Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve vs Kobuk Valley National Park

Feel Free To Share:

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve vs Kobuk Valley National Park

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.

Leave a Comment