Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most stunning and diverse national parks in America. While they are located on opposite sides of the country, they both offer breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences that attract millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a change of scenery, these two parks have something for everyone.
Glacier Bay is a sprawling wilderness of glaciers, fjords, and wild coastlines located in southeastern Alaska. With its rugged terrain, abundant wildlife, and scenic boat tours, it’s a true adventure for those seeking a remote and wild experience. On the other hand, Zion is a red rock wonderland in southwestern Utah, with towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and lush greenery. Here, visitors can hike, climb, and explore the stunning landscape and discover the rich history of the area.
So, which national park is right for you? Read on to find out as we compare and contrast these two magnificent parks in detail. Get ready for a journey through two of America’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and find out which one will leave you breathless.
Hiking Trails in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. Both offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore, each with its own unique features and challenges. Glacier Bay is known for its rugged coastal landscapes and glaciers, while Zion is known for its towering rock formations and canyons.
In Glacier Bay, the easiest hike is the Bartlett Cove Trail, which is a 1.5-mile trail that takes visitors through the Tongass National Forest to Bartlett Cove. This trail is suitable for all skill levels and offers breathtaking views of the glaciers and wildlife in the area. The hardest hike in Glacier Bay is the Muir Glacier Trail, which is a strenuous 8-mile hike that takes visitors up to the Muir Glacier. This trail is only recommended for experienced hikers and is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the park.
In Zion, the easiest hike is the Riverside Walk, which is a 2.2-mile trail that takes visitors along the Virgin River to the base of the famous Zion Canyon. This trail is suitable for all skill levels and offers stunning views of the towering cliffs and rock formations in the area. The hardest hike in Zion is the Angels Landing Trail, which is a strenuous 5.4-mile hike that takes visitors to the top of Angels Landing, a towering rock formation that offers panoramic views of the park. This trail is only recommended for experienced hikers and requires a high level of physical fitness.
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 Zion National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Alaska and Zion National Park, Utah are two popular national parks in the United States that offer unique wildlife experiences. In Glacier Bay, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales, orca whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises. In addition to marine wildlife, visitors may also spot land animals such as black bears, moose, and mountain goats. The park is also home to a diverse array of bird species, including bald eagles, puffins, and kittiwakes.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, offers a different type of wildlife experience. Visitors may see mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions roaming the park’s scenic canyons. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the colorful and rare turkey vulture. In addition to wildlife, visitors can also enjoy the park’s diverse array of plants, including the iconic Joshua tree, cacti, and wildflowers.
Both parks offer opportunities for visitors to observe and appreciate the diverse wildlife that call these parks home. Whether it’s whales in Glacier Bay or bighorn sheep in Zion, visitors are sure to be in awe of the natural beauty and unique wildlife of these two incredible national parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
Montane Shrew | Gray Fox |
Long-Tailed Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
Lynx | Long-Eared Myotis |
Wolverine | American Badger |
Marten | Ermine |
Northern Flying Squirrel | California Myotis |
Grizzly Bear | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
Lake Trout | Speckled Dace |
Northern Pike | Channel Catfish |
Burbot | Goldfish |
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 | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve | Zion National Park |
---|---|
Gophersnake | |
Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
Ring-Necked Snake | |
Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
Side-Blotched Lizard | |
Common Kingsnake | |
Nightsnake | |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
Tree Lizard | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink | |
Desert Spiny Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most stunning national parks in the United States. Located in Alaska and Utah, respectively, these two parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and majesty of nature at its finest.
Glacier Bay is known for its breathtaking glaciers, stunning fjords, and diverse wildlife. The park’s glaciers are among the most famous landscapes in the world, and visitors can take a boat tour to see them up close. The fjords, created by the glaciers, are deep valleys filled with crystal-clear water that provides a stunning contrast to the rugged mountains surrounding it.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its towering rock formations, narrow canyons, and beautiful waterfalls. The park’s most famous landscape is the Narrows, a deep, twisting canyon that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can hike along the Virgin River to experience this natural wonder up close, or take a scenic drive through the park to see its many beautiful overlooks.
Both Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are must-see destinations for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty and power of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most popular parks in the US, attracting millions of visitors each year. While both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, they differ in the types of experiences they offer.
In Glacier Bay, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers and wildlife, such as whales, bears, and sea lions. Popular activities include kayaking, boat tours, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Zion, on the other hand, is known for its stunning red rock formations and canyons. Visitors can hike through the narrows, explore the scenic drive, and go rock climbing. Horseback riding, canyoneering, and camping are also popular activities in the park.
Both parks offer breathtaking beauty and unique experiences, making it difficult to choose just one. If you are looking for a more water-based adventure, Glacier Bay may be the better choice. If you prefer hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives, Zion may be the better option. Regardless of which park you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States and offer unique experiences for visitors. One major factor that affects the experience of visitors is the weather, which can vary greatly between the two parks.
Glacier Bay is located in Alaska and experiences a subarctic climate with cold, wet winters and mild summers. The best time to visit Glacier Bay is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park’s glaciers are accessible by boat. During the winter months, the park is covered in snow and ice, making it difficult to access many of its attractions.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Utah and experiences a warm, arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Zion is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it extremely hot and uncomfortable for outdoor activities. In the winter, the park experiences occasional snow and cold temperatures, but it is still a popular time to visit for those who enjoy winter sports and activities.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park can greatly affect the visitor experience. Knowing the best time to visit each park can help visitors make the most of their trip and enjoy their time in the park.
Family Friendliness of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Zion National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, but which one is better for families traveling with children?
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in Southeast Alaska and is known for its stunning glaciers, wildlife, and fjords. While the park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking, it may not be the best choice for families with young children. The park is remote, and many of its activities are more suitable for older children and adults. In addition, the park’s remote location makes it more difficult for families to access basic necessities, such as food and medical care.
On the other hand, Zion National Park in Utah is a great choice for families with children. The park offers a range of activities for all ages, including hiking, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs. In addition, the park is easily accessible by car and has a range of accommodations and amenities, making it a convenient choice for families. The park’s many trails also offer great opportunities for families to explore the park’s stunning scenery, including its towering red cliffs and lush canyons.
Overall, if you’re traveling with children, Zion National Park is the better choice. The park offers a range of activities for all ages and is easily accessible and equipped with amenities, making it a convenient and family-friendly destination.