Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and a wealth of outdoor activities that will leave you breathless. But which one is right for you? In this article, we will compare and contrast these two national parks to help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It boasts miles of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and a vibrant coral reef system that is home to an abundance of marine life. On the other hand, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its massive glaciers, towering mountains, and diverse wildlife.
Whether you are a nature lover, a beach bum, or an adventure seeker, this article will give you an in-depth look at what each park has to offer and help you make an informed decision about your next national park adventure. So sit back, grab your sunscreen or parka, and get ready to explore two of the most stunning national parks in the country!
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking scenery and a variety of hiking trails, but they are very different in terms of climate, terrain, and difficulty level.
At Glacier Bay, the trails range from easy, flat, and accessible boardwalks to strenuous, multi-day backpacking routes. The easy hikes include the Bartlett Cove Trail and the West Arm Trail, which offer stunning views of glaciers, wildlife, and the surrounding landscape. The hardest hike in the park is the Muir Glacier Trail, a challenging and strenuous 12-mile round trip through rugged, remote terrain.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the tropical Caribbean, and the trails here are generally easier and less strenuous. The easiest hike is the Cinnamon Bay Trail, which is a gentle, 2-mile stroll through lush, tropical vegetation. The hardest hike in the park is the Reef Bay Trail, a strenuous, 5-mile hike through the rugged hills and rainforest of the island.
Despite the differences in climate and terrain, both Glacier Bay and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique and rewarding hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for easy, accessible trails or challenging backcountry routes, these parks have 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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are both unique and offer diverse wildlife experiences. Glacier Bay is located in Alaska and is a habitat for a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions. Visitors to Glacier Bay can also see bald eagles, black bears, and wolves. The park is also home to a variety of plant life, including temperate rainforests and glaciers. In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the Caribbean and is home to a diverse array of tropical wildlife. Visitors to the park can see iguanas, mongooses, and various species of birds, including parrots and flamingos. The park is also home to a variety of exotic plants, including mangroves, palm trees, and sea grapes. Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, so it is up to the individual to decide which park they would like to visit based on their personal interests.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Virgin Islands 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Virgin Islands 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 | Porcupine |
| Mule Deer | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Hoary Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| River Otter | House Mouse |
| Masked Shrew | Mountain Lion |
| Water Shrew | Mink |
| Red Squirrel | Mule Deer |
| Montane Shrew | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Lynx | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Wolverine | Badger |
| Marten | Snowshoe Hare |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | North American River Otter |
| Grizzly Bear | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Longnose Sucker | Bluegill |
| Lake Trout | Flathead Minnow |
| Northern Pike | Golden Shiner |
| Burbot | Carp/European Carp |
| Silver Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Chinook Salmon | Burbot |
| Slimy Sculpin | Longnose Dace |
| Threespine Stickleback | Channel Catfish |
| Sockeye Salmon | Black Bullhead |
| Pink Salmon | Creek Chub |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullsnake | |
| Racer | |
| Rattlesnake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in the Alaska Panhandle and is known for its glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. The most famous landscape in the park is Glacier Bay itself, a 65-mile long inlet that is home to over a dozen glaciers. Visitors can take boat tours through the bay to see these glaciers up close and watch as they calve into the sea. The park also has several scenic overlooks, including Bartlett Cove, which offers panoramic views of the glaciers and wildlife.
Virgin Islands National Park is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and turquoise waters. The most famous landscape in the park is Trunk Bay, a crescent-shaped beach with crystal-clear waters that is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The park also has several trails, including the Reef Bay Trail, which takes visitors through the rainforest to a waterfall and offers views of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can also explore the underwater world by snorkeling and diving in the park’s coral reefs.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are two very different national parks, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Glacier Bay is a remote wilderness in Alaska, known for its glaciers, wildlife, and kayaking opportunities. Virgin Islands National Park, on the other hand, is a tropical paradise in the Caribbean, popular for its beaches, snorkeling, and hiking.
In Glacier Bay, visitors can take a boat tour to see glaciers calving into the ocean, observe whales, sea lions, and other marine life, or kayak among the icebergs and glaciers. Hiking and backpacking are also popular activities in the park, but most visitors tend to focus on the water-based activities.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John, is a popular destination for beach-goers, snorkelers, and hikers. Visitors can enjoy the white sand beaches and turquoise waters, explore the park’s coral reefs and underwater wildlife, or hike the park’s trails to see panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The park also has a rich cultural history, with remnants of sugar plantations and petroglyphs from the Taino culture.
Overall, both Glacier Bay and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors, whether they are looking for remote wilderness adventures or tropical island escapes.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands are two unique protected areas with vastly different climates. The weather at Glacier Bay is characterized by cool temperatures and heavy rainfall, making it a prime destination for visitors interested in exploring the park’s glaciers and experiencing its subarctic tundra environment. Visitors can expect temperatures to range from the low 40s to mid-50s (°F) during the summer months, and the park can receive up to 200 inches of precipitation annually. The best time to visit Glacier Bay is between May and September, when temperatures are milder and the park’s glaciers and wildlife are most active.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park is located in a tropical climate and experiences warm temperatures year-round. Visitors can expect temperatures to range from the mid-70s to mid-80s (°F) during the winter months and the high 80s to low 90s (°F) during the summer months. Although the park receives less precipitation than Glacier Bay, visitors should still be prepared for occasional showers and thunderstorms. The best time to visit Virgin Islands National Park is between December and April, when temperatures are milder and the likelihood of rain and hurricanes is lower.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are both great destinations for families, but each park has its own unique attractions and activities that cater to different interests and ages.
Glacier Bay is an excellent choice for families who enjoy outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park has a variety of easy to moderate trails that are suitable for families, and the opportunity to see glaciers, whales, and other marine life is a unique and thrilling experience. However, the park is quite remote and can be difficult to reach, so it may not be the best choice for families with young children.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is the perfect destination for families who want to relax, swim, and enjoy the beach. The park has several stunning beaches that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The park also has a variety of picnic areas, hiking trails, and campgrounds, making it a great place for families to spend time together. Additionally, the park is easily accessible by ferry or plane, making it a more convenient option for families with young children.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are great destinations for families, but each park has its own unique attractions and activities that cater to different interests and ages. If you’re traveling with children and looking for a mix of outdoor adventures and relaxation, Virgin Islands National Park may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more remote and rugged outdoor experience, Glacier Bay is a great option.