Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most iconic and beautiful national parks in the United States. Each park has its own unique features that make it special and worth visiting. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker or just looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks have something to offer. But, which one is right for you? In this article, we will compare Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park, highlighting their differences and similarities. Get ready to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey through two of America’s most remarkable landscapes!
The Everglades is a vast wetlands area, home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the American alligator, manatee, and the elusive Florida panther. Visitors can explore the park by airboat, kayak, or by hiking the many trails. The park offers a unique and diverse ecosystem, unlike any other in the world.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is a stunning landscape of glaciers, mountains, and pristine lakes. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats. Visitors can hike the many trails and enjoy stunning views of the park’s majestic scenery. Whether it’s a scenic drive, a leisurely hike, or a challenging backpacking trip, Glacier National Park has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park
Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park both offer breathtaking hiking trails that are sure to leave you in awe. While the Everglades is known for its alligator-filled marshes and mangrove forests, Glacier is best known for its jagged peaks, pristine glaciers, and abundant wildlife.
When it comes to hiking trails, Everglades National Park offers several options for all skill levels. The Anhinga Trail is one of the easiest hikes and provides visitors with a chance to see alligators, herons, and other wildlife up close. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Gumbo Limbo Trail takes hikers through the park’s mangrove forest, while the Snake Bight Trail offers breathtaking views of the park’s wetlands.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is home to some of the most challenging hikes in the country. The Highline Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains as well as the chance to spot grizzly bears and other wildlife. For those looking for an even greater challenge, the Grinnell Glacier Trail takes hikers to the top of the park’s most famous glacier, while the Siyeh Pass Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors through some of the park’s most remote wilderness.
Both Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, making them both must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll through a park’s wetlands or a challenging hike through its mountains, both parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 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 Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park
Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States, and each offers a unique wildlife experience. In Everglades, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of exotic and colorful birds, such as roseate spoonbills, wood storks, and great egrets. Additionally, the park is home to the American alligator, which is a common sight in the park’s waterways. Other mammals that are often seen in Everglades include manatees, marsh rabbits, and white-tailed deer.
In contrast, Glacier National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and grizzly bears. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 260 species of birds that call the area home, including the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of wildflowers and alpine plants, such as gentians, lupines, and Indian paintbrush. The park’s glaciers, rivers, and lakes also provide habitat for a number of fish species, including cutthroat trout, arctic grayling, and bull trout.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Everglades 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
| Everglades National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Bobcat | American Beaver |
| Striped Skunk | Muskrat |
| Raccoon | Big Brown Bat |
| Red Fox | Bobcat |
| House Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Gray Fox | Deer Mouse |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Raccoon |
| White-Tailed Deer | Black Bear |
| Eastern Cottontail | Porcupine |
| House Rat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Spotted Skunk | Hoary Bat |
| Fox Squirrel | Red Fox |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Feral Hog | Mountain Lion |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Mink |
| Least Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Bat | |
| Long-Eared Bat | |
| Badger | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Everglades National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Bluegill | Brook Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Longnose Sucker |
| Yellow Bullhead | Fathead Minnow |
| Channel Catfish | Lake Trout |
| Black Crappie | Northern Pike |
| Mosquitofish | Burbot |
| Brown Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Goldfish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Everglades National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park
Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. The Everglades is famous for its unique wetlands and diverse wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. The park boasts a scenic drive through the heart of the wilderness, offering views of the vast sawgrass prairies and stunning sunsets over the water.
Glacier National Park is renowned for its awe-inspiring mountain ranges and glaciers, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds through the park and offers breathtaking views of the rugged peaks and valleys. Visitors can also hike to hidden waterfalls, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and the beautiful Highline Trail for panoramic views of the park. The park is also home to an array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and moose.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience the raw beauty of nature, from the lush wetlands of the Everglades to the rugged mountain ranges of Glacier. Whether you’re an avid hiker, nature photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, both parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park
Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, but each park has its own unique offerings.
In Everglades National Park, visitors can take an airboat tour to see the park’s lush wetlands and wildlife. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with over 350 species of birds found in the park. Fishing and kayaking are other popular activities, allowing visitors to experience the park’s waterways up close.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering stunning views of the park’s glaciers and mountains. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 700 miles of trails available for visitors to explore. In the summer, visitors can take a boat tour on Lake McDonald to see the park’s glaciers up close. Horseback riding and fishing are also popular activities in the park.
Whether visitors are looking for a peaceful hike in nature or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, both Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park have something to offer. Each park provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the great outdoors and connect with nature.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park
Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each with its own unique weather patterns and seasonal variations. The Everglades are located in southern Florida and are known for their hot, humid, and wet climate. The park experiences a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. During the rainy season, the park is prone to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, which can make it difficult to explore the park. On the other hand, during the dry season, the weather is much more pleasant, with clear skies and mild temperatures, making it the best time to visit the park.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, has a much cooler and drier climate than the Everglades. The park experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers. During the summer months, the weather is generally pleasant, with clear skies, warm temperatures and minimal precipitation. However, the winter months can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, making it much more challenging to explore the park. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is optimal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park
Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique experiences for families, but one may be more suitable for families traveling with children.
Everglades National Park is located in Florida and is known for its diverse wildlife and swamp-like environment. It is a great place for families to go kayaking, fishing, and hiking. There are also many ranger-led programs available for families to learn about the park’s ecosystem and wildlife.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is located in Montana and is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers. It is a great place for families to go hiking, camping, and fishing. There are also ranger-led programs available for families to learn about the park’s history and geology.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Everglades National Park may be the better choice for families traveling with young children. The park offers many ranger programs and has a variety of activities that are suitable for young children. Glacier National Park may be better suited for families with older children as some of the park’s activities and hikes may be more physically demanding.
Overall, both Everglades National Park and Glacier National Park offer unique experiences for families, but it ultimately depends on the ages of the children and the interests of the family.