Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking natural wonders in America. Both located in the United States, these parks offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Glacier Bay, Alaska, boasts a stunning landscape of glaciers, fjords, and snow-capped mountains. It’s a place where you can see the raw power of nature in action, as glaciers calve into the sea and create a symphony of sound and light. On the other hand, White Sands, New Mexico, is a desert oasis that shines bright with its spectacular white sand dunes, creating a stark contrast against the blue sky.
In this article, we will compare these two national parks and highlight the differences and similarities between them. From the weather to the wildlife, the activities to the accommodations, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you decide which park is the best fit for you. So, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply searching for a new adventure, get ready to explore the beauty of Glacier Bay and White Sands National Park.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are two popular national parks in the United States that offer unique hiking experiences. Glacier Bay is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. White Sands, on the other hand, is located in New Mexico and is known for its bright white sand dunes.
In Glacier Bay, there are several easy hikes that offer stunning views of glaciers and wildlife. One of the easiest hikes is the Bartlett Cove Trail, which takes you through a lush forest to the edge of the water. The West Glacier Trail is also a popular, easy hike that takes you along the shoreline and offers views of glaciers and wildlife.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, Glacier Bay has several options, including the McBride Glacier Trail, which takes you up a steep, rocky slope to a viewpoint overlooking the McBride Glacier. Another challenging hike is the Reid Glacier Trail, which leads you to the base of the Reid Glacier and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
At White Sands, the easiest hike is the Interdune Boardwalk, which takes you through the dunes and offers views of the surrounding landscape. For a more challenging hike, the Alkali Flat Trail takes you through the heart of the dunes and offers views of the surrounding mountains.
Whether you’re looking for an easy or challenging hike, both Glacier Bay and White Sands National Parks offer unique and stunning landscapes to explore.
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 White Sands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 6 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are two vastly different national parks in terms of wildlife. Glacier Bay is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, while White Sands is located in New Mexico and is known for its white sand dunes.
At Glacier Bay, visitors can see a variety of wildlife including whales, seals, sea lions, and sea otters. In addition, there are also many bird species such as bald eagles, puffins, and kittiwakes. On land, visitors may also see black bears, moose, and caribou.
At White Sands, visitors will find a unique desert environment with a different set of wildlife. The park is home to many species of lizards and snakes, as well as jackrabbits and roadrunners. Birdwatchers may also see species such as the greater roadrunner, cactus wren, and Gambel’s quail.
In terms of vegetation, Glacier Bay is home to a variety of plants such as mosses, lichens, and wildflowers. White Sands, on the other hand, is home to several species of cactus and other desert-adapted plants.
In conclusion, both Glacier Bay and White Sands National Park offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in marine life or desert wildlife, these parks are definitely worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Plains Wolf |
| Lynx | American Badger |
| Wolverine | Ermine |
| Marten | Snowshoe Hare |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | River Otter |
| Grizzly Bear | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Longnose Sucker | Green Sunfish |
| Lake Trout | Bluegill |
| Northern Pike | Fathead Minnow |
| Burbot | Golden Shiner |
| Silver Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Chinook Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Slimy Sculpin | Ellpout |
| Threespine Stickleback | Mottled Sculpin |
| Sockeye Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Pink Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Chum Salmon | Black Crappie |
| Dolly Varden | Black Bullhead |
| Cutthroat Trout | Creek Chub |
| Arctic Grayling | Brown Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, fjords, and marine life. The most famous landscape in the park is the Glacier Bay, a 40-mile-long fjord that is lined with towering glaciers. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glaciers up close, or hike in the park to view them from a distance. Another notable feature of the park is the John Hopkins Inlet, which is surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. The inlet is a popular spot for whale watching, as humpback whales are often seen feeding in the area.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is famous for its white sand dunes. The park’s most famous landscape is the White Sands, a vast area of white gypsum sand dunes that stretch for miles. Visitors can explore the dunes by hiking, picnicking, or sledding down the sand. Another notable feature of the park is the Alkali Flat, a large, white, salt-covered plain that is surrounded by the sand dunes. The Alkali Flat is a unique and beautiful landscape that is well worth a visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, attracting visitors for their unique landscapes and recreational opportunities. Glacier Bay is located in Alaska and features glaciers, fjords, and a diverse array of wildlife, while White Sands is located in New Mexico and is known for its vast, white sand dunes.
Popular activities at Glacier Bay include kayaking, rafting, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the park’s fjords and glaciers by kayak or raft, and they may have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including whales, seals, and bears. Wildlife viewing is a top attraction at Glacier Bay, and visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras to capture the beauty of the park’s wildlife.
At White Sands, visitors love to explore the sand dunes, picnic, and stargaze. The park’s white sand dunes are a unique and captivating sight, and visitors can hike, sled, or simply relax on the sand. Picnicking is also a popular activity at White Sands, and visitors can enjoy a meal in the park’s beautiful surroundings. Finally, White Sands is known for its dark skies, making it an ideal location for stargazing. Visitors can bring telescopes or simply lay on the sand and enjoy the night sky.
In conclusion, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park both offer a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors, from kayaking and wildlife viewing to hiking and stargazing. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a peaceful escape, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks have unique weather patterns that affect when the best time of year to visit is.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its glaciers, fjords and wildlife. The weather at Glacier Bay is cold and wet with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 60°F. The park is most accessible from May to September when the weather is mild and the glaciers are visible. Visitors should be prepared for rain and cold temperatures, even in the summer months.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is known for its vast white sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The weather at White Sands is hot and dry with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 100°F. The best time to visit White Sands is during the cooler months of October through April, when temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor activities and exploring the park.
Both parks offer unique experiences, but the weather patterns and temperatures make the best time to visit quite different. Glacier Bay is best visited during the summer months when the weather is mild and the glaciers are visible, while White Sands is best visited during the cooler months when temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and White Sands National Park are two beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning scenery and a chance to experience nature, but they are different when it comes to their family-friendliness.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is known for its spectacular glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. It’s a great place to visit for families who enjoy hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. However, it can be challenging for young children, as the park’s remote location requires a long boat or plane ride to reach and there is limited access to food, water, and restrooms.
On the other hand, White Sands National Park is a much more accessible option for families. The park is located in New Mexico and is famous for its vast white sand dunes, which provide a unique and fun playground for kids. There are also picnic areas, restrooms, and a visitors center with educational exhibits, making it much more convenient for families with young children.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children, White Sands National Park is the better option for a family-friendly trip. It offers a unique and accessible experience for families, while still providing stunning natural beauty. While Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is also a magnificent destination, its remote location and limited amenities make it a better option for older kids or families with more adventurous spirits.