Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of Alaska’s most beautiful and unique natural wonders, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife, but they have distinct differences that make them unique.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at these two amazing parks, comparing and contrasting their landscapes, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re an adventurous traveler, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, you’ll find everything you need to know about these two incredible destinations.
From the towering glaciers of Glacier Bay to the rugged fjords of Kenai, we’ll be exploring the best that Alaska has to offer. So buckle up and get ready to discover the magic of these two magnificent parks!
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. One of the easiest hikes is the Bartlett Cove Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that takes you through a lush forest and offers views of the bay. Another easy hike is the West Arm Trail, a 2.5-mile trek that offers views of the glaciers and wildlife along the way.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park also located in Alaska, is known for its more challenging hikes. The Exit Glacier Trail is a popular and strenuous hike, with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. The trail takes you to the foot of the glacier and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Another challenging hike is the Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the top of the icefield for panoramic views of the park.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and diverse hiking experiences, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous hike, these parks have something for everyone.
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 Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park are both known for their stunning glaciers and abundant wildlife. Visitors to Glacier Bay can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife, including whales, sea otters, seals, and a variety of bird species. Humpback whales are a common sight in the park, as are harbor seals, who can often be seen lounging on floating ice. Additionally, visitors may also spot sea otters, which are known for their playful behavior and close association with kelp forests.
At Kenai Fjords, visitors can also expect to see a variety of marine mammals and birds. Common sightings include Orcas, Dall’s porpoises, and sea lions. The park is also home to a diverse array of bird species, including puffins, cormorants, and bald eagles. On land, visitors may spot black bears, moose, and mountain goats, as well as a variety of plant species unique to the area.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities and are sure to delight visitors with their stunning landscapes and diverse array of plant and animal life. Whether you’re interested in marine mammals, birds, or terrestrial wildlife, both Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords are must-visit destinations for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Kenai Fjords 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Little Brown Bat | Muskrat |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Mink |
| Mountain Lion | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Mink | Gray Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Gray Wolf | California Myotis |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern River Otter |
| River Otter | Masked Shrew |
| Masked Shrew | Red Squirrel |
| Water Shrew | Montane Shrew |
| Red Squirrel | Lynx |
| Montane Shrew | Wolverine |
| Long-Tailed Vole | American Marten |
| Lynx | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Wolverine | Brown Bear |
| Marten | Meadow Mouse |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Moose |
| Grizzly Bear | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Longnose Sucker | Burbot |
| Lake Trout | Silver Salmon |
| Northern Pike | Chinook Salmon |
| Burbot | Slimy Sculpin |
| Silver Salmon | Threespine Stickleback |
| Chinook Salmon | Red Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Pink Salmon |
| Threespine Stickleback | Chum Salmon |
| Sockeye Salmon | Dolly Varden |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Alaska that covers 3.3 million acres of glaciers, fjords, and temperate rainforest. The park’s centerpiece is Glacier Bay, where visitors can witness the retreat of glaciers and the resulting glacial landscapes. The bay also offers ample opportunities for kayaking, whale watching, and wildlife viewing.
Kenai Fjords National Park, also located in Alaska, boasts stunning landscapes including the Harding Icefield, which covers over 300 square miles of the park. The park is also home to glaciers, fjords, and wildlife including otters, whales, and sea lions. Visitors can explore the park on boat tours, kayaking trips, or by hiking the many trails.
Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unique natural wonders, making them must-see destinations for nature lovers. Whether you’re interested in glaciers, fjords, wildlife, or just marveling at the beauty of nature, these parks have something for everyone. Whether you choose to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve or Kenai Fjords National Park, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of Alaska’s most popular national parks for outdoor enthusiasts. Both offer unique experiences for visitors and are known for their beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and opportunities for adventure.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its glaciers, which are the main attraction for many visitors. Kayaking and boat tours are popular ways to see the glaciers up close, and visitors can also enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing in the park’s diverse environments. In addition, fishing and camping are also popular activities in the park.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is known for its fjords, which are deep valleys created by glaciers. Visitors can take boat tours to see the fjords and the wildlife that lives in and around them, including whales, sea lions, and seals. Hiking and camping are also popular in the park, and visitors can enjoy exploring the park’s glaciers and marine environments.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you’re looking for a scenic boat tour, a challenging hike, or a chance to see Alaska’s amazing wildlife, both parks are sure to offer an experience you’ll never forget.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park are both located in Alaska and offer unique outdoor experiences. However, the seasonal weather patterns at these two parks are different, and this affects when is the best time to visit.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in the southeast of Alaska and has a subarctic climate. Summer temperatures average around 50°F (10°C), while winter temperatures average around 20°F (-6°C). The park experiences long, dark winter nights and has limited daylight during the summer months. The best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is during the summer months of June to August. During this time, visitors can see the glaciers, whales and other wildlife in the park.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located on the Kenai Peninsula in the south-central part of Alaska. The park has a maritime climate and experiences milder temperatures than Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Summer temperatures average around 60°F (15°C), while winter temperatures average around 30°F (-1°C). The park experiences heavy rainfall during the winter months, making the summer months of June to August the best time to visit. During this time, visitors can see the glaciers, whales and other wildlife in the park, as well as enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique outdoor experiences, but the seasonal weather patterns affect when is the best time to visit each park. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly and be prepared for the weather conditions in each park.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of Alaska’s most popular parks for families. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for families, but each park has its own unique features that appeal to different types of families.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a great place for families who love adventure and outdoor activities. The park has a variety of wildlife, including whales, seals, and sea lions, and there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching. The park also has several ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and boat tours, that are perfect for families with children.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is more geared towards families who enjoy the water. The park has a stunning coastline, and families can take boat tours to see glaciers and wildlife, such as whales and sea otters. Kayaking and fishing are also popular activities in the park, and the park has a number of ranger-led programs, including scenic boat tours and guided hikes, that are perfect for families with kids.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park are great options for families, but the type of family and their interests will determine which park is the best choice. Both parks offer a range of activities and ranger-led programs, but Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is best for families who love adventure and outdoor activities, while Kenai Fjords National Park is better for families who enjoy the water.