Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Both are must-see destinations for any nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, but which one is right for you?
In this article, we will take a closer look at Glacier Bay and Yosemite, comparing their landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities. From towering glaciers to soaring granite cliffs, you’ll discover what makes these parks so special and why they should be on your bucket list.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Glacier Bay and Yosemite have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. The question is, which one will you choose first?
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking landscapes and a wide variety of hiking trails, but they have distinct differences in terms of terrain, difficulty, and accessibility.
At Glacier Bay, visitors can hike through glaciers and witness the powerful forces of nature at work. The park is known for its challenging hikes, including the Glacier Overlook Trail, which offers a strenuous, but rewarding, climb to the top of the glacier for panoramic views of the park. On the other hand, the Bartlett Cove Trail is a relatively easy, flat hike along the shore of the park’s main bay.
Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. The park offers a variety of trails ranging from easy, family-friendly walks to strenuous, multi-day backcountry adventures. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Yosemite Falls Trail, which leads to the top of the iconic Yosemite Falls. Another popular hike is the Half Dome Trail, which is considered one of the most strenuous hikes in the park and requires a permit due to its popularity.
Both parks offer something for every type of hiker, but Glacier Bay is best suited for those seeking a challenging wilderness experience, while Yosemite is a great choice for families and those looking for a mix of easy and challenging trails.
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 Yosemite National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail | 10299.776 | 667.8168 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Upper Yosemite Falls Trail | 11587.248 | 967.74 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Half Dome Trail | 23818.232 | 1573.9872 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1609.34 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake | 19794.882 | 948.8424 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Four Mile Trail | 12070.05 | 998.8296 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sentinel Dome Trail | 3379.614 | 138.9888 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Glacier Point Trail | 965.604 | 71.9328 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Vernal Falls | 5954.558 | 406.908 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail | 9012.304 | 101.8032 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most spectacular natural wonders of the United States. Both are known for their breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, but there are some key differences between them.
In Glacier Bay, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine mammals such as whales, seals, and sea lions. In addition, the park is home to a number of bird species, including bald eagles, puffins, and auklets. On land, visitors may spot black bears, moose, and mountain goats. The park’s diverse plant life includes Alaskan cedar and hemlock trees, as well as a variety of wildflowers.
Yosemite, on the other hand, is known for its diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the iconic California Condor, as well as a number of migratory species, such as the Swainson’s Hawk. Yosemite is also famous for its diverse plant life, with over 1,400 species of vascular plants, including giant sequoias, Sierra Nevada firs, and dogwoods.
Both Glacier Bay and Yosemite provide visitors with a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience. Whether you’re interested in marine mammals or birds, or exploring the diverse plant life of the parks, both parks offer something for everyone. So, whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a breathtaking adventure, both Glacier Bay and Yosemite are must-see destinations.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Yosemite 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 | Yosemite 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | House Mouse |
| River Otter | Mountain Lion |
| Masked Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Water Shrew | Gray Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Wolf |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Lynx | Badger |
| Wolverine | Ermine |
| Marten | California Myotis |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | River Otter |
| Grizzly Bear | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Smallmouth Bass |
| 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 | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Northern Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in southeast Alaska, is known for its stunning glaciers and deep fjords. The park’s centerpiece is the Grand Pacific Glacier, which is the largest and most active glacier in the park. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glacier up close and even hear the thunderous sound of it calving. Along the way, they may also see whales, otters and other marine wildlife.
Yosemite National Park, located in central California, is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States. One of the park’s most famous features is Yosemite Valley, which features towering granite cliffs and iconic waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, which is the highest waterfall in North America. Hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains, including Half Dome and El Capitan. The park is also famous for its giant sequoia trees, including the Mariposa Grove, which is home to over 500 mature trees.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty and a wide range of outdoor activities, there are some key differences between them.
In Glacier Bay, visitors can take part in a variety of water-based activities, such as kayaking, whale watching, and fishing. The park is also home to several glaciers, which can be viewed from boat tours or on foot. Yosemite, on the other hand, is famous for its rock climbing and backpacking opportunities, as well as its stunning waterfalls and scenic vistas.
Both parks offer ranger-led programs and educational opportunities, including guided hikes and wildlife viewing. However, Glacier Bay’s remote location in Alaska makes it a destination for more hardy, adventure-seeking travelers. Meanwhile, Yosemite attracts a wider range of visitors, from families to serious hikers, due to its more accessible location in California and diverse range of activities.
Regardless of what type of outdoor enthusiast you are, both Glacier Bay and Yosemite offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day of nature observation, a challenging backcountry hike, or a chance to learn about the unique wildlife and geology of these parks, you’ll find it all at Glacier Bay and Yosemite.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique scenic beauty, but the seasonal weather in each park is quite different. Glacier Bay is located in Alaska, and the weather there is cold and temperate throughout the year, with the average temperature ranging from the mid-30s to mid-50s. In contrast, Yosemite is located in California and has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, daytime temperatures can reach up to the high 80s and 90s, while nighttime temperatures drop to the mid-50s.
The weather in both parks affects when the best time of year to visit is. In Glacier Bay, the best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is warmer and the park is open for the season. During the winter months, the park is closed and the weather is too harsh to make visiting the park enjoyable. In Yosemite, the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. During the summer months, the park can be crowded and the weather can be hot, making it difficult to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park.
Visitors to Glacier Bay and Yosemite should plan their trips accordingly, taking into consideration the weather and the best time of year to visit each park. Both parks offer unique and beautiful experiences, and visitors should make the most of their time there by planning ahead and being prepared for the weather conditions.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their natural beauty and scenic landscapes, but which one is more family-friendly?
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is a remote park located in Alaska. It is known for its glaciers, whales, and wildlife. While it is a great place for families that enjoy nature, it may not be the best choice for families traveling with young children. The park is remote, which means that there are limited amenities and services available. Also, the rugged terrain can be difficult for younger children to navigate.
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park is located in California and is more accessible. It has a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. There are also many amenities and services available in the park, including picnic areas, lodges, and campgrounds. Additionally, Yosemite is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the United States, such as Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. These iconic landmarks are sure to inspire wonder and awe in children of all ages.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Yosemite National Park is the better choice. With its accessible location, variety of family-friendly activities, and iconic landmarks, it is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for families.