Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of America’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Both destinations offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. But which one is the better choice for your next national park adventure? In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two parks, highlighting their unique features, scenic views, and recreational activities. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or nature lover, you’re sure to find something to love about both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. So sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on a virtual tour of these two national park gems.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. The park boasts beautiful glaciers, fjords and wildlife, making it a must-see for those looking for a scenic hike. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Bartlett Cove Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that takes you through the lush forests of the park and offers stunning views of the Bartlett Cove. The park also offers more challenging hikes, such as the Muir Beach Trail, which is a 9.5-mile round trip hike that takes you through the rugged terrain of the park and offers breathtaking views of glaciers and wildlife.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, offer a range of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. The park is known for its giant sequoia trees, making it a must-see for those looking for a unique hiking experience. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Big Trees Trail, which is a 1-mile round trip hike that takes you through the park’s famous sequoia groves. The park also offers more challenging hikes, such as the Rae Lakes Loop, which is a 41-mile round trip hike that takes you through the rugged terrain of the park and offers breathtaking views of the park’s stunning scenery.
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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is located in Alaska, USA and is known for its glaciated valleys, fjords, and abundant wildlife. Visitors to the park may see humpback whales, harbor seals, sea otters, and Stellar sea lions. In addition to marine mammals, the park is home to a variety of bird species such as bald eagles, puffins, and guillemots.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, USA, are famous for their towering, ancient sequoia trees and diverse wildlife. Black bears, mule deer, and coyotes are common wildlife sightings in the park. Visitors may also see a variety of bird species, including Steller’s jays, Clark’s nutcrackers, and mountain chickadees. The parks also contain over 1,400 species of plants, including the giant sequoia tree, the largest living organism on Earth.
When comparing the wildlife in these two parks, it is important to note that Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve offers both marine and terrestrial wildlife, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are primarily terrestrial. Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, making them popular destinations for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Golden Shiner |
| Burbot | European Carp |
| Silver Salmon | Black Bullhead |
| Chinook Salmon | Brown Bullhead |
| Slimy Sculpin | Goldfish |
| Threespine Stickleback | Smallmouth Bass |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, fjords and diverse wildlife. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glaciers calving and watch whales, porpoises and sea lions. The largest glacier in the park, the Grand Pacific Glacier, is a popular destination for tourists.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are famous for their giant sequoia trees, the largest living organisms on Earth. The parks are also home to deep canyons, rugged peaks, and scenic vistas. The General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume on the planet, is a must-visit and can be seen through a short hike.
Both parks offer unique and stunning landscapes which are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Glacier Bay is ideal for those interested in glaciers and marine life, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon is perfect for those who want to see the giant sequoia trees and explore the rugged terrain. Both parks are great options for a family vacation, a solo trip or a romantic getaway.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, but each park offers different experiences and activities.
At Glacier Bay, visitors can go whale watching and see humpback, orca, and gray whales, and other marine life such as sea otters and seals. Kayaking and rafting are also popular activities in the park’s calm waters surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon, on the other hand, offer a range of activities, including camping, rock climbing, fishing, and scenic drives through the giant sequoia trees, some of the largest and oldest trees on earth. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Both parks offer ranger-led programs and educational opportunities, including guided hikes, campfire talks, and wildlife viewing experiences. Visitors can also take scenic boat tours, attend ranger talks, and explore the parks’ visitor centers to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
In conclusion, whether visitors are interested in kayaking and whale watching at Glacier Bay or hiking and camping among giant sequoias at Sequoia & Kings Canyon, both parks offer a wealth of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in California. The weather at each park varies greatly because of the differences in their locations.
In Glacier Bay, summer temperatures average in the 40s and 50s, while winter temperatures drop to the 20s and 30s. This park is known for its heavy rainfall, which can cause difficulties for visitors during the summer months. On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon have more moderate temperatures, with summer temperatures in the 80s and 90s and winter temperatures in the 40s and 50s. These parks receive very little rainfall, making them a great destination year-round.
The best time to visit Glacier Bay is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the park’s glaciers and wildlife are easily accessible. However, visitors should be prepared for rain and bring appropriate gear. The best time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild and the park’s famous giant sequoias are in full view. Winter is also a popular time to visit these parks, as the snowfall creates a beautiful winter wonderland.
In conclusion, the weather at Glacier Bay and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks greatly affects when is the best time of year to visit. Visitors to Glacier Bay should plan a summer trip, while visitors to Sequoia & Kings Canyon should consider visiting in the spring, fall, or winter.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, coastal mountains, and abundant wildlife. It’s a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. However, the park’s remote location and rugged terrain can make it challenging for families with young children.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, offer a more accessible experience for families. The parks feature towering sequoia trees, breathtaking vistas, and numerous family-friendly trails. Children can also participate in ranger-led activities and explore the parks’ many picnic areas. Additionally, both parks are close to other popular tourist destinations, making them a great choice for families who want to combine their visit with other activities.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are great destinations for families, but Sequoia & Kings Canyon may be a better choice for families with young children. The parks are more accessible and offer a wider range of activities that are suitable for families, while Glacier Bay is best suited for those who enjoy more rugged, outdoor adventures.