Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, a wealth of wildlife, and countless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. But what sets these two parks apart? And which one is the better choice for your next outdoor adventure?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park and compare their features, activities, and attractions. We’ll also give you the inside scoop on what to expect when visiting each park, and help you decide which one is the right choice for your next trip. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time park-goer, this article is guaranteed to leave you inspired and ready to plan your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is well known for its stunning glaciers and rugged wilderness, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes include the Bartlett Cove Trail and the West Arm Trail, both of which offer scenic views of the park’s glaciers and wildlife. Meanwhile, more experienced hikers might enjoy the challenging Mount Orville or the Muir Beach Trail, which takes you to the park’s remote wilderness areas.
In contrast, Hot Springs National Park is known for its historic hot springs and bathhouses, as well as its scenic hiking trails. The park has several easy hikes, such as the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail and the Gulpha Gorge Trail, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For more experienced hikers, the park also has challenging trails, such as the Sunset Trail and the West Mountain Trail, both of which offer scenic views of the park’s hot springs and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
Overall, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park offer a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s something for everyone at 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 Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are both unique national parks located in the United States. While Glacier Bay is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, fjords and marine life, Hot Springs is located in Arkansas and is known for its hot springs and historic bathhouses.
In Glacier Bay, visitors can see a variety of wildlife including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, seals and many species of birds such as bald eagles, puffins and gulls. The park is also home to a variety of plant life including spruce and hemlock forests, muskeg and tidal flats.
In Hot Springs, visitors can see a variety of wildlife including deer, raccoons, skunks, squirrels and a variety of birds such as woodpeckers, cardinals and blue jays. The park is also home to a variety of plant life including oak and hickory forests and wildflowers.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitats. While Glacier Bay is known for its marine life, Hot Springs is known for its hot springs and the wildlife that can be found in and around them. Regardless of the type of wildlife you are interested in seeing, both of these parks are worth visiting.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Hot Springs 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 | Hot Springs 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Hoary Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| River Otter | House Mouse |
| Masked Shrew | Mink |
| Water Shrew | Gray Fox |
| Red Squirrel | North American River Otter |
| Montane Shrew | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Tailed Vole | White-Tailed Deer |
| Lynx | Virginia Opossum |
| Wolverine | Eastern Red Bat |
| Marten | White-Footed Mouse |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Norway Rat |
| Grizzly Bear | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Longnose Sucker | Bluegill |
| Lake Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Northern Pike | Golden Shiner |
| Burbot | European Carp |
| Silver Salmon | Yellow Bullhead |
| Chinook Salmon | Graceful Catfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Black Crappie |
| Threespine Stickleback | Black Bullhead |
| Sockeye Salmon | Mosquitofish |
| Pink Salmon | Creek Chub |
| Chum Salmon | Brown Bullhead |
| Dolly Varden | Goldfish |
| Cutthroat Trout | Smallmouth Bass |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords and rugged coastline. The park features the magnificent Glacier Bay – a pristine wilderness of ice and water, surrounded by majestic peaks and rolling hills. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, like kayaking, fishing, hiking and wildlife watching. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including humpback whales, sea lions, and black and brown bears.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its thermal springs. The park, located in Arkansas, is home to 47 hot springs, which are said to have healing properties. The hot springs are surrounded by lush green forests and towering peaks. Visitors can also explore the park’s scenic drives, hiking trails, and historic bathhouses. Hot Springs National Park is also a great place for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of bird species, including the American Goldfinch, Eastern Bluebird, and Northern Cardinal.
Both parks offer an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking to explore the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for glaciers, hot springs, or scenic landscapes, these parks are sure to leave you in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a wilderness area located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, wildlife, and stunning beauty. Visitors to this park can enjoy activities such as kayaking, whale watching, and fishing. They can also visit the Glacier Bay Visitor Center to learn about the area’s history, geology, and ecosystem.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arkansas and is known for its hot springs, bathhouses, and hiking trails. Visitors to this park can take a relaxing soak in the hot springs, hike the scenic trails, and visit the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center to learn about the area’s history and cultural significance.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but Glacier Bay is best for those who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure. Hot Springs is best for those looking for a more relaxed and rejuvenating experience. Both parks offer opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors. Whether it’s kayaking through glaciers, soaking in hot springs, or hiking scenic trails, both Glacier Bay and Hot Springs offer memorable experiences for visitors.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park both offer unique and stunning natural landscapes that attract visitors year-round. However, the seasonal weather at these parks significantly affects the best time to visit.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, experiences a marine climate with cool, wet weather and heavy rainfall throughout the year. Summer temperatures range from the high 40s to low 60s, while winter temperatures can drop to the low 20s. The park is known for its glaciers and snow-capped peaks, making winter a popular time for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. However, summer provides the best opportunity for viewing glaciers and wildlife, including whales and seals.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures often reach the high 90s, while winter temperatures range from the mid 40s to low 60s. The park is known for its hot springs and scenic hiking trails, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. However, the hot and humid summer temperatures can make it challenging for some visitors to enjoy extended periods of time outdoors.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park offer unique and diverse landscapes and weather patterns that can greatly impact the best time to visit. Visitors should consider the seasonal weather when planning their trip and adjust their itinerary accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness area in Alaska, known for its stunning glaciers, abundant wildlife, and rugged beauty. Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arkansas and is known for its thermal hot springs, historic bathhouses, and scenic hiking trails. When it comes to family-friendly parks, both have their own unique offerings.
For families traveling with young children, Hot Springs National Park may be the better option. The park has several easy, short hikes that are perfect for families with small children, such as the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail. In addition, the park has several historic bathhouses that offer hot springs pools that are perfect for soaking and relaxing.
For families with older children or teenagers, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve may be the better choice. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park also has several ranger-led programs, such as whale watching trips and kayaking expeditions, that are perfect for families with older children looking for a more adventurous experience.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique and exciting experiences for families, but the best choice for a family-friendly vacation will depend on the age of the children and the interests of the family. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing soak in hot springs or an adventurous excursion in the wilderness, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park have something to offer families.