If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Carlsbad Caverns National Park Overview
- 2 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Carlsbad Caverns National Park Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
- 6 Wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- 7 Wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Overview
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Overview
Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site—one of the world’s largest international protected areas. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Hiking Trails
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The easiest trail is the Natural Entrance Trail, which is just over a mile long and relatively flat. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Big Room Guided Tour takes hikers through some of the largest rooms in the cavern, including the Carlsbad Room and the Temple of the Sun. This trail is over two miles long and includes some steep sections. The most difficult trail at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail. This trail is only accessible with a ranger-guided tour and includes several strenuous sections. However, it also rewards hikers with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Regardless of which trail you choose, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is sure to offer an unforgettable hiking experience.
Best Hikes At Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 469.6968 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 309.9816 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 140.8176 | 1 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 443.7888 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 140.8176 | 3 | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 207.8736 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 7.9248 | 1 | out and back | 2.5 |
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 13.716 | 1 | loop | 5 |
Hiking Overview at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the world. Located in Alaska, Glacier Bay is home to more than 100 glaciers, as well as an abundance of wildlife. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which hiking trail to take. However, there are a few trails that stand out above the rest. The Upper Muir Inlet Trail is considered to be the easiest hike in Glacier Bay, and it offers stunning views of glaciers and mountains. For a more challenging hike, try the Abra Windy Trail, which ascent nearly 3,000 feet in just over three miles. Glacier Bay is an incredible place for nature lovers, and these hiking trails are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett Cove Forest Loop Trail | 33.8328 | 1 | loop | 4.5 |
| Bartlett River Trail | 266.7 | 1 | out and back | 3 |
| Bartlet Lake Trail | 141.732 | 1 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Tlingit Trail | 19.812 | 1 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Point Gustavus | 117.9576 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see everything from bats and birds to small mammals and lizards. The park also boasts a variety of plant life, including cacti, yucca, and ocotillo. In addition, Carlsbad Caverns is home to several endangered species, such as the Mexican long-nosed bat and the Carlsbad talus snail. With over 1,300 species of plants and animals, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is truly a nature lover’s paradise.
Wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park is home to an amazing array of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see everything from grizzly bears and bald eagles to seals and whales. There are also a variety of plant species to be found in the park, including Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and lodgepole pine. In addition to its diverse wildlife, Glacier Bay National Park also offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and ocean. Whether you’re looking for a chance to spot some rare animals or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery, Glacier Bay National Park is sure to exceed your expectations.
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Weather Considerations
Carlsbad Caverns National Park regulates its temperature at a cool 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. This makes it a great destination for those who want to escape the heat of summer or the cold of winter. However, the park does experience a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, and some times of year are better suited for visiting than others. The spring and fall months are typically the best times to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The weather is milder during these months, and there are often fewer crowds. However, the park is also beautiful during the winter, when it sometimes snows at the higher elevations. And although summer can be hot, it is also a great time to explore the caverns, which stay cool even on the hottest days. So whether you’re looking for mild weather or cooler temperatures, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has something to offer visitors all year round.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Weather Considerations
Glacier Bay National Park is a place of extremes. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the winter they can drop as low as -40 degrees. However, the park is beautiful at all times of year. In the spring, Glacier Bay is a haven for migratory birds, and wildflowers blanket the landscape. Summer is the best time for hiking and kayaking, and in the fall, the leaves of the trees turn a stunning array of colors. Winter is Glacier Bay’s quietest season, when snow dusts the landscape and ice floes float in the bay. No matter when you visit, Glacier Bay National Park is sure to take your breath away.