Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Both of these parks boast an incredible landscape of glaciers, towering mountains, verdant forests, and pristine waterways that are sure to take your breath away. But, which one is the best for your next adventure?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park, and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next trip. From scenic boat tours, to challenging hikes, to breathtaking wildlife encounters, both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find what you’re looking for in either of these two incredible parks.
So, buckle up and get ready to embark on an epic journey of discovery as we compare Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve vs Glacier National Park.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a unique and remote wilderness area in Alaska, while Glacier National Park is located in Montana, USA. Both parks offer spectacular scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking.
In Glacier Bay, there are more strenuous hikes available, such as the Glacier Bay Backcountry Adventure, which can take up to 7 days to complete and covers over 50 miles of rugged terrain. The park also offers several day hikes, such as the Bartlett Cove Trail, which is a relatively easy hike through a forested area to the beach.
In contrast, Glacier National Park has a wide range of hikes, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Some popular hikes include the Highline Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is a strenuous hike to one of the park’s remaining glaciers.
Both parks offer breathtaking scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation, but the difficulty of the hikes and the types of landscapes vary greatly. It is important to research the hikes beforehand and plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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 |
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 Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is a popular destination for wildlife viewing. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises. In addition to marine life, the park is also home to a diverse array of bird species, such as bald eagles, loons, and puffins. On land, visitors may have the opportunity to see black bears, moose, and caribou.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its diverse wildlife population, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and wolves. In addition to large mammals, the park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the great gray owl. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, including wildflowers, coniferous forests, and alpine meadows.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities and are prime destinations for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in marine life, large mammals, or bird watching, both parks offer a variety of options for visitors to explore and see.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay 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 |
| 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
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Little Brown Bat | Muskrat |
| Deer Mouse | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| House Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Raccoon |
| Mink | Black Bear |
| Mule Deer | Porcupine |
| Gray Wolf | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Red Fox |
| River Otter | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Masked Shrew | Mountain Lion |
| Water Shrew | Mink |
| Red Squirrel | Mule Deer |
| Montane Shrew | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Long-Legged Bat |
| Lynx | Long-Eared Bat |
| Wolverine | Badger |
| Marten | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | California Myotis |
| Grizzly Bear | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Northern Pike | Lake Trout |
| Burbot | Northern Pike |
| Silver Salmon | Burbot |
| Chinook Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | Longnose Dace |
| Sockeye Salmon | Sockeye Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | Arctic Grayling |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords. It is a unique park that showcases the retreat of glaciers over the last few hundred years. Visitors can observe the process of glacier calving and see the bay transform over time. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles, which can be seen from a park-run boat tour.
Glacier National Park in Montana is famous for its rugged mountain terrain and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore over 700 miles of trails, including the popular Highline Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The park is also home to over 70 species of mammals, including grizzly bears and mountain lions, which can be seen on a backcountry hike. The park’s famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 52-mile scenic drive, offers panoramic views of the park’s glaciers, lakes, and forests.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of glaciers and the surrounding landscape. Whether you are interested in observing the retreat of glaciers or exploring rugged mountain terrain, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park offer unique and breathtaking experiences.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska is known for its stunning glaciers, whale watching, and kayaking opportunities, while Glacier National Park in Montana is famous for its scenic drives, particularly the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and hiking opportunities in the backcountry.
At Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, visitors can take a boat tour to see glaciers calving and witness whales, porpoises, and seals in their natural habitats. Kayaking is also a popular activity, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the glaciers and wildlife. Visitors can also take guided hikes to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and learn about the park’s history and ecology.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which crosses the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 700 miles of trails that range from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with opportunities to see bears, elk, and mountain goats in their natural habitats.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, but the activities available depend on the park’s specific features and location. Whether you’re interested in exploring glaciers, wildlife, or scenic drives, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park are two of the most famous glacier parks in the United States. Both parks offer scenic landscapes, breathtaking views, and an abundance of outdoor activities. However, the weather in each park is different, which affects the best time of year to visit.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, experiences an arctic climate with cold, wet summers and mild, dry winters. The park is covered in snow and ice for much of the year, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The best time to visit Glacier Bay is during the summer months when the weather is milder and the snow has melted, allowing visitors to take part in outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The park is known for its dramatic winter landscapes, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. However, the best time to visit Glacier National Park is during the summer months when the weather is warmer and the snow has melted, allowing visitors to take part in outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.
In conclusion, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park offer unique seasonal weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit. Both parks are perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, but the summer months offer the best conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Glacier National Park are both iconic natural wonders and popular tourist destinations, but they have different strengths when it comes to being family-friendly.
Glacier National Park in Montana is known for its incredible hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife sightings. It offers a variety of recreational activities for families, such as rafting, fishing, and boating in the summer, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds and lodges, making it a great option for families who enjoy camping and spending time in nature.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska is a unique and stunning destination, with its towering glaciers, abundant wildlife, and stunning fjords. However, it may not be as accessible to families as Glacier National Park. The park is only accessible by boat or plane, and there are fewer options for accommodations and recreational activities. Additionally, the rugged wilderness and remote location can be challenging for families with small children.
While both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences, Glacier National Park is generally considered a better option for families, due to its accessibility, variety of recreational activities, and family-friendly facilities.