Death Valley National Park vs Glacier National Park

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Death Valley National Park vs Glacier National Park

Death Valley and Glacier National Park are two of the most magnificent natural wonders in the US, each offering its own unique and breathtaking landscapes. On one hand, Death Valley boasts scorching hot temperatures and awe-inspiring sand dunes, while on the other, Glacier National Park is home to snow-capped peaks and pristine glaciers. Both parks are must-visits for any nature lover, offering an opportunity to witness the raw power of Mother Nature in all her glory. Whether you’re looking for a rugged, untamed wilderness or a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Death Valley and Glacier National Park have something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore these two parks and discover the beauty that lies within.

Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park and Glacier National Park

Death Valley National Park and Glacier National Park are two popular hiking destinations in the United States. Death Valley is known for its arid environment, unique geology, and challenging terrain. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the salt flats and the sand dunes, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hardest hikes in Death Valley include the trek to Telescope Peak, which is the highest point in the park, and the hike to the Racetrack Playa, a mysterious place where rocks move by themselves.

Glacier National Park is famous for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and stunning mountain scenery. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Hidden Lake and Avalanche Lake trails, both of which offer beautiful views of the park’s glaciers and wildlife. The hardest hikes in Glacier National Park include the Highline Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s alpine meadows and glaciers, and the Grinnell Glacier hike, which requires a strenuous climb to reach the glacier.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Death Valley National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail 2896.812 2.7432 Easy out and back 4.5
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail 4506.152 62.7888 Easy out and back 4.5
Zabriskie Point 643.736 15.8496 Easy out and back 4.5
Dante’s View Trail 2574.944 109.728 Easy out and back 4.5
Telescope Peak Trail 19312.08 1012.8504 Hard out and back 4.5
Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral 4667.086 174.9552 Moderate out and back 4.5
Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point 9334.172 332.8416 Moderate loop 4.5
Mosaic Canyon Trail 5632.69 324.9168 Easy out and back 4
Death Valley Natural Bridge Road 6920.162 304.8 Easy out and back 4
Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road 3057.746 68.8848 Easy out and back 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 Death Valley National Park and Glacier National Park

Death Valley NP is known for its harsh, arid climate and is home to a variety of desert-adapted wildlife such as bighorn sheep, coyotes, kit foxes, and desert tortoises. Birds such as golden eagles and ravens can also be seen. Plant life is limited to hardy species such as creosote bush and Joshua trees.

In stark contrast, Glacier NP is located in a mountainous region and has a much cooler, moister climate. This leads to a diverse array of wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, and grizzly bears. Bird species commonly seen include bald eagles and peregrine falcons. The park is home to a variety of plant life, including subalpine forests, wildflowers, and alpine tundra vegetation.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Death Valley National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Death Valley 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

Death Valley National Park Glacier National Park
Coyote Coyote
Muskrat American Beaver
Big Brown Bat Muskrat
Bobcat Big Brown Bat
Little Brown Bat Bobcat
Deer Mouse Striped Skunk
Raccoon Little Brown Bat
Porcupine Deer Mouse
Silver-Haired Bat Raccoon
Hoary Bat Black Bear
House Mouse Porcupine
Mountain Lion Silver-Haired Bat
Mule Deer Hoary Bat
Gray Fox Red Fox
Long-Legged Myotis Long-Tailed Weasel
Long-Eared Myotis Mountain Lion
Badger Mink
Californian Myotis Mule Deer
Fringed Myotis Gray Wolf
Common Shrew Long-Legged Bat
Mexican Free-Tailed Bat Long-Eared Bat
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat Badger
Bushy-Tailed Woodrat Short-Tailed Weasel
Western Harvest Mouse California Myotis
Western Small-Footed Myotis Snowshoe Hare

Reptiles

Death Valley National Park Glacier National Park
Gopher Snake Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Terrestrial Gartersnake Common Garter Snake
Ring-Necked Snake Rubber Boa
Common Sagebrush Lizard
Common Side-Blotched Lizard
Rubber Boa
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard
Smith������S Black-Headed Snake
Tree Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard
Glossy Snake
Long-Nosed Snake
Western Fence Lizard

Insects

Death Valley National Park Glacier National Park
Orange Sulphur
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Lady
Red Admiral
Mourning Cloak
Cabbage White
Silvery Blue
Common Checkered-Skipper
Clouded Sulphur
Honey Bee
Variegated Fritillary
Buckeye
Purplish Copper
Gray Hairstreak

Fish

Death Valley National Park Glacier National Park
Largemouth Bass Rainbow Trout
Mosquitofish Brook Trout
Goldfish Longnose Sucker
Fathead Minnow
Lake Trout
Northern Pike
Burbot
Mottled Sculpin
Slimy Sculpin
Longnose Dace
Sockeye Salmon
Arctic Grayling

Amphibians

Death Valley National Park Glacier National Park
Woodhouse’s Toad
Canyon Treefrog

Beautiful Landscapes in Death Valley National Park and Glacier National Park

Death Valley National Park is famous for its spectacular landscapes, including the Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and the striking salt flats that stretch for miles. The park is also home to the Furnace Creek Ranch, a lush oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes and towering peaks.

Glacier National Park, in Montana, is known for its stunning mountain ranges, glistening glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views from overlooks like the Logan Pass, or hike to hidden waterfalls and hidden valleys. The park’s most famous landscape, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, is a scenic drive that winds its way through the heart of the park, offering stunning views of its majestic peaks and glaciers.

Things To-Do and Activities in Death Valley National Park and Glacier National Park

Death Valley National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most popular parks in the US, attracting millions of visitors each year. While both parks offer stunning natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation, the activities popular at each park differ significantly. In Death Valley, visitors love to explore the unique and extreme landscape, with popular activities including scenic drives, stargazing, and visiting the park’s many historical sites. On the other hand, Glacier National Park is known for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and mountainous terrain, with popular activities including scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and boating or rafting on the park’s many lakes and rivers. Both parks offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure, and the choice between Death Valley and Glacier will likely come down to personal preferences and the type of experience you are looking for.

Best Time to Visit Death Valley National Park and Glacier National Park

Death Valley NP, located in California and Nevada, has hot and dry summers, reaching temperatures up to 120°F, while winters are mild with occasional rain. On the other hand, Glacier NP, in Montana, has warm summers with occasional rain and snow, and cold snowy winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The best time to visit Death Valley is during its milder winter months, while Glacier NP is best visited in the summer for hiking and scenic drives.

Family Friendliness of Death Valley National Park and Glacier National Park

Death Valley National Park and Glacier National Park are both great places to visit with children. Death Valley is more family-friendly due to its accessibility and lower elevation. It offers many opportunities for families to explore and learn about the desert environment through ranger-led programs, educational exhibits, and scenic drives. On the other hand, Glacier National Park is more rugged and remote, with higher elevations and more difficult terrain. However, the park features many kid-friendly hiking trails, scenic boat rides, and educational programs. Both parks offer unique experiences for families, and the best choice depends on the interests and abilities of the travelers.

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