“Imagine yourself in a place where crystal clear waters meet pristine white sand beaches, surrounded by abundant wildlife and historic fortresses. That place is not a dream, but two of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States: Dry Tortugas and Glacier Bay. Both parks offer unique experiences that will leave you in awe and wanting more.
Dry Tortugas is an archipelago located in the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its historic Fort Jefferson and its turquoise waters that are a haven for snorkelers and divers. On the other hand, Glacier Bay is a frozen wonderland located in Alaska that boasts majestic tidewater glaciers and a diverse array of wildlife, including humpback whales and brown bears.
So, which one should you visit first? The answer depends on what you’re looking for in a national park experience. Do you want to soak up the sun on a tropical island or explore the icy beauty of a glacial bay? Both parks are truly one-of-a-kind destinations that will leave you with unforgettable memories. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at each park, comparing and contrasting their unique features, so you can decide which one to add to your bucket list.”
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park, located off the coast of Florida, offers a unique hiking experience with its historic Fort Jefferson, crystal-clear waters, and diverse bird and marine life. The easiest hike in the park is the Garden Key Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that passes by the moat of Fort Jefferson and offers birdwatching opportunities. On the other hand, the challenging hike is the Loggerhead Key Trail, a 4-mile round-trip hike through sand dunes and mangrove forests to the lighthouse on Loggerhead Key.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords and wildlife. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy beach walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The easiest hike is the Bartlett Cove Trail, a 2-mile round-trip hike through the Tongass National Forest to a beach with views of glaciers and wildlife. The hardest hike in the park is the Muir Inlet Trail, a strenuous 11-mile round-trip hike through the backcountry to the inlet, offering views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett Cove Forest Loop Trail | 1770.274 | 33.8328 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bartlett River Trail | 11104.446 | 266.7 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Bartlet Lake Trail | 9495.106 | 141.732 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Tlingit Trail | 1770.274 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Point Gustavus | 20116.75 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in the Gulf of Mexico, is a prime location for bird watching. Visitors can spot numerous species of seabirds, including the brown pelican, frigatebirds, and several types of gulls. In addition to birds, visitors may also spot sea turtles, dolphins, and even manatees in the surrounding waters. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including mangroves and sea oats.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, boasts a diverse array of wildlife, both on land and in the water. Visitors can expect to spot a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, harbor seals, and sea otters. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and puffins. In addition to these creatures, visitors may also spot black and brown bears, moose, and mountain goats in the park’s terrestrial areas. The park also features a variety of plant species, including Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and alders.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Song Sparrow | American Kestrel |
| European Starling | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Killdeer | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Red Fox | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Long-Tailed Vole | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Grizzly Bear |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote and stunning island located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The most famous landscape is Fort Jefferson, a historic military fort located on Garden Key. Visitors can take a ferry tour to the island and explore the fort’s history and scenic surroundings. The crystal clear waters surrounding the park offer the opportunity for snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, boasts a stunning landscape of glaciers, fjords, and snow-capped peaks. The park’s centerpiece is the Glacier Bay, where visitors can witness the breathtaking beauty of glaciers calving, or breaking off into the sea. A highlight of a visit to Glacier Bay is a boat tour to explore the glaciers and wildlife of the park, including humpback whales, sea lions, and porpoises. The park also offers opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and camping among the glaciers, fjords, and forests.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are two of the United States’ most popular national parks, each offering unique experiences and activities to visitors. Dry Tortugas is located in Florida and is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can also explore the historic Fort Jefferson and take a scenic ferry ride to the park.
Glacier Bay, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is famous for its stunning glaciers, which visitors can observe from boat tours or kayaking excursions. Wildlife viewing, including whales, seals, and eagles, is also a popular activity, as well as hiking on the park’s pristine trails. Visitors can also take advantage of ranger-led programs, such as guided walks or boat tours, for a more in-depth experience.
Both parks offer opportunities for adventure and relaxation, but each has its own unique attractions. Dry Tortugas is perfect for water-based activities, while Glacier Bay is ideal for those who want to explore glaciers and witness wildlife in their natural habitats. Regardless of your interests, both parks offer unforgettable experiences and breathtaking scenery that are sure to leave a lasting impact.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their unique and diverse ecosystems, but the weather in each park is very different. The Dry Tortugas are located in the Florida keys and have a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and warm, mild winters. The best time to visit the Dry Tortugas is from December to May, when temperatures are mild and the humidity is low. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 90°F and there is a high risk of thunderstorms and hurricanes.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with cool summers and very cold winters. The best time to visit Glacier Bay is from June to September, when temperatures are mild and there is less snow and ice, making it easier to explore the park and see wildlife. During the winter months, temperatures can drop below zero, and the park is covered in snow and ice. Visitors should be prepared for extreme weather conditions, including snow, ice, and high winds.
Both Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offer unique and unforgettable experiences, but the best time to visit each park is dependent on the weather conditions. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly and be prepared for the seasonal weather in each park.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking views, abundant wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some differences to consider.
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, is a top destination for families with children. The park is accessible only by boat, but the ferry ride to the park provides a unique and exciting experience for kids. Once at the park, kids can explore historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, hike, and spot wildlife such as sea turtles and pelicans.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is also a great place for families to visit. However, the park is more remote and less accessible than Dry Tortugas. The park’s remote location and harsh climate make it less suitable for children, but the park’s stunning glaciers, whales, and other wildlife are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Dry Tortugas National Park is the better choice for families traveling with children. The park’s accessibility, variety of activities, and abundance of wildlife make it a perfect destination for families looking for an unforgettable and educational experience.