Two of America’s most stunning national parks sit on opposite ends of the country, offering unique and breathtaking experiences for visitors. Glacier National Park in Montana boasts towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and abundant wildlife, while Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska showcases the rugged and wild beauty of the Last Frontier. Both parks offer breathtaking views and unparalleled natural beauty, but in vastly different ways.
So, which should you choose for your next outdoor adventure? If you’re the type of person who wants to stand in awe of massive glaciers, soak in the tranquility of glistening lakes, and hike among towering peaks, Glacier National Park might be the perfect fit. On the other hand, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, with its fjords, glaciers, and abundant marine life, Kenai Fjords National Park should be at the top of your list.
Whether you prefer the rugged peaks of Montana or the icy fjords of Alaska, both parks offer unforgettable experiences. So, come along as we explore the wonders of Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, and discover which one is right for your next outdoor adventure!
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, United States, is known for its rugged terrain and stunning scenery. The park boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy, scenic walks to challenging backcountry routes.
One of the easiest hikes in Glacier National Park is the Trail of the Cedars, a boardwalk trail that winds through a dense forest of cedar trees. This trail is wheelchair accessible and offers views of Avalanche Creek and Avalanche Lake. On the other hand, the Highline Trail is considered one of the toughest hikes in the park, with steep inclines and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, United States, is also known for its stunning scenery and challenging hikes. The park is home to glaciers, fjords, and a diverse range of wildlife.
One of the easiest hikes in Kenai Fjords National Park is the Exit Glacier Nature Trail, a 1.8-mile trail that leads to the face of Exit Glacier. This trail offers views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape. The Harding Icefield Trail is considered one of the toughest hikes in the park, with a challenging 8.2-mile round-trip hike to the top of the icefield. The trail offers breathtaking views of the landscape and the glaciers below.
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 Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier National Park is located in the state of Montana, USA and is known for its stunning scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Visitors can expect to see animals such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, big-horn sheep, moose, and elk. In addition, the park is also home to over 280 species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. The park’s diverse landscape, including forests, valleys, and alpine meadows, provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, USA, is known for its glaciers and abundant marine wildlife. Visitors can expect to see whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, murres, and cormorants. The park’s rugged coastline, glaciers, and fjords provide habitat for a variety of plants and animals.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique and breathtaking wildlife viewing opportunities. While Glacier National Park is known for its diverse terrestrial wildlife, Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its abundant marine wildlife and glaciers. Whether you’re interested in watching grizzly bears roam the forests of Glacier National Park or observing whales in the icy waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, both parks offer unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier National Park | Kenai Fjords 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Glacier National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Black Bear | Gray Wolf |
| Porcupine | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | California Myotis |
| Hoary Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Red Fox | Northern River Otter |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Masked Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Red Squirrel |
| Mink | Montane Shrew |
| Mule Deer | Lynx |
| Gray Wolf | Wolverine |
| Long-Legged Bat | American Marten |
| Long-Eared Bat | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Badger | Brown Bear |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Meadow Mouse |
| California Myotis | Moose |
| Snowshoe Hare | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Longnose Sucker | Burbot |
| Fathead Minnow | Silver Salmon |
| Lake Trout | Chinook Salmon |
| Northern Pike | Slimy Sculpin |
| Burbot | Threespine Stickleback |
| Mottled Sculpin | Red Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Pink Salmon |
| Longnose Dace | Chum Salmon |
| Sockeye Salmon | Dolly Varden |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier National Park is known for its stunning glaciers, rugged mountain ranges and turquoise lakes. The park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Alaska, is famous for its glaciers and fjords, which are valleys that have been carved by glaciers. Visitors can embark on a boat tour of the park’s waterways to see the glaciers up close, and also take a scenic flight for a birds-eye view of the stunning landscape. Another popular activity is hiking, with trails leading to glaciers, alpine lakes, and breathtaking vistas.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, from the towering peaks of Glacier National Park to the glaciers and fjords of Kenai Fjords National Park. Whether you want to hike, take a scenic drive, or simply marvel at the beauty of nature, both parks are well worth a visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Visitors to Glacier National Park enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and water-based activities such as kayaking, rafting, and fishing. In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its stunning glaciers and abundant marine wildlife. Popular activities here include wildlife viewing, kayaking, and boat tours.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. Glacier National Park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for backpacking and camping. Visitors can also take scenic drives along the Going-to-the-Sun Road or take a boat tour on one of the park’s many lakes. Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is a popular destination for whale watching and sea kayaking. Visitors can also take boat tours to view glaciers and marine wildlife up close.
Regardless of the specific activities, both Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are popular destinations for those who love nature and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, or outdoor adventures, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two unique and beautiful destinations that offer a variety of outdoor activities. However, they have very different climates and weather patterns. Glacier National Park is located in Montana and experiences a Continental Climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The park experiences an average of over 200 inches of snow each year, making it a popular destination for winter sports. In the summer, temperatures can reach into the 80s, making it a great time for hiking and camping.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and experiences a subarctic climate, with mild summers and very cold winters. The park receives an average of over 300 inches of snow each year, making it a popular destination for winter sports as well. In the summer, temperatures can reach into the 60s, making it a great time for kayaking, whale watching, and other water activities. While both parks offer unique experiences throughout the year, the best time to visit will depend on what activities you are interested in.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are beautiful destinations with vastly different climates. While Glacier National Park is better for summer activities, Kenai Fjords National Park is better for winter sports. The best time to visit will depend on what activities you are interested in, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both beautiful and unique natural parks that offer a lot to families traveling with children. Both parks offer beautiful scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities, but they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
Glacier National Park is a great option for families with older children who are looking for adventure. The park offers many challenging hikes, such as the Highline Trail, and opportunities for backcountry camping. Younger children may find these activities too strenuous, but the park’s scenic drive, Going-to-the-Sun Road, offers breathtaking views and is accessible to all visitors.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is a more family-friendly option, with many easy hikes and accessible shorelines. The park’s highlight, the Exit Glacier, can be easily explored by all ages, and the nearby town of Seward offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and whale watching. The park’s Visitor Center also has interactive exhibits that will keep children engaged and learning.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer families a chance to experience the beauty of the great outdoors, but for families traveling with younger children, Kenai Fjords National Park is the better choice.