Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two of the most picturesque and diverse national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure, but they couldn’t be more different from one another.
Glacier Bay, located in Alaska, is a frozen wonderland of glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine life. Saguaro, on the other hand, is a desert oasis in Arizona filled with towering cacti and an incredible array of desert flora and fauna.
So, which one is right for you? That’s what we’re here to find out. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both parks, compare and contrast their landscapes, wildlife, and activities, and help you decide which one to visit on your next adventure. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or just looking for a little peace and quiet, there’s something for everyone in Glacier Bay and Saguaro. So, buckle up and let’s hit the road!
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness in Alaska that is famous for its glaciers and stunning views. Hiking opportunities in this park are limited, but they are still worth exploring. The park has a few trails that lead to glaciers, such as the Bartlett Cove Trail, which is an easy hike that takes visitors to the foot of a glacier. On the other hand, the challenging Reid Glacier Trail is a strenuous hike that leads deep into the park’s interior and to the base of a glacier.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its giant cacti and stunning desert landscapes. The park has a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. The Douglas Spring Trail is a popular choice for visitors who are looking for an easy hike. This easy trail winds through the park’s cactus forests and provides stunning views of the surrounding desert. For more experienced hikers, the Mica View Trail is a challenging hike that leads to the summit of a mountain, offering panoramic views of the park and beyond.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, whales, and sea lions. Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its towering cacti and diverse desert wildlife. Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences.
In Glacier Bay, visitors can see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, and porpoises. These marine mammals are often seen from boats and kayaks as they play in the icy waters. On land, visitors may also see black bears, moose, and mountain goats. This park is also home to over 140 species of birds, including bald eagles, puffins, and cormorants.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is a desert environment and is home to a variety of animals adapted to this harsh environment. Visitors may see rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, javelinas, and bighorn sheep. This park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including the cactus wren, Gilded Flicker, and roadrunners. The park also boasts a diverse array of cacti and other desert plants, including the iconic saguaro cactus which can grow up to 50 feet tall.
Both Glacier Bay and Saguaro offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, making them both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in marine mammals, desert animals, or unique plants, these parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Bobcat |
| Black Bear | Striped Skunk |
| Porcupine | Little Brown Bat |
| Red Fox | Deer Mouse |
| House Mouse | Raccoon |
| Mountain Lion | Black Bear |
| Mink | Porcupine |
| Mule Deer | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Hoary Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Mountain Lion |
| Snowshoe Hare | Mule Deer |
| River Otter | Common Gray Fox |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Red Squirrel | Badger |
| Montane Shrew | Californis Myotis |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Fringed Myotis |
| Lynx | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Wolverine | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Marten | Yuma Myotis |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Bighorn Sheep |
| Grizzly Bear | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Saguaro 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 | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its magnificent glaciers and stunning fjords. Visitors can take a boat tour and see the glaciers calving into the bay, creating a unique and breathtaking natural wonder. The park also boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including whales, seals, and bears.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is named after its most famous resident, the saguaro cactus. This park is known for its vast deserts and towering cacti, offering a unique and striking landscape. Visitors can hike the trails to see the cacti up close, or drive the scenic route to take in the panoramic views. The park is also home to a variety of desert wildlife, including rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and tarantulas.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and see some of the most famous landscapes in the United States. Whether you prefer glaciers and fjords or deserts and cacti, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular parks in the US, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer a unique and diverse range of activities, making them popular destinations for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Glacier Bay is known for its stunning glaciers and abundant wildlife, including humpback whales, seals, and sea lions. Visitors can take boat tours to see the glaciers up close and admire the beauty of the park from the water. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with many visitors taking guided tours to see the animals in their natural habitats.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering cactus forests and diverse landscapes, ranging from deserts to mountains. Hiking is a popular activity, with many trails offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the cacti and the unique wildlife that calls the park home. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with over 230 species of birds found in the park.
Both Glacier Bay and Saguaro offer unique and diverse activities, making them ideal destinations for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature. Whether you are looking for breathtaking views, wildlife watching, or quiet hikes, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, while Saguaro National Park is located in Arizona. Both parks offer unique experiences and stunning scenery, but the weather at each park is vastly different.
Glacier Bay is known for its long, harsh winters and relatively mild summers. During the winter months, temperatures can drop to well below freezing, making outdoor activities such as hiking and camping challenging. On the other hand, summer temperatures in Glacier Bay often reach into the mid-50s and 60s, making it a popular time for outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing.
In contrast, Saguaro National Park experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures in the park can reach into the 90s, making outdoor activities such as hiking and camping challenging. Winter temperatures in Saguaro National Park are typically in the 60s and 70s, making it a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking and bird-watching.
Based on the weather patterns, the best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is during the summer months, while the best time to visit Saguaro National Park is during the winter months. Visitors to both parks should be prepared for the seasonal weather and bring appropriate clothing and gear.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, is a remote and rugged wilderness, with glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. While it is certainly a spectacular place to visit, it may not be the most family-friendly destination. The park is only accessible by boat or plane, and the lack of amenities and services can make it challenging for families with young children. Additionally, the long and strenuous hikes, as well as the unpredictable weather, can make it difficult for families to fully enjoy their visit.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona, on the other hand, is much more accessible and offers a wider range of activities for families. The park is divided into two districts, with numerous picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic drives. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the iconic saguaro cactus, which can be seen from the road or on a leisurely hike. Additionally, the park is located near the city of Tucson, offering a range of dining and lodging options.
In conclusion, while both Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and Saguaro National Park offer unique natural beauty and a chance to connect with nature, Saguaro National Park may be a better choice for families traveling with young children. The park’s accessibility, range of activities, and proximity to amenities make it a more family-friendly destination.