and they take visitors through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the park, including alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and glistening glaciers.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its easy and moderate hikes, while Glacier National Park is known for its strenuous hikes. Both parks offer a great variety of hiking experiences that cater to different interests and abilities. Visitors to Badlands National Park can enjoy easy nature walks and boardwalks, while visitors to Glacier National Park can challenge themselves with strenuous hikes through rugged wilderness areas.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park are both home to a wide variety of wildlife, but each park has its own unique set of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen.
Badlands National Park is home to a wide variety of mammals, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and black-footed ferrets. Visitors may also spot some of the park’s more elusive mammals, such as mountain lions and swift foxes. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the golden eagle, ferruginous hawk, and the rare and endangered black-footed ferret. The park also has a diverse array of reptiles, including the prairie rattlesnake, and several species of lizards and turtles.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is home to a wide variety of mammals, including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and moose. Visitors may also spot some of the park’s smaller mammals, such as the American marten, and wolverine, which is a rare sight. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, osprey, and the rare and endangered peregrine falcon. The park also has a diverse array of reptiles, including the garter snake, and several species of lizards and turtles.
In terms of plants, Badlands National Park is home to a wide variety of grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers, including the sunflowers, cactus, and prickly pear cactus. The park is also home to the Badlands sagebrush, which is a unique plant that is found only in the park. On the other hand, Glacier National Park is home to a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, including the Douglas fir, western larch, and Engelmann spruce. The park is also home to the Glacier lily, which is a unique wildflower that is found only in the park.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park offer a great wildlife viewing experience, but each park has its own unique set of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen. Badlands National Park is known for its unique geologic formations, fossils, and diverse mammal, bird and reptile life. While Glacier National Park is known for its glaciers, rugged mountains and diverse mammal, bird, and reptile life, including the Grizzly bear and the Elk.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands 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
| Badlands 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 |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| Northern Myotis | Long-Legged Bat |
| Badger | Long-Eared Bat |
| Weasel | Badger |
| North American River Otter | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Common Shrew | California Myotis |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Morning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Longnose Sucker |
| Longnose Dace | Fathead Minnow |
| Yellow Bullhead | Lake Trout |
| Channel Catfish | Northern Pike |
| Black Bullhead | Burbot |
| Creek Chub | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Badlands National Park is known for its unique and otherworldly landscape, with towering spires, deep canyons, and layered rock formations. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands Loop Road, which winds its way through the park’s most dramatic terrain, offering breathtaking views of the layered rock formations. Visitors can also see the Pinnacles Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the rugged terrain and the Badlands formations.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its majestic glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain ranges. The park’s most famous landscape is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds its way through the park’s most spectacular terrain, offering breathtaking views of the glaciers and the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can also see the Hidden Lake Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the backcountry and see even more of the park’s beautiful landscapes.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park are both popular national parks that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, but each park has its own unique set of activities that are most popular among visitors.
Badlands National Park is known for its unique geologic formations and fossils, and visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails to see these features up close. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some popular trails include the Badlands Loop Road, which offers scenic views of the park’s rugged terrain, and the Pinnacles Overlook Trail, which provides a panoramic view of the park’s famous rock formations. Visitors can also take a scenic drive on the Badlands Loop Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Glacier National Park is known for its glaciers, rugged mountains, and beautiful lakes, and visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails to see these features up close. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some popular trails include the Highline Trail, which offers scenic views of the park’s rugged terrain and wildflowers, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which provides a panoramic view of the park’s famous glaciers. Visitors can also take a scenic drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s rugged terrain and beautiful lakes.
In addition to hiking and scenic drives, both parks also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, camping, and backcountry camping. Visitors can also enjoy Ranger-led programs, educational exhibits and ranger stations to learn about the parks’ history, geology, and wildlife.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park offer a great variety of activities that visitors can enjoy, but each park has its own unique set of activities that are most popular among visitors. Badlands National Park is known for its unique geologic formations and fossils and offers a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives. While Glacier National Park is known for its glaciers, rugged mountains, and beautiful lakes and also offers a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives and opportunities for wildlife viewing, camping, and backcountry camping.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park have different seasonal weather patterns that can affect when the best time of year to visit each park is.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and has a semi-arid climate. The park experiences hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), while winter temperatures can drop to below freezing. Spring and fall are considered the best times to visit the park, as temperatures are milder and the park’s wildflowers and prairie grasses are in bloom. Visitors should also be prepared for thunderstorms, which are more common in the summer months.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is located in Montana and has a subalpine climate. The park experiences cool summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The park is known for its beautiful fall colors and mild weather, making it a great time to visit. Additionally, the park’s famous “Going-to-the-Sun Road” is only open during the summer months, allowing visitors to access the park’s most spectacular landscapes.
In summary, the best time to visit Badlands National Park is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and the park’s wildflowers and prairie grasses are in bloom. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is in the summer, when the park’s famous “Going-to-the-Sun Road” is open and the weather is mild. It’s also the best time to see wildflowers, and colorful fall foliage. Visitors to both parks should be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park
Both Badlands National Park and Glacier National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they offer different types of experiences.
Badlands National Park is a great option for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring. The park offers several short and easy hikes, such as the Door Trail and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, that are perfect for families with young children. Additionally, the park offers a Junior Ranger program, which is a great way to keep children engaged and interested in the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Glacier National Park is also a great option for families with children, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The park offers a variety of hikes for families with young children, such as the Hidden Lake Nature Trail and the Trail of the Cedars, which are relatively easy and offer beautiful views. Additionally, the park offers a Junior Ranger program, which is a great way to keep children engaged and interested in the park’s natural and cultural resources.
In summary, both parks are great options for families with children. But, if you’re looking for an easy hike with kids and an educational program, Badlands National Park is a better option for you. If you’re looking for a more rugged and wild experience with scenic hikes and camping, Glacier National Park is a better option.