Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most unique and stunning national parks in the United States. These two parks offer visitors very different experiences and are located on opposite sides of the country. Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes. Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arkansas and is known for its natural hot springs that have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries.
In this article, we will be taking a closer look at these two parks and comparing their offerings. We will be examining everything from the park’s history, climate, and attractions to the types of activities that visitors can enjoy. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone looking for a relaxing getaway, there is something for everyone at these two parks. Get ready for a journey of discovery as we compare and contrast the amazing Glacier National Park and the rejuvenating Hot Springs National Park.
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier and Hot Springs National Parks offer a diverse range of hiking experiences. Glacier National Park, located in Montana, boasts over 700 miles of trails, with varying levels of difficulty. One of the easiest hikes is the Trail of the Cedars, a boardwalk trail that winds through a lush forest, past cascading waterfalls and towering trees. On the other hand, the Highline Trail is considered one of the most challenging, with steep inclines and breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Hot Springs National Park, in Arkansas, has over 26 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. One of the easiest hikes is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, a paved trail that leads to a historic tower with panoramic views of the surrounding area. On the other hand, the West Mountain Trail is one of the park’s most strenuous hikes, with steep inclines and rocky terrain that can be challenging for even experienced hikers. Despite the difference in elevation, both parks offer a unique and rewarding hiking experience that visitors won’t soon forget.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two iconic parks in the United States that offer different experiences for visitors. When it comes to wildlife, both parks boast unique and diverse ecosystems.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its diverse wildlife. Visitors to the park can see grizzly bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, and elk. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including the bald eagle, osprey, and peregrine falcon. In addition, visitors can also see a variety of plant life, including wildflowers, ferns, and conifers.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its hot springs and scenic views, but it also has a thriving ecosystem. Visitors to the park can see a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, and foxes. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including the woodpecker, the red-tailed hawk, and the eastern bluebird. The park also boasts a variety of plant life, including oak and hickory forests, as well as prairies and wetlands.
Both Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer unique opportunities to see wildlife and experience the beauty of nature. Whether you are a bird watcher, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a peaceful escape, both parks are well worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier National Park | Hot Springs 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 National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| Mink | Gray Fox |
| Mule Deer | North American River Otter |
| Gray Wolf | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Legged Bat | White-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Eared Bat | Virginia Opossum |
| Badger | Eastern Red Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | White-Footed Mouse |
| California Myotis | Norway Rat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Longnose Sucker | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Lake Trout | Golden Shiner |
| Northern Pike | European Carp |
| Burbot | Yellow Bullhead |
| Mottled Sculpin | Graceful Catfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Black Crappie |
| Longnose Dace | Black Bullhead |
| Sockeye Salmon | Mosquitofish |
| Arctic Grayling | Creek Chub |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier National Park is located in Montana, USA and is known for its stunning glacier-carved peaks, pristine alpine lakes and diverse wildlife. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive that provides breathtaking views of the rugged mountain ranges and pristine valleys. Visitors can also take a boat tour on Lake McDonald, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, or hike to Hidden Lake Overlook for a stunning view of the park’s beauty.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is famous for its thermal springs and historic bathhouses. The park is home to a number of scenic overlooks, including Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. Visitors can also take a dip in the naturally heated baths and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs. The park also features several hiking trails, including the Hot Springs National Park Loop, which offers views of the lush forests and rolling hills.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Glacier National Park is known for its rugged terrain and scenic beauty. Visitors can hike through the park’s numerous trails and take in the breathtaking views from the top of the park’s many peaks. In addition to hiking, visitors can also go camping, fishing, or wildlife viewing. Fishing is a popular activity in the park, and visitors can catch a variety of fish, including cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its hot springs. Visitors can soak in the natural hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. In addition to soaking in the hot springs, visitors can also hike the park’s trails, go camping, and participate in ranger-led programs. The park also has a scenic drive that takes visitors past some of the most beautiful sights in the park, including the hot springs and scenic waterfalls.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike, a relaxing soak in a hot spring, or a chance to go fishing, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its vast glaciers and snowcapped peaks. It experiences cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is from June to September, when the weather is mild and the snow has melted, allowing for optimal hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Arkansas and is known for its hot springs and thermal pools. It experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is from March to May, when the temperature is more moderate and the crowds are smaller. Visitors can enjoy the hot springs and thermal pools, as well as hike the park’s trails.
In comparison, Glacier National Park is best visited in the summer months, while Hot Springs National Park is best visited in the spring. The weather in both parks greatly impacts when is the best time to visit and what outdoor activities are available. Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the ideal time to visit each park varies due to the differences in their seasonal weather patterns.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Glacier National Park and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and both offer unique experiences for families. Glacier National Park is known for its stunning scenery, including majestic glaciers, rugged peaks, and pristine lakes, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the park is not as family-friendly as Hot Springs National Park, as many of its trails and activities are challenging and may not be suitable for younger children.
On the other hand, Hot Springs National Park offers a more relaxed and accommodating experience for families. The park is centered around the famous hot springs, which are naturally heated and offer a unique opportunity for families to soak and relax together. Additionally, the park has several easy hikes and walks, as well as a museum and other educational exhibits that are perfect for families with children. There are also several picnic areas and playgrounds scattered throughout the park, making it a great place to spend the day with the kids.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Hot Springs National Park is a better choice for a family-friendly vacation. The park offers a variety of fun and educational activities, as well as a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for families with young children.