Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking parks in America. Both are located in Alaska and offer visitors the chance to explore the great outdoors and witness the stunning beauty of glaciers, valleys, and mountains. However, the similarities end there and the two parks offer completely different experiences to visitors.
Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its massive sand dunes, which are some of the largest in the world. The park is also home to the Kobuk River, which is one of the few rivers in the world that flows through sand dunes. Visitors to the park can hike, camp, or even take a boat tour to see the dunes up close.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is famous for its glaciers. The park is home to the largest collection of glaciers in North America and visitors can witness the stunning beauty of these massive ice formations up close. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park are two of Alaska’s most popular national parks. Both offer incredible hiking opportunities for visitors, but each park has its own unique features and challenges.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its stunning glaciers and breathtaking views of the Bay. Easy hikes here include the Bartlett Cove Trail, which is a flat and easy 1.5-mile trail that takes you to the beach and offers views of glaciers and wildlife. The park also has some of the most challenging hikes in Alaska, such as the Muir Trail, which is a strenuous 16-mile hike that takes you through rugged terrain and offers stunning views of the Bay.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is home to the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which are the largest sand dunes in the Arctic. The park offers a variety of hikes, including the easy and popular 1.5-mile hike to the top of the dunes, as well as more challenging hikes, such as the 7-mile hike to the caribou herds that call the park home.
Both parks offer unique and diverse hiking experiences, but visitors should be prepared for rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions in Alaska. Whether you are looking for an easy nature walk or a strenuous backpacking trip, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park offer 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 Kobuk Valley 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, while Kobuk Valley National Park is located in northern Alaska and is known for its sand dunes, which are some of the largest in the world. Both parks are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Alaska’s iconic species such as the grizzly bear, caribou, and moose.
In addition to these species, visitors to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve can also expect to see whales, sea otters, and seals, as well as a variety of bird species such as bald eagles, puffins, and Arctic terns. The park’s glaciers also provide a unique habitat for a variety of plants, including mosses, lichens, and wildflowers.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is home to the largest herd of caribou in North America and is a popular spot for observing these majestic animals as they migrate through the park. The park also provides critical habitat for grizzly bears, wolves, and other predator species. The park’s sand dunes provide a unique habitat for a variety of plant species, including low-growing shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, with a diverse array of species to observe in each park. Whether you’re interested in observing Alaska’s iconic grizzly bear and caribou, or watching whales and sea otters in the waters of Glacier Bay, or observing the largest herd of caribou in North America in Kobuk Valley, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Kobuk Valley 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 | Northern Flicker |
Northern Flicker | Merlin |
Merlin | Savannah Sparrow |
Barn Swallow | American Kestrel |
Savannah Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
American Kestrel | Green-Winged Teal |
Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
European Starling | White-Crowned Sparrow |
Northern Pintail | Northern Shoveler |
American Wigeon | Golden Eagle |
Green-Winged Teal | Rough-Legged Hawk |
Mammals
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Kobuk Valley National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Little Brown Bat | Muskrat |
Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
Black Bear | Porcupine |
Porcupine | Red Fox |
Red Fox | Mink |
House Mouse | Wolf |
Mountain Lion | Short-Tailed Weasel |
Mink | Snowshoe Hare |
Mule Deer | River Otter |
Gray Wolf | Common Shrew |
Short-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
Snowshoe Hare | Montane Shrew |
River Otter | Lynx |
Masked Shrew | Wolverine |
Water Shrew | American Marten |
Red Squirrel | Grizzly Bear |
Montane Shrew | Moose |
Long-Tailed Vole | Least Weasel |
Lynx | Pygmy Shrew |
Wolverine | Northern Bog Lemming |
Marten | |
Northern Flying Squirrel | |
Grizzly Bear |
Fish
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Kobuk Valley National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
Brook Trout | Lake Trout |
Longnose Sucker | Northern Pike |
Lake Trout | Burbot |
Northern Pike | Coho Salmon |
Burbot | King Salmon |
Silver Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
Chinook Salmon | Alaskan Stickleback |
Slimy Sculpin | Pink Salmon |
Threespine Stickleback | Chum Salmon |
Sockeye Salmon | Dolly Varden |
Pink Salmon | Arctic Grayling |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Cutthroat Trout | |
Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Kobuk Valley National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a stunning natural wonder in Alaska, famous for its glaciers and wildlife. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to over 60 glaciers, including the famous Margerie Glacier, which is over a mile wide and 200 feet tall. Visitors can also witness the spectacular beauty of the glaciers from the park’s many overlooks, like the Bartlett Cove Overlook and the South Marble Island Overlook. In addition to the glaciers, the park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including brown bears, whales, and sea otters.
Kobuk Valley National Park is also located in Alaska and is known for its sand dunes, which are the largest in North America. The park is home to the iconic Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, which are over 100 feet tall and stretch for miles. The dunes are created by wind blowing sand from the Kobuk River and are a unique and breathtaking natural wonder. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to the sand dunes, the park is also home to the Kobuk River, which is a popular spot for rafting and fishing.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different experiences. The two parks are located in Alaska and are well-known for their stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. However, the types of activities that visitors can enjoy at each park are quite different.
At Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, visitors can enjoy whale watching, fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities. The park is well-known for its glaciers, which visitors can get close to by taking a tour on a boat. In addition, there are a number of scenic drives that visitors can take to see the stunning landscapes of the park.
On the other hand, Kobuk Valley National Park is more focused on land-based activities, such as hiking and backpacking. The park is home to the largest sand dunes in North America, which visitors can hike to see the unique landscape and wildlife. There are also several rivers in the park that visitors can explore by rafting or kayaking.
In conclusion, whether you prefer water-based or land-based activities, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park offer a variety of experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park are both located in Alaska and offer unique and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. However, the seasonal weather in each park differs greatly and affects the best time to visit.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located on the coast and experiences a maritime climate, with mild summers and chilly winters. The park is known for its glaciers and its temperate rainforest, which receives up to 140 inches of precipitation per year. Summer temperatures average in the mid-50s to low-60s, making it a great time to visit for outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and snowfall is common, making it a better time for winter sports such as cross-country skiing.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is located in the interior of Alaska and experiences a subarctic climate. Summers are short and mild with temperatures averaging in the mid-50s to low-60s. Winters are long and harsh with temperatures dropping below zero and heavy snowfall. The park is known for its sand dunes and the Kobuk River, which is a popular destination for rafting and fishing during the summer months.
Both parks offer unique experiences and are best visited during specific times of the year based on weather conditions. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is best visited during the summer for outdoor activities, while Kobuk Valley National Park is best visited during the summer for rafting and fishing. Wintertime in each park offers different opportunities for winter sports, with Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve being a better option for cross-country skiing and Kobuk Valley National Park offering opportunities for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park are two spectacular parks located in Alaska, USA. Both parks are excellent destinations for families, but each has its own unique features that make it ideal for different types of travelers.
For families traveling with younger children, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is the better option. This park offers a variety of ranger-led activities, including whale watching, kayaking, and hiking. There are also several ranger stations and visitor centers, where families can learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. Glacier Bay is also home to several glaciers, which can be viewed from boats, making it a great place to explore and learn about the natural world.
Kobuk Valley National Park, on the other hand, is best suited for families with older children and teens. This park is less developed and is a true wilderness experience. There are no roads, and visitors must hike, float, or fly in to explore the park. The park is home to the largest sand dunes in North America, and visitors can hike, sandboard, and even camp on the dunes. The park is also home to caribou, grizzly bears, and other wildlife, making it a great place for families to see and learn about Alaska’s wildlife.
In conclusion, both parks are excellent destinations for families, but each offers a different experience. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a great choice for families with younger children, while Kobuk Valley National Park is better for families with older children and teens.