Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both are must-see destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, but which one is right for you? In this article, we will be comparing these two national parks, highlighting their unique features and helping you decide which one to visit first.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a stunning, icy wonderland located in Alaska. With its towering glaciers, crystal clear waters, and diverse wildlife, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. On the other hand, Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming and is known for its jagged peaks and pristine lakes. This park offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature in a more intimate way.
So, whether you’re looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, or just want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park are two incredible destinations that you won’t want to miss. Keep reading to find out which one is the best fit for you!
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and has a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. The park has over 200 miles of trails that provide opportunities to explore glaciers, fjords, and the Tongass National Forest. Some popular hikes in the park include the Bartlett River Trail, which is an easy hike with stunning views of glaciers, and the South Marble Island Trail, which is a challenging hike that takes you to the top of a mountain for panoramic views of the Bay.
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming and is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and challenging hikes. There are over 200 miles of trails in the park, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some popular hikes in the park include the Taggart Lake Trail, which is an easy hike with stunning views of the Teton Range, and the Garnet Canyon Trail, which is a challenging hike that takes you to the top of a mountain for panoramic views of the Tetons.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park offer a wide range of hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a challenging backcountry trek, you’ll find it in these parks.
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 Grand Teton National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Canyon Trail | 15610.598 | 343.8144 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Jenny Lake Trail | 12391.918 | 221.8944 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake Loop | 6598.294 | 130.7592 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Delta Lake via Amphitheater Lake Trail | 14484.06 | 709.8792 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail | 14323.126 | 896.7216 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Falls Trail | 7885.766 | 179.832 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Phelps Lake Trail | 11265.38 | 220.98 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Lake Solitude Trail | 25749.44 | 803.7576 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| String Lake Trail | 5954.558 | 79.8576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop | 9656.04 | 231.9528 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are both popular destinations for nature lovers, but they offer different wildlife viewing experiences.
At Grand Teton, visitors can expect to see a variety of large mammals such as elk, moose, bison, and pronghorn antelope. The park is also home to a number of predator species including wolves and mountain lions. Birdwatchers will enjoy the abundance of bird species including bald eagles, ospreys, and sandhill cranes.
On the other hand, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a prime location for marine wildlife viewing. Visitors can see humpback whales, harbor seals, sea lions, and Steller sea lions. Along the coast, one can also observe sea birds such as puffins and cormorants. In addition to marine mammals, the park is also home to black and brown bears, as well as beavers and otters.
When it comes to vegetation, both parks offer unique and diverse landscapes. Grand Teton is known for its towering mountain peaks, aspen and pine forests, and open meadows. Glacier Bay, on the other hand, features a mix of temperate rainforest and glaciers, providing a habitat for a variety of plant species such as devil’s club, salmonberries, and mosses.
Overall, Grand Teton and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve both offer stunning wildlife viewing opportunities, each with its own unique species and habitats. Whether you’re interested in large mammals, marine wildlife, or diverse plant life, both parks are worth exploring.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Grand Teton 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 | Grand Teton 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 | Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Lynx | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Wolverine | Badger |
| Marten | Ermine |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | California Myotis |
| Grizzly Bear | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Grand Teton National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Mottled Sculpin |
| Burbot | Longnose Dace |
| Silver Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Chinook Salmon | Arctic Grayling |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Grand Teton National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Grand Teton National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a stunning park located in Alaska, known for its glacier-covered valleys, snow-capped peaks, and stunning wildlife. Visitors can witness glaciers calving and see whales, seals and sea lions frolicking in the waters. This park is a must-visit for those seeking breathtaking natural beauty and adventure.
Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming, is another stunning national park. This park is famous for its towering mountain range, with peaks rising over 13,000 feet. The park’s beautiful alpine lakes and pristine rivers offer opportunities for fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore the park’s backcountry for even more breathtaking views of the mountains and scenic vistas.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience breathtaking beauty and adventure in the great outdoors. Whether you prefer exploring glaciers and watching wildlife in Alaska or hiking and fishing in the Wyoming mountains, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a popular destination for those seeking breathtaking views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can take guided tours or rent a kayak to explore the glaciers and fjords, or go whale watching to spot humpback whales, orcas, and seals. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 40 species of birds, including bald eagles and puffins, residing in the area.
Grand Teton National Park, on the other hand, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including rock climbing, backpacking, fishing, and horseback riding. Visitors can also go on scenic drives to enjoy the stunning views of the Tetons, go wildlife watching to see bison, elk, and moose, or take a boat tour on Jenny Lake to admire the beauty of the park from a different perspective.
Both parks offer a unique experience for visitors, but those seeking a more tranquil and wildlife-focused experience may prefer Glacier Bay, while those seeking more adventure and outdoor activities may prefer Grand Teton. Regardless of which park you choose, both offer breathtaking landscapes and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, and Grand Teton National Park, located in Wyoming, are two popular national parks in the United States. The seasonal weather at these parks can greatly affect the best time to visit, and it is important to consider this when planning a trip.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve experiences cold, rainy weather in the winter, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to low 40s. The park is also covered in snow during this time, making it difficult to access. Summer temperatures range from the mid-40s to mid-50s, with occasional rain showers. This is the best time to visit Glacier Bay, as the weather is mild and the park’s glaciers are easily accessible.
Grand Teton National Park, on the other hand, has warm and dry summers, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 80s. Winter temperatures in the park can range from the mid-20s to low 30s, with snow and chilly winds. Winter is not the best time to visit Grand Teton, as many of the park’s roads and trails are closed due to snow. However, the park’s scenic beauty and wildlife are best observed in the summer, when the weather is warm and dry.
In conclusion, when considering the best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve or Grand Teton National Park, it is important to take into account the seasonal weather patterns. Summer is the best time to visit Glacier Bay, while the warm and dry summers are the best time to visit Grand Teton.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park are both great options for families who want to experience the beauty of the great outdoors. However, they have a few differences that can make one park more suitable for families than the other, depending on what you’re looking for.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a remote park that offers spectacular views of glaciers, wildlife, and the stunning Alaskan coastline. The park has boat tours that take visitors to the glaciers and wildlife habitats, making it a unique and memorable experience for kids. However, the park is remote and requires a long boat or flight journey to get there, which may not be suitable for families with young children.
Grand Teton National Park is a more accessible park that is located in Wyoming. The park has plenty of scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping options for families. There are also several opportunities for kids to learn about the natural environment through ranger-led programs and educational activities. Additionally, the park is close to the town of Jackson, which offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and lodgings for families.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Grand Teton National Park are family-friendly destinations, but Grand Teton may be a better option for families with young children because of its accessibility and range of activities.