Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park are two of America’s most stunning natural wonders, each offering its own unique and breathtaking landscapes. If you’re looking for an adventure that takes you from the scorching desert heat to the icy peaks of the Rockies, these two parks are a must-visit. From the underground caverns of Carlsbad to the soaring mountains and pristine lakes of Glacier, each park has something to offer visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these two parks are sure to take your breath away. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey through two of the most beautiful parks in the country.
Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors can explore the trails above ground, including the Natural Entrance Trail, which leads to the main entrance of the caves. This trail is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the park’s landscape. In addition to the Natural Entrance Trail, visitors can also enjoy the Big Room Loop Trail, which is a self-guided trail that takes visitors through the park’s famous Big Room.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can enjoy a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Trail of the Cedars, which is a boardwalk trail through a beautiful old-growth forest, and the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, which offers stunning views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging backcountry hikes, such as the Highline Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers and valleys.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its easy trails, including the Natural Entrance Trail and the Big Room Loop Trail, while Glacier National Park is known for its range of trails, from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 1287.472 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 5 |
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 17863.674 | 469.6968 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 23657.298 | 309.9816 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 3057.746 | 140.8176 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 443.7888 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 1609.34 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 8690.436 | 207.8736 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 482.802 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 2.5 |
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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, but the types of animals and plants you’ll see differ significantly between the two parks.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors may see a variety of bats, including the Mexican free-tailed bat, which is the park’s most famous resident. Other animals that can be seen in the park include desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and rattlesnakes. The park is also home to a variety of cacti and other desert plants.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, and wolves. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. Visitors may also see a variety of plants, including wildflowers, ferns, and conifers.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife and plants, but the types of animals and plants you’ll see differ significantly between the two parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Carlsbad Caverns 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
| Carlsbad Caverns 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 |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Bat |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Bat |
| California Myotis | Badger |
| Fringed Myotis | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | California Myotis |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Green Prairie Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Gartersnake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| New Mexico Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Mosquitofish | Longnose Sucker |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Beautiful Landscapes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park are both known for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is famous for its underground caves, including the Big Room, the largest underground chamber in North America. Visitors can explore the caves by taking a self-guided tour or going on a ranger-led tour. Above ground, the park offers breathtaking views of the Chihuahuan Desert and the Guadalupe Mountains.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. The park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Visitors can also explore the park’s many lakes, including Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, and Two Medicine Lake, which are all surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. Whether you’re a nature lover or an outdoor enthusiast, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park offer a unique and memorable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park both offer a variety of activities for visitors, but the most popular activities differ between the two parks.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the most popular activity is exploring the cave system. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the caves, or they can join a ranger-led tour for a more in-depth experience. Other popular activities in the park include hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.
In contrast, Glacier National Park is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and backpacking. The park is home to over 700 miles of trails, providing visitors with a variety of hiking options, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Other popular activities in the park include fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park both offer a variety of activities for visitors, but the most popular activities differ between the two parks. While Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its cave system and hiking, Glacier National Park is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park
The seasonal weather at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park can greatly affect the best time of year to visit each park.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and has hot and dry summers, with temperatures often reaching over 100°F. Winter temperatures are mild, but the park can receive snow and ice, making some trails and roads impassable. The best time to visit the park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Rocky Mountains and experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year. Summer temperatures are mild and pleasant, with occasional thunderstorms. Winter temperatures can be very cold, with heavy snowfall, making some trails and roads impassable. The best time to visit the park is in the summer, when the weather is mild and the park’s famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to vehicles.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park can greatly affect the best time of year to visit each park. Visitors should consider the weather conditions and plan their trip accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Glacier National Park are both great options for families, but each offers a different experience. Carlsbad Caverns is a great choice for families with children who are fascinated by underground caves and the unique creatures that live within them. The park offers easy, well-lit trails that lead visitors through the caverns, and ranger-led tours are available for those who want a more in-depth experience.
On the other hand, Glacier National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park offers a variety of trails for all skill levels, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. In addition, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and moose, making it a great place for families who love to explore the great outdoors.
Ultimately, the best choice between these two parks will depend on what kind of experience your family is looking for. If you’re interested in underground caves and unique wildlife, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the way to go. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures and stunning landscapes, Glacier National Park is the place to be.