Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States, each offering a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors. Big Bend, located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas, is a land of stark contrasts, where towering mountains and deep canyons meet the vast expanse of the desert. On the other hand, Glacier Bay, located in Alaska, is a land of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife, where visitors can explore the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Both parks offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of our planet. So, if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure, pack your bags and head to Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve!
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both known for their stunning natural landscapes and hiking opportunities. However, the hiking trails at each park offer different experiences for visitors.
Big Bend National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, with something for hikers of all skill levels. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Chisos Basin Nature Trail, which is a one-mile round-trip trail that offers great views of the Chisos Mountains, and the Window View Trail, which is a 0.3-mile round-trip trail that offers a view of the Santa Elena Canyon. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging backpacking trails such as the Outer Mountain Loop, which is a strenuous 30-mile loop that takes visitors through the Chisos Mountains and offers stunning views of the park.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve also offers a variety of hiking trails, but they are known for their strenuous and remote nature. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Bartlett Cove Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round-trip trail that takes visitors through the forest and along the shore of Bartlett Cove and the South Marble Island Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round-trip trail that takes visitors to an island with great wildlife viewing opportunities. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging backpacking trails such as the West Arm Trail, which is a strenuous 9-mile round-trip trail that takes visitors through remote wilderness and offers stunning views of glaciers and rugged coastlines.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offer a diverse range of hiking trails, but the trails at Glacier Bay are known for their remote and strenuous nature, while Big Bend National Park offers a good balance of easy and challenging trails. Visitors to Big Bend National Park can expect to find a variety of hikes suitable for all skill levels, while visitors to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve should be prepared for more remote and strenuous hikes.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
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 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. In Big Bend, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. The park is also home to over 450 species of birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plants, including cacti, yucca, and agave.
In contrast, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its glaciers and marine life. Visitors can expect to see a variety of marine mammals such as humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle and the pigeon guillemot. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant life, including mosses, lichens, and wildflowers.
Overall, Big Bend National Park offers a diverse array of wildlife, including a wide variety of birds and mammals, while Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its marine life, glaciers and seabirds. Both parks offer unique and beautiful wildlife experiences for visitors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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
| Big Bend National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Little Brown Bat |
| Big Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Deer Mouse | Red Fox |
| Raccoon | House Mouse |
| Black Bear | Mountain Lion |
| Porcupine | Mink |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mule Deer |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mountain Lion | River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Masked Shrew |
| Common Gray Fox | Water Shrew |
| Gray Wolf | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Montane Shrew |
| American Badger | Long-Tailed Vole |
| California Myotis | Lynx |
| Fringed Myotis | Wolverine |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Marten |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Grizzly Bear |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Mexican Milksnake | |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Longnose Sucker |
| Fathead Minnow | Lake Trout |
| Common Carp | Northern Pike |
| Longnose Dace | Burbot |
| Yellow Bullhead | Silver Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Chinook Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are two of the most diverse and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the grandeur of nature in very different ways.
Big Bend National Park is located in the southwestern part of Texas and is known for its rugged and remote terrain. The park is home to a wide variety of landscapes including deserts, mountains, and canyons. The Chisos Mountains, a range located entirely within the park, offer some of the most scenic views in the park, including the iconic “Window View” which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding desert. Visitors can also hike to the top of Emory Peak, the highest point in the park, for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape.
On the other hand, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and offers visitors a chance to witness the power of glaciers and the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. The park is home to a number of tidewater glaciers, including the famous Margerie Glacier, which visitors can witness from a variety of viewpoints by boat or kayak. The park also offers a chance to see wildlife such as bears, whales, and seals in their natural habitats. In addition, the park’s rugged terrain offers visitors a chance to hike through the Alaskan wilderness and see breathtaking landscapes such as the Muir Inlet and the West Arm of Glacier Bay.
In summary, Big Bend National Park offers a diverse desert landscape with rugged mountains and canyons while Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offers a chance to witness the power of glaciers, Alaskan wilderness, and diverse wildlife. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the grandeur of nature and make for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both popular national parks that offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Both parks are known for their natural beauty and diverse wildlife, but they offer different experiences depending on the season and location.
At Big Bend National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, camping, bird watching, and scenic drives. The park is home to over 400 species of birds, making it a popular destination for bird watchers. Visitors can also hike to the summit of Emory Peak, the highest point in the park, for spectacular views of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert and Chisos Mountains.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its stunning glaciers and marine wildlife. Visitors can take boat tours to see glaciers calving and spot humpback whales, sea otters, and seals. Kayaking and rafting are also popular activities in the park, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the stunning glaciers and fjords. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails leading to the park’s glaciers and alpine meadows.
In terms of family-friendly activities, both parks have a lot to offer. Big Bend National Park has many easy hiking trails and scenic drives that are perfect for families, while Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve has boat tours and ranger-led activities that are suitable for all ages. Both parks have visitor centers and exhibits that provide educational opportunities for families.
In summary, Big Bend National Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and scenic drives, while Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its glaciers and marine wildlife, and offers activities like boat tours, kayaking, rafting, and hiking. Both parks are great for families and offer different experiences depending on the season and location.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both located in unique and diverse climates, which affects the seasonal weather patterns at each park.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas, and the park experiences hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can easily reach over 100°F, and it is not uncommon for the park to experience extreme heat waves. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to visit, with temperatures typically in the 70s and 80s. Winter is also a good time to visit, as temperatures are mild and there is less chance of extreme heat. However, it is important to note that the park does receive occasional snowfall, so visitors should be prepared for colder temperatures and possibly snowy conditions.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and experiences a much colder climate. The park has a maritime climate, with mild summers and extremely cold winters. Summer temperatures typically range from the 40s to 60s, while winter temperatures can drop well below freezing. Visitors to the park during the summer months will have the opportunity to see glaciers, wildlife and wildflowers, while the winter months are great for those who want to experience the park’s remote wilderness. The park also gets a lot of rainfall, so visitors should be prepared for wet and damp conditions throughout the year.
In summary, the best time of year to visit Big Bend National Park is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild, while the best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is during the summer when the park’s glaciers, wildlife, and wildflowers are most visible. Visitors to Big Bend National Park should be prepared for hot and sometimes extreme temperatures, while visitors to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve should be prepared for cold temperatures and wet conditions.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both known for their stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities, but they offer different experiences for families.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert terrain and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and river rafting. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plants, making it a great destination for nature lovers of all ages. The park also offers ranger-led programs that are tailored to children, making it a great destination for families who want to explore the outdoors together.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its glaciers and fjords, and offers a variety of activities such as kayaking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a wide range of marine mammals and birds, as well as spectacular glaciers that are sure to impress visitors of all ages. However, the park is relatively remote and may require a bit more planning to visit, which may make it less suitable for families with young children.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are great destinations for families who want to experience the beauty of nature, but they offer different types of experiences. Big Bend National Park offers a more traditional national park experience with a variety of outdoor activities and ranger-led programs, while Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its glaciers and marine wildlife, making it a great destination for families who are interested in these unique features.