Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to witness the awe-inspiring power of nature up close and personal, but in completely different ways. Glacier Bay is a frozen paradise of glaciers and ice-capped peaks, while Hawai’i Volcanoes is a land of fiery volcanoes and lush tropical forests.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two amazing parks and compare them on various factors such as scenic beauty, wildlife, and adventure opportunities. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a breathtaking experience, this comparison will help you decide which park is right for you.
So, buckle up, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an epic adventure as we compare Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park!
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the United States’ most beautiful natural attractions. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the terrain and difficulty level of the hikes vary greatly between the two.
In Glacier Bay, the trails are primarily focused on exploring the park’s glaciers and alpine tundra. The park’s most popular hike, the Bartlett Cove Trail, is a relatively easy 3-mile hike that takes visitors through the lush rainforest and past the park’s glaciers. Another great option for visitors is the West Arm Trail, which is a longer hike but offers breathtaking views of the glaciers and the surrounding landscape.
In contrast, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its rugged and challenging terrain. The park’s most popular hike is the Kilauea Iki Trail, which is a 4-mile hike through the park’s volcanic landscape and past the Kilauea Iki Crater. The hike is considered strenuous and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Another challenging hike in the park is the Mauna Ulu trail, which is a 7-mile hike that takes visitors through the park’s volcanic landscape and past the Mauna Ulu Crater. This hike is considered one of the most strenuous in the park and is only recommended for experienced hikers.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. However, the trails in Glacier Bay are generally easier and less challenging than those in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique wildlife viewing experiences. In Glacier Bay, visitors can observe humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions. In addition, birdwatchers can admire a variety of species including bald eagles, kittiwakes, and puffins. On land, visitors can spot black and brown bears, mountain goats, and moose.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is home to a diverse array of endemic species such as the Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian hawk, and Hawaiian thrush. In addition to these bird species, visitors can also see nēnē (Hawaiian goose), Hawaiian hoary bat, and the Hawaiian monk seal. The park is also famous for its diverse plant life, including the world’s largest dormant volcano, Mauna Loa, and the active Kīlauea volcano, both of which support unique ecosystems.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Canada Goose |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Great Blue Heron |
| Osprey | Rock Pigeon |
| Tree Swallow | House Sparrow |
| Mallard | Northern Mockingbird |
| Canada Goose | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Wild Turkey |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Barn Owl |
| American Robin | Cattle Egret |
| Great Horned Owl | Sanderling |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| Northern Flicker | Chukar |
| Merlin | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Barn Swallow | Northern Cardinal |
| Savannah Sparrow | California Quail |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Little Brown Bat | ‘Iole |
| Deer Mouse | Domestic Cattle |
| Black Bear | Feral Hog |
| Porcupine | |
| Red Fox | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Long-Tailed Vole | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| Marten | |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | |
| Grizzly Bear |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its stunning glaciers, including the largest tidewater glacier in North America, the Margerie Glacier. This park offers a unique opportunity to see glaciers up close and even take a boat tour through the icy waters. Visitors can also hike through lush rainforests and see wildlife like whales, seals, and eagles.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a showcase of volcanic activity with its active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and overlooks where visitors can witness the power of volcanic eruptions and flowing lava. The park also boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to barren volcanic landscapes, and is home to unique Hawaiian flora and fauna.
Both parks offer unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of scenic beauty you are looking to experience. Whether you want to see glaciers and wildlife in Alaska or witness volcanic activity in Hawaii, both parks offer an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and diverse experiences, and both are known for their stunning natural beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes.
At Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, visitors can experience a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, whale watching, and glacier viewing. Visitors can also take advantage of educational opportunities, such as ranger-led walks and talks, to learn more about the park’s glaciers, wildlife, and history. On the other hand, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to the active Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, and is a popular destination for those interested in geology and volcanic activity. Visitors can hike through the volcanic landscapes, visit the Jaggar Museum to learn about volcanic activity, or take a guided tour of the park.
Both parks offer unique and memorable experiences, and both are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful kayaking excursion, or an exciting hike through a volcanic landscape, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures average around 20°F (-6°C), while summer temperatures average around 50°F (10°C). Precipitation is low, but snow and rain can still fall throughout the year.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Winter temperatures average around 70°F (21°C), while summer temperatures average around 80°F (27°C). Precipitation is heaviest in the winter months, when the park can receive up to 200 inches (508 cm) of rain.
Due to the subarctic climate, the best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s glaciers are accessible by boat. In contrast, the best time to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is during the drier, summer months, as the heavy winter rains can make it difficult to explore the park’s volcanic landscapes.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii are both unique and breathtaking in their own way. When it comes to family-friendliness, Glacier Bay may be a better choice for families with younger children. This park offers a variety of ranger-led activities, including short hikes, boat tours, and educational programs, that are designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The park also offers a range of accommodations, including campgrounds and lodges, that are suitable for families.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, may be better suited for families with older children or teenagers. This park is home to active volcanoes and offers a more rugged and remote experience, with longer hikes and backcountry camping options. Visitors can witness the power of nature up close, but it’s important to note that some areas may be dangerous for young children.
Both parks offer opportunities for families to connect with nature, learn about the unique geology, and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, when it comes to safety and accessibility, Glacier Bay may be the better choice for families with younger children.