Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most diverse and picturesque national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or a photographer, these two parks have something to offer for everyone. From the rugged mountains of Glacier National Park to the desert landscapes of Big Bend National Park, these two parks are truly a feast for the eyes. In this article, we will explore the many wonders of Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park, and compare the two to help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure. So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to discover the beauty of these two amazing national parks.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park
Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park are both known for their beautiful hiking trails. Both parks offer a wide range of trails that cater to different skill levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged terrain and desert landscape, which offers a unique hiking experience. Some of the easiest hikes at Big Bend include the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, which is a self-guided trail that offers an introduction to the park’s desert ecosystem, and the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, which is a short hike that offers great birdwatching opportunities. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in Big Bend include the Emory Peak Trail, which is a strenuous 8.4-mile hike that leads to the highest peak in the park, and the Outer Mountain Loop, which is a strenuous 30-mile hike that takes you through some of the most remote areas of the park.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged mountains and glistening glaciers. Some of the easiest hikes in Glacier include the Trail of the Cedars, which is a short, wheelchair-accessible nature trail, and the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, which is a moderate hike that offers great views of Hidden Lake. On the other hand, some of the most challenging hikes in Glacier include the Highline Trail, which is a strenuous hike that leads to great views of the park’s glaciers, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is a strenuous hike that leads to one of the park’s most iconic glaciers.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. While Big Bend offers a unique desert hiking experience, Glacier offers the opportunity to hike in the shadow of majestic mountains and glaciers. Ultimately, the best park for hiking will depend on your personal preferences and skill level.
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 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 Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park
Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Big Bend, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals such as desert bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, black bears, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a wide range of birds, including golden eagles, roadrunners, and peregrine falcons. In addition, the park is home to many species of reptiles and amphibians, including rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and the Texas horned lizard. Plants that are commonly seen in the park include cacti, yucca, and agave.
Glacier National Park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mammals such as mountain goats, grizzly bears, and wolves. The park is also home to many bird species, including the peregrine falcon, the American dipper, and the harlequin duck. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the western painted turtle, the boreal chorus frog, and the western skink. Plants that are commonly seen in the park include wildflowers, lichens, and mosses.
In terms of wildlife, Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park are both great places to visit, but they offer different types of experiences. Big Bend is known for its unique desert environment and its wide range of reptiles and amphibians, while Glacier National Park is known for its mountainous terrain and its diverse range of mammals and birds.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend 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
| Big Bend 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 |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Common Gray Fox | Mink |
| Gray Wolf | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Gray Wolf |
| American Badger | Long-Legged Bat |
| California Myotis | Long-Eared Bat |
| Fringed Myotis | Badger |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | California Myotis |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Rubber Boa |
| 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 National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Longnose Sucker |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Common Carp | Lake Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Northern Pike |
| Yellow Bullhead | Burbot |
| Channel Catfish | Mottled Sculpin |
| Mosquitofish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park
Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, boasts a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, canyons, and desert terrain. The park is home to the Chisos Mountains, which offer stunning views and challenging hikes, as well as the Rio Grande, which runs through the park and offers opportunities for rafting and kayaking. In addition, the park’s desert landscape is home to a variety of cacti, agave, and other desert plants.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its awe-inspiring glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. The park is home to the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers and high mountain peaks. Visitors can also hike on the park’s numerous trails, which lead to stunning vistas and waterfalls. Additionally, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
The two parks offer unique and different landscapes, while Big Bend is known for its desert and mountains, Glacier National Park is known for its glaciers, alpine meadows and rugged peaks, offering visitors with different kind of experience. The family-friendly activities also vary in these two parks, with Big Bend offering more river activities and hiking trails, while Glacier National Park is more popular for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park
Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park are both known for their beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, camping, and sightseeing.
At Big Bend National Park, the most popular activities include hiking on the park’s numerous trails, which range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Visitors also enjoy scenic drives, river rafting, and stargazing. Big Bend is also known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and over 450 species of birds.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain peaks. The park’s most popular activities include hiking on its 700+ miles of trails, camping, and scenic drives on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Visitors also enjoy fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Glacier National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and wolves.
Both parks are great for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, but Glacier National Park may be the better option if you’re looking for a wider variety of activities, while Big Bend National Park is a great option if you’re looking for a more remote wilderness experience.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park
Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park 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 National Park, on the other hand, is located in Montana, and the park experiences a much cooler climate. Summer temperatures typically range from the 60s to 80s, while winter temperatures can drop well below freezing. The park also receives heavy snowfall during the winter months, so visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and snowy conditions. The park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed during the winter months. Spring is also a good time to visit as the snow melts and the park’s waterfalls and creeks are at their peak. Fall is also a great time to visit as the leaves turn colors and offer beautiful views.
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 National Park is during the summer when the park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is open and 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 National Park should be prepared for cold temperatures and snowy conditions, especially during the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park
Big Bend National Park and Glacier National Park are both spectacular national parks that offer unique natural experiences for visitors. Both parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, the two parks offer different experiences.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert landscapes, including the Chisos Mountains, which offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors of all abilities. The park also offers guided ranger programs and educational activities that are suitable for families with children.
On the other hand, Glacier National Park is known for its stunning glaciers, alpine meadows, and high mountain peaks. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, many of the park’s most popular trails and activities may not be suitable for young children or families with small children. For example, the park’s famous Highline Trail or Grinnell Glacier hike, which requires steep climbs and technical skill, is not recommended for young kids.
Both parks are great for families with older children who are able to enjoy the rugged nature and outdoor activities. However, if your family is traveling with small children, Big Bend National Park may be more suitable as it offers a wider range of family-friendly activities.