Are you looking for a contrast of natural beauty? Look no further than Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park. These two national parks offer vastly different landscapes, activities, and wildlife that will leave you in awe. Imagine hiking through hoodoos, spires, and fins in one park, then traversing through glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks in another. One park is known for its vibrant red, orange, and pink hues, while the other is known for its untouched wilderness and glistening glaciers. Both parks offer a variety of recreational activities for visitors, from scenic drives and easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, these two parks have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through Bryce Canyon and Glacier National Park.
Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park are both known for their beautiful hiking trails, but the types of hikes that are offered at each park are quite different. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its hoodoos, which are the park’s signature rock formations, while Glacier National Park is known for its glaciers and rugged mountain terrain.
Bryce Canyon National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry trails. Some of the easiest hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park include the Rim Trail, which is a 2.5-mile trail that runs along the rim of the canyon and offers stunning views of the hoodoos, and the Queen’s Garden Trail, which is a 1.8-mile trail that takes visitors to a beautiful garden of hoodoos.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is home to some of the most challenging hikes in the country. Some of the most strenuous hikes at Glacier National Park include the Highline Trail, which is a 11.6-mile trail that runs along the continental divide and offers breathtaking views of the park, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is a 7.6-mile trail that takes visitors to one of the park’s most beautiful glaciers.
In conclusion, both Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. While Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its easy nature walks and beautiful hoodoos, Glacier National Park is known for its challenging hikes and rugged mountain terrain. Both parks are great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors can choose the hikes that best suit their interests and abilities.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail | 4184.284 | 189.8904 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Fairyland Loop Trail | 11909.116 | 469.6968 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Peekaboo Loop Trail | 8368.568 | 442.8744 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Navajo Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 139.9032 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 175.8696 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Sunset Point to Sunrise Point | 1770.274 | 24.9936 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail | 1609.34 | 35.9664 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Queen Victoria via Queen’s Garden Loop | 3379.614 | 123.7488 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tower Bridge Trail | 5471.756 | 251.7648 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail) | 10138.842 | 456.8952 | Moderate | loop | 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 Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. However, the types of wildlife that can be seen at each park are quite different due to their different geographical locations and climates.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah and is known for its colorful hoodoos (tall, spire-shaped rock formations). The park’s elevation ranges from 6,620 to 9,115 feet above sea level. The park is home to a variety of animals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and pronghorn antelope. Visitors may also see coyotes, foxes, and black bears. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and several species of owls.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Montana and is known for its glaciated mountains, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife. The park’s elevation ranges from 3,000 to 10,466 feet above sea level. Visitors to Glacier National Park are likely to see a variety of large mammals, including grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, and elk. The park is also home to a variety of smaller mammals, including beavers, martens, and wolverines. Visitors may also see a wide variety of bird species, including golden eagles, ospreys, and several species of songbirds.
Both parks are home to a wide variety of plants, with Bryce Canyon having a unique variety of wildflowers and cacti, and Glacier National Park having a diverse range of alpine plants and wildflowers.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique rock formations and wide variety of mammals and birds, while Glacier National Park is known for its glaciated mountains, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife, particularly large mammals. Both Parks offer a unique wildlife experience, it depends on what type of animals and birds you are looking for.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Bryce Canyon 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
| Bryce Canyon 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 |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Bat |
| American Badger | Badger |
| Ermine | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink |
Fish
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique and colorful landscape, which is formed by erosion of the Claron Formation. The most famous landscape in the park is the Bryce Amphitheater, a natural amphitheater carved out of the red, orange, and pink Claron Formation. The amphitheater is home to the park’s most famous feature, the hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that resemble totem poles. The park also features a variety of other landscapes, including the Silent City, a collection of hoodoos that resemble city buildings, and the Natural Bridge, a natural bridge carved out of the Claron Formation. Other natural features in the park include the Rainbow Point, the highest point in the park, and the Ponderosa Point, which offers panoramic views of the park.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged wilderness, glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. The most famous landscape in the park is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive that crosses the Continental Divide and offers panoramic views of the park’s rugged wilderness. The park also features a variety of other landscapes, including the Many Glacier Valley, which is home to several glaciers, including Grinnell Glacier, and the Logan Pass, which offers panoramic views of the park. Other natural features in the park include the Highline Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s rugged wilderness, and the Hidden Lake, which is surrounded by rugged peaks.
In summary, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique and colorful landscape, particularly the Bryce Amphitheater and hoodoos, while Glacier National Park is known for its rugged wilderness, glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Both parks offer a variety of landscapes and natural features that are worth visiting.
Things To-Do and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park are both popular tourist destinations that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, the most popular activity is hiking. The park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy, paved walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Navajo Loop Trail, which takes visitors through a series of hoodoos and offers stunning views of the park’s colorful rock formations, and the Queen’s Garden Trail, which is a relatively easy hike that leads to a beautiful garden of hoodoos. Additionally, visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park can also take part in ranger-led walks, horseback rides, and stargazing programs.
At Glacier National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, camping, and backpacking. The park offers more than 700 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Hidden Lake Trail, which takes visitors through alpine meadows and offers stunning views of the park’s glaciers, and the Highline Trail, which is a relatively easy hike that leads to a beautiful alpine meadow. Additionally, visitors to Glacier National Park can also take part in ranger-led walks, boat tours, and wildlife watching programs.
Both Parks offer a unique experience, with Bryce Canyon National Park known for its unique rock formations, hiking and stargazing programs, while Glacier National Park is known for its glaciated mountains, alpine meadows and hiking, camping and backpacking. Visitors to these parks can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, depending on their interests and abilities.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park are both located in different regions of the United States, and as such, their seasonal weather patterns are quite different.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah and has a desert climate. During the summer months, the park can get quite hot with temperatures reaching well over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The park also receives very little precipitation during the summer, making it a great time to visit for those who enjoy warm weather. Spring and fall are also great times to visit, as the temperatures are milder and there are fewer crowds. In winter, the park can receive snowfall and the temperatures drop significantly, making it a great time to visit for those interested in winter activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
On the other hand, Glacier National Park is located in northern Montana and has a subalpine climate. In summer, the park receives a moderate amount of precipitation, but the temperatures remain mild, making it a great time to visit for those who enjoy hiking and exploring the park’s many trails. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the park’s trees change colors, creating a beautiful landscape. In the winter, the park receives a significant amount of snowfall and the temperatures drop significantly, making it a great time to visit for those interested in winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park depends on what type of weather and activities you prefer. If you enjoy warm weather and dry conditions, the summer months are the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. If you enjoy mild weather and moderate precipitation, the summer and fall months are the best time to visit Glacier National Park. Both parks also offer great winter activities for those who enjoy cold weather and snow.
Family Friendliness of Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park
Both Bryce Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park are great options for families, but each park offers different types of experiences that may make one more appealing than the other depending on the interests of your family.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique geological formations and stunning vistas, making it a great option for families who are interested in geology and nature. The park offers a variety of short, easy hikes that are suitable for children, such as the Rim Trail and the Bristlecone Loop. There are also several ranger-led programs and activities that are designed for families, such as the Junior Ranger program and the Night Sky program. In addition, the park has a visitor center with exhibits and educational resources that are great for children.
On the other hand, Glacier National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse ecosystem, making it a great option for families who are interested in hiking and wildlife. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, that are suitable for children. Families can also take a boat tour on the park’s lakes, go fishing or take a guided horseback ride. Additionally, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep, that children can see on a ranger-led wildlife safari.
In conclusion, Bryce Canyon National Park is more suitable for families interested in geology and nature, with easy hikes and ranger-led programs for children. While, Glacier National Park is more suitable for families interested in hiking and wildlife, with a variety of trails, boat tours, and ranger-led safari available. Both parks offer beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, making them great options for families looking for a nature-based vacation.