Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado are two of the most spectacular natural wonders in the United States. Both offer breathtaking views and unique experiences that are sure to leave you in awe. Whether you’re an adventurous hiker, a culture buff, or just looking for a peaceful escape, these parks have something for everyone. But which one is right for you?
In this article, we will compare Glacier Bay and Mesa Verde, highlighting their similarities and differences. From snow-capped mountains to ancient ruins, you’ll be amazed at what these parks have to offer. We’ll take a closer look at their landscapes, wildlife, and cultural attractions, so you can decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Get ready to be transported to two of the most stunning places in the country and discover which park is the ultimate destination for your next trip.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its breathtaking glaciers, rugged terrain, and diverse wildlife. Hiking trails range from easy, interpretive walks to challenging backcountry adventures. The Bartlett Cove Trail is a popular trail for easy hiking, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and the ocean. The more challenging West Arm Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you deep into the park’s wilderness, offering panoramic views of the glaciers, fjords and surrounding mountains.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is known for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and provides a unique hiking experience with its archaeological sites. The Petroglyph Point Trail is a moderate trail that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons and mesas, as well as an opportunity to see petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings) up close. The more difficult Knife Edge Trail takes you to the rim of a mesa for a panoramic view of the park, but requires a steep climb and narrow path with drop-offs.
Both parks offer a range of hiking options, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. However, Glacier Bay’s emphasis on glaciers and rugged wilderness sets it apart, while Mesa Verde’s unique focus on ancient Puebloan history and culture makes it a one-of-a-kind destination. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, both parks offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences.
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 Mesa Verde National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroglyph Point Trail | 4184.284 | 131.9784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cliff Palace Loop Trail | 643.736 | 25.908 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balcony House Loop Trail | 643.736 | 27.7368 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail | 3379.614 | 161.8488 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Soda Canyon Overlook Trail | 1931.208 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | 24140.1 | 797.9664 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Long House Trail | 3379.614 | 86.868 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Step House Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Knife Edge Trail | 3218.68 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Prater Ridge Trail | 11748.182 | 311.8104 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, USA and is known for its glaciers, whales, and a wide variety of wildlife. In the summer, visitors can see Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, and humpback whales in the waters surrounding the park. Bald eagles, ravens, and various species of gulls can be seen flying overhead. On land, visitors may spot black and brown bears, moose, and mountain goats. In the forests and meadows, visitors can see various species of flowers, shrubs, and trees.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, USA, is a unique park that is known for its ancient Native American cliff dwellings. While it’s not as well known for its wildlife, it still offers a diverse range of animals. Visitors can see pronghorn, elk, and mule deer in the park. In the sky, visitors can see various species of birds including the raven, red-tailed hawk, and the American kestrel. On the park’s cliffs and mesas, visitors may see lizards, snakes, and other reptiles. In the park’s canyons, visitors can see various species of plants including cactus, yucca, and other desert flora.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife that visitors can enjoy. While the former is known for its glaciers, whales, and diverse wildlife, the latter is known for its ancient Native American cliff dwellings and its unique desert wildlife.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde 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 | Mesa Verde 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 | Porcupine |
| Gray Wolf | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Red Fox |
| River Otter | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Masked Shrew | House Mouse |
| Water Shrew | Mountain Lion |
| Red Squirrel | Mink |
| Montane Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Gray Fox |
| Lynx | Wolf |
| Wolverine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Marten | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Badger |
| Grizzly Bear | Ermine |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde 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 | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is best known for its glaciers, which are some of the most active in the world. Visitors can witness the power of these glaciers as they calve, or break off, into the bay. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including whales, bears, and eagles.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is famous for its cliff dwellings, which were built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago. The park offers visitors the chance to explore these ancient structures, which are nestled into the cliffs and provide a unique look into the past. In addition to the cliff dwellings, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and stunning overlooks.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Whether you’re interested in glaciers, ancient civilizations, or simply breathtaking views, these two parks are definitely worth a visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique experiences for visitors. In Glacier Bay, visitors can experience the awe-inspiring power of glaciers and the stunning marine wildlife that call the bay their home. Kayaking, whale watching, and taking a scenic boat tour are some of the most popular activities. On the other hand, Mesa Verde showcases the rich cultural history of the Ancestral Puebloan people through its well-preserved cliff dwellings. In Mesa Verde, visitors can take guided tours of the cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, as well as hiking and exploring the park’s backcountry.
In terms of accessibility, Glacier Bay is only accessible by boat or plane, while Mesa Verde is easily accessible by car. Both parks also offer camping opportunities, with Glacier Bay offering backcountry camping and Mesa Verde offering front-country camping. Regardless of the park you choose, both offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the American Southwest.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two great National Parks located in the United States. Each park has its own unique climate and weather, which affects the best time of year to visit.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its cold, wet, and windy climate. Summer temperatures can reach up to 60°F, but it’s also common to experience rain, fog, and wind. Winter temperatures can reach below freezing and snow is common. The best time to visit Glacier Bay is during the summer months, when the weather is milder and visibility is better for viewing the glaciers.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, has a more moderate climate. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F and winters can drop to below freezing. The park is known for its monsoon season, which occurs in late summer and brings with it heavy rains. The best time to visit Mesa Verde is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of rain.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park offer a unique experience and are worth visiting. However, the best time to visit each park depends on your tolerance for weather and how you want to experience the park. If you’re looking to experience the glaciers in Glacier Bay, it’s best to visit during the summer. If you’re looking to avoid monsoon season and enjoy milder temperatures, it’s best to visit Mesa Verde during the spring or fall.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two popular family-friendly destinations in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages. However, when it comes to traveling with children, there are some key differences to consider.
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and its educational ranger-led tours. The park’s Cliff Palace and Balcony House are two of the most popular attractions and offer an up-close look at the ancient culture that once lived there. The park also has a number of easy hiking trails that are perfect for families with young children.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a more rugged and remote destination that is better suited for families with older children or teens. The park is home to glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and a vast array of wildlife, including whales, bears, and sea lions. Visitors can take boat tours to get up close with the glaciers and wildlife, or hike through the rugged terrain. The park also has a number of ranger-led programs that are designed to educate visitors about the ecosystem and the impact of climate change on the glaciers.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are great destinations for families, but each offers a unique experience. If you’re traveling with young children, Mesa Verde National Park may be the better choice, with its well-preserved cliff dwellings and easy hiking trails. If you’re traveling with older children or teens, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve may be more your style, with its rugged terrain and opportunities for adventure.