Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park are two of America’s most stunning natural wonders. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and unparalleled outdoor adventures. But which one is right for you? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, this article will arm you with all the information you need to make a decision.
With its towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and rolling tundra, Denali is a nature lover’s dream come true. The park’s centerpiece, Mount Denali, is North America’s tallest peak and a bucket-list destination for climbers and mountaineers. But even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie, there’s plenty to see and do in Denali. From scenic drives to wildlife viewing and guided tours, the park offers a little bit of something for everyone.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is a true outdoor playground. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, it’s no wonder why this park is often referred to as the “Crown of the Continent.” Whether you’re looking to scale a mountain, paddle a lake, or simply soak in the views, Glacier has it all. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer an array of scenic hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Denali is known for its challenging hikes, such as the 17-mile round trip hike to Mount Healy which offers panoramic views of the Alaska Range. For a more moderate hike, visitors can explore the Savage River Loop, a 4-mile trail that winds through the park’s stunning scenery. The park also has a number of well-maintained trails suitable for beginner level hikers, including the Ridge Trail, a 2-mile trail that offers breathtaking views of the park’s wildlife and natural beauty.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is home to some of the most challenging hikes in the country. The Highline Trail, for example, is considered one of the most difficult hikes in the park, stretching 11 miles along the Continental Divide. For a more moderate hike, the Grinnell Glacier Trail offers a 7.6-mile round trip to a stunning glacier, with several scenic viewpoints along the way. For beginner hikers, the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is a popular option, a 2.6-mile hike that leads to a breathtaking overlook of Hidden Lake.
Overall, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park offer a range of hiking trails for all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenging adventure or a beginner just starting out, both parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
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 Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park are two of the most visited national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a diverse array of wildlife, making them great destinations for nature enthusiasts.
Denali is home to a variety of mammals, including caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and grizzly bears. Visitors to the park may also spot wolves, coyotes, and lynx. Birdwatchers will delight in the abundance of bird species found in the park, including bald eagles, gyrfalcons, and owls. In terms of vegetation, Denali is renowned for its tundra landscapes and unique alpine flora.
Glacier National Park is also rich in wildlife. Visitors may spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and elk, as well as black and grizzly bears. The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with species such as the common loon, harlequin duck, and peregrine falcon. In terms of vegetation, Glacier is home to a diverse array of plant species, including wildflowers, conifers, and deciduous trees.
Both Denali and Glacier offer a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience, making them must-visit destinations for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in spotting large mammals, birds, or unique vegetation, these parks have something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Snowshoe Hare | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Water Shrew | Red Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | Mountain Lion |
| Lynx | Mink |
| Wolverine | Mule Deer |
| American Marten | Gray Wolf |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Long-Legged Bat |
| Grizzly Bear | Long-Eared Bat |
| Meadow Vole | Badger |
| Moose | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Least Weasel | California Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Longnose Sucker |
| Burbot | Fathead Minnow |
| Coho Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Chinook Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Slimy Sculpin | Burbot |
| Chum Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Dolly Varden | Slimy Sculpin |
| Arctic Grayling | Longnose Dace |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is home to the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali. The park offers stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness, including glaciers, tundra, and wildlife. Visitors can hike on various trails and take a bus tour to get a closer look at the mountain and the surrounding landscape.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its pristine wilderness, rugged peaks, and glaciers. The park has over 700 miles of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also take a scenic drive on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which runs through the heart of the park and provides breathtaking views of the glaciers and mountain ranges.
Both parks are famous for their stunning landscapes and natural features. In Denali, visitors can observe wildlife like grizzly bears, caribou, and moose. In Glacier National Park, visitors can see glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. Whether you are interested in hiking, wildlife watching, or simply taking in the beauty of nature, both Denali and Glacier National Parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Denali is known for its majestic mountain views and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. Visitors can take a bus tour through the park to see the wildlife and scenic vistas, or they can hike one of the many trails. The park also offers ranger-led programs and backcountry camping for those who want a more immersive experience.
Glacier National Park is famous for its glaciers, which offer a unique opportunity for visitors to see the effects of climate change. The park also boasts stunning mountain scenery and clear lakes, making it a popular destination for boating and fishing. Hikers can explore the park’s scenic trails, and visitors can also take horseback rides or go on a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Both Denali and Glacier offer a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, making them popular destinations for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a scenic drive, or an opportunity to see wildlife, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks have unique weather patterns that affect the best time to visit. Denali, located in Alaska, is known for its long and harsh winters, with average temperatures ranging from -20 to 20°F from December to April. In contrast, summers are relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60°F. This extreme difference in temperature makes it challenging to predict the best time to visit, but the summer months are considered the best time to see wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, has a similar climate to Denali, with cold and snowy winters, and warmer summers. However, the weather in Glacier can be more unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and precipitation. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is during the summer months when temperatures range from 50 to 80°F and the chance of precipitation is low. These conditions make it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, the weather in Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park has a significant impact on when is the best time to visit. Both parks have long and harsh winters, with warm and mild summers. The best time to visit both parks is during the summer months when temperatures are warm and precipitation is low, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park are both iconic destinations for families who love the great outdoors. While both parks offer a wealth of activities and opportunities for adventure, there are some key differences between them that make one park more family-friendly than the other.
Denali National Park & Preserve is the better option for families traveling with children. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and activities specifically designed for kids, including nature walks, scavenger hunts, and wildlife sightings. The park also has a well-developed network of trails and roads, making it easier for families to explore and enjoy the stunning Alaskan wilderness.
In contrast, Glacier National Park can be a bit more challenging for families with young children. The park has more rugged terrain and a lack of developed trails, making it difficult for families to explore and enjoy the beautiful Montana wilderness. Additionally, the park’s remote location and limited services can make it difficult for families to find the resources they need during their visit.
Overall, while both Denali National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park are beautiful and offer unique experiences, Denali is the better option for families with young children. With its well-developed network of trails and ranger-led programs, it’s the perfect place for families to explore and experience the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.