Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both of these parks are home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world, and they both offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature in a unique and unforgettable way. This article will take you on a journey through these two amazing parks, comparing and contrasting their features and attractions, to help you decide which one is the best for your next adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature photographer, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park have something to offer everyone. From towering glaciers to towering peaks, and from crystal-clear lakes to lush forests, these parks are a must-see for anyone who loves the outdoors.
So, if you’re ready to explore two of America’s most beautiful national parks, sit back and join us on this exciting journey. Who will win the battle of the parks? Will it be Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve with its stunning glaciers and breathtaking vistas, or will it be Great Basin National Park with its towering peaks and pristine wilderness? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States, offering visitors the chance to explore some of the country’s most stunning scenery. Both parks are known for their incredible hiking trails, but each has a unique set of trails that offer different experiences.
Glacier Bay is known for its rugged, challenging hikes, with steep climbs and rough terrain, while Great Basin is known for its more moderate trails. At Glacier Bay, visitors can take on the ultimate challenge of the Bartlett Glacier hike, which takes them through glaciers, tundra, and stunning views of the park. Meanwhile, Great Basin offers visitors an easier hike through the Lehman Creek Trail, which offers excellent views of the park’s towering peaks and stunning landscapes.
For those looking for a more leisurely hiking experience, Great Basin is the perfect choice. With its well-maintained trails and stunning views, visitors can explore the park’s rolling hills and lush forests without having to tackle difficult terrain. On the other hand, Glacier Bay is an ideal choice for those looking for a more strenuous hiking experience, with challenging hikes and rugged landscapes that reward visitors with breathtaking views. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, both parks offer something for everyone, making them a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the great outdoors.
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 Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords and diverse wildlife including humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions and porpoises. Bald eagles and puffins are also commonly seen in the park. In addition, visitors can spot black and brown bears, moose, mountain goats, wolves and wolverines. The park is also home to a rich variety of plant life including spruce, hemlock and cedar trees, as well as wildflowers.
Great Basin National Park in Nevada is known for its unique geological formations, including the Lehman Caves, and a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors to the park can spot pronghorns, bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and black bears. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as the mountain bluebird, violet-green swallow, and Clark’s nutcracker commonly seen. The park is home to a variety of plant life, including sagebrush, pinyon pine, and bristlecone pine trees, some of which are over 4,000 years old.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife and plant life. While Glacier Bay is known for its marine mammals and towering glaciers, Great Basin is famous for its unique geological formations and diverse array of terrestrial animals and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Great Basin 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 | Great Basin 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 | Porcupine |
| Mule Deer | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Hoary Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| River Otter | House Mouse |
| Masked Shrew | Lion |
| Water Shrew | Mink |
| Red Squirrel | Mule Deer |
| Montane Shrew | Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Gray Wolf |
| Lynx | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Wolverine | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Marten | Badger |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Ermine |
| Grizzly Bear | Californis Myotis |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Mottled Sculpin |
| Northern Pike | Speckled Dace |
| Burbot | Cutthroat Trout |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Great Basin National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to glaciers that are over 400 years old. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glaciers up close, or hike to see them from a distance. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including whales, sea lions, and black bears.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is known for its beautiful landscapes and unique natural features. One of its most famous features is the Lehman Caves, a series of intricate limestone caves that visitors can tour. The park is also home to the Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the park and the second-highest peak in Nevada. Visitors can hike to the top of the peak for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including pronghorns, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two unique national parks that offer different scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its glaciers, whale watching, and kayaking opportunities. Visitors can take a scenic flightseeing tour or join a guided kayak tour to get up close to the glaciers and observe wildlife such as humpback whales, sea otters and harbor seals. Additionally, the park offers opportunities for fishing and camping in its backcountry.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is known for its unique geology and stargazing opportunities. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, hike to scenic overlooks, or explore the Lehman Caves. In addition, the park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal destination for stargazing and astrophotography. The park also offers fishing, camping and horseback riding opportunities.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park offer unique outdoor experiences, ranging from scenic flights and kayaking to stargazing and horseback riding. Whether you are looking to escape the city and enjoy nature, or explore unique geological formations and stargaze under the clear night sky, both of these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are two unique and beautiful national parks, each offering unique weather experiences.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve located in Alaska has a subarctic maritime climate with moderate temperatures in summer and very cold temperatures in winter. Summer temperatures range from 40 to 60°F while winter temperatures can drop to below 0°F. With its location near the coast, the park experiences high precipitation levels throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy the beauty of rain and snow. The best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is from May to September when the weather is mild and the park is accessible by boat or plane.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, has a much different climate. The park has a high desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F while winter temperatures can drop below 0°F. The park receives low precipitation levels, making it a great destination for those who enjoy dry and warm weather. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is from April to October, when the weather is mild and the park’s attractions, such as the Lehman Caves, are open to visitors.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park offer unique weather experiences that make them ideal destinations for different types of travelers. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly, taking into consideration the seasonal weather patterns of each park.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are both family-friendly parks, but each offers unique experiences for families. Glacier Bay is best known for its glaciers and marine wildlife, such as whales, sea lions, and puffins. It also offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. On the other hand, Great Basin is a wonderland of caves, hiking trails, and stargazing opportunities. The park is home to the only glacier in Nevada and offers ranger-led tours of Lehman Caves.
When it comes to traveling with children, Glacier Bay may be the better option. The park has a Junior Ranger program, which offers educational and interactive activities for kids. Additionally, the park has several family-friendly hikes, such as the South Marble Island Trail, which is a short and easy hike to a bird rookery. Great Basin also has a Junior Ranger program, but the park may not be as accessible for families with young children as Glacier Bay. The park’s most popular hike, the Bristlecone Trail, is a strenuous hike that may not be suitable for young kids.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Great Basin National Park are great destinations for families, but Glacier Bay may be the better option for families with young children. With its glaciers, marine wildlife, and family-friendly activities, Glacier Bay is sure to provide a fun and educational experience for families.