If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Dry Tortugas National Park and Glacier National Park, 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 Dry Tortugas National Park.
Table Of Contents
Dry Tortugas National Park Overview
Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.
Glacier National Park Overview
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness steeped in human history. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
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.
Dry Tortugas National Park Hiking Trails
Dry Tortugas National Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. The easiest trail is the Garden Key Trail, which winds through botanical gardens and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. For a more challenging hike, try the Fort Hill Trail, which climbs to the top of a 19th-century fortress for sweeping panoramas of the island. Dry Tortugas is also home to the longest hiking trail in the park system, the Loggerhead Key Nature Trail. This 10-mile round-trip trek takes hikers through mangrove forests and tidal lagoons in search of wildlife. No matter what your level of experience, Dry Tortugas National Park has a hiking trail that’s perfect for you.
Best Hikes At Dry Tortugas National Park
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 0.9144 | 1 | loop | 4.5 |
Hiking Overview at Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is renowned for its stunning scenery and breath-taking views. The park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous treks. Some of the most popular trails include the short but sweet Glacier Point trail, which leads to an overlook with sweeping views of the Canyon; the moderate but rewarding Mist Trail, which takes hikers past two of the park’s most iconic waterfalls; and the strenuous but unforgettable Highline Trail, which traverses along a narrow ridge with dizzying drop-offs on either side. There truly is something for everyone at Glacier National Park. So lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail!
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Glacier National Park
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald Creek Via Johns Lake | 79.8576 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Lake McDonald Trail | 379.7808 | 1 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Otokomi Lake | 701.9544 | 5 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sun Point Nature Trail | 64.9224 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Bowman Lake Trail | 941.832 | 5 | out and back | 4 |
| Two Medicine Lake Loop | 218.8464 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Baring Falls Via Piegan Pass Trail | 19.812 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Aster Park | 202.9968 | 7 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ptarmigan Trail to Cosley Lake | 1759.9152 | 7 | out and back | 5 |
| Boulder Pass Trail | 1406.9568 | 3 | point to point | 5 |
Wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is home to a variety of plant and animal life. The park’s diverse habitats – including beaches, mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs – provide shelter and food for a wide range of species. Among the most common animals you’ll see in the park are birds; Dry Tortugas is home to over 320 species of birds, including pelicans, herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills. The waters around the park are also teeming with marine life; snorkeling and diving are popular activities for visitors, and you can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, turtles, and coral. Dry Tortugas National Park is an important stopover for migratory birds, and it’s also home to several endangered species, such as the Key deer and the Dry Tortugas pink shrimp. Whether you’re exploring the park by land or by sea, you’re sure to see an amazing array of plant and animal life.
Wildlife at Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is home to an incredible variety of plants and animals. Visitors can expect to see everything from bighorn sheep and grizzly bears to delicate wildflowers and towering Douglas firs. The park’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife, and Glacier is considered one of the best places in North America to view animals in their natural habitat. In addition to the Big Five (bison, elk, moose, mountain goats, and deer), Glacier is also home to wolves, wolverines, lynx, eagles, and many other species of birds and mammals. With over 1 million acres of wilderness to explore, Glacier National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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.
Dry Tortugas National Park Weather Considerations
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico, about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The park has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round. However, there can be some variation in temperature and rainfall between the different seasons. The best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is from December to April. This is the dry season, with average temperatures ranging from 73-81 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also less chance of hurricanes during this time of year. The worst time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is from May to November. This is the wet season, when average temperatures are slightly higher (78-86 degrees Fahrenheit) and chances of rainfall are increased. Hurricanes are also more likely to occur during this time of year.
Glacier National Park Weather Considerations
Glacier National Park is a beautiful place to visit, no matter what time of year it is. However, the weather can vary greatly depending on when you go. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is in the summertime. From June to August, the weather is typically warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the high 20s to low 30s Celsius. This makes it perfect for hiking, camping, and enjoying all of the other activities that Glacier National Park has to offer. The worst time to visit Glacier National Park is in the wintertime. From December to February, the weather is typically cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -10 to -20 Celsius. This can make it difficult to get around and enjoy all that Glacier National Park has to offer. So if you’re planning a trip to Glacier National Park, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance so you can plan accordingly.