Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most breathtakingly gorgeous parks in the United States, each with its own unique attractions and breathtaking landscapes. While both parks are abundant in natural beauty, they are vastly different in their features.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and boasts towering glaciers, serene alpine lakes, and rugged mountain ranges. Visitors can hike to their heart’s content and marvel at the breathtaking views of the park’s many scenic vistas. In contrast, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is a desert landscape dotted with ancient cliff dwellings. These fascinating architectural wonders give visitors a glimpse into the lives of the ancestral Puebloan people who lived there over 700 years ago.
So, which park is the better destination for your next adventure? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for in a national park experience. If you’re seeking breathtaking natural beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, then Glacier National Park is the perfect place for you. If you’re interested in history and culture, then Mesa Verde National Park is the place to be. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two stunning parks, helping you to make the best decision for your next national park adventure.
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a range of hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
Glacier National Park is known for its scenic hikes, with trails leading to stunning vistas of glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Hidden Lake Trail, which is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail with scenic views of the lake, and the Trail of the Cedars, which is a 1-mile loop through a dense forest of cedar trees. On the other hand, more challenging hikes include the Highline Trail, which is a strenuous 11.6-mile hike along a narrow ridge with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is a strenuous 8.6-mile hike to the glistening Grinnell Glacier.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is known for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. The easiest hikes in the park include the Spruce Tree House Trail, which is a short 0.3-mile walk to a well-preserved cliff dwelling, and the Petroglyph Point Trail, which is a 1.2-mile hike to a rock art site. For more experienced hikers, the Knife Edge Trail is a challenging 3.2-mile hike along a narrow ledge with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons and mesas. The Park Point Trail is a strenuous 5.5-mile hike to the highest point in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
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 Mesa Verde National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroglyph Point Trail | 4184.284 | 131.9784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cliff Palace Loop Trail | 643.736 | 25.908 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balcony House Loop Trail | 643.736 | 27.7368 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail | 3379.614 | 161.8488 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Soda Canyon Overlook Trail | 1931.208 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | 24140.1 | 797.9664 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Long House Trail | 3379.614 | 86.868 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Step House Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Knife Edge Trail | 3218.68 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Prater Ridge Trail | 11748.182 | 311.8104 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. While both parks offer unique and stunning landscapes, the wildlife you’ll see at each park is very different.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. The park is also home to a wide range of bird species, including the bald eagle, osprey, and great horned owl. Visitors may also see a variety of plant life, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees such as Douglas fir and western red cedar.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rich cultural history and the ancient dwellings of the Pueblo people. While wildlife sightings are not as common as in Glacier National Park, visitors may still spot a few species, including coyotes, mule deer, and mountain lions. Bird watching is also popular at Mesa Verde, with species such as the western bluebird, mountain bluebird, and white-crowned sparrow commonly seen. The park is also home to a variety of cacti and other desert plants.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. While Glacier is known for its abundant wildlife, Mesa Verde offers a different type of experience, with a focus on its cultural history and bird watching opportunities.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier National Park | Mesa Verde 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 | Mesa Verde 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 | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mink | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Wolf | Mule Deer |
| Long-Legged Bat | Gray Fox |
| Long-Eared Bat | Wolf |
| Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | Badger |
| Snowshoe Hare | Ermine |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and boasts stunning landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The most famous landscapes in Glacier National Park include the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and the Many Glacier Valley, which is home to several glaciers as well as wildlife.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is known for its unique landscape, including the famous mesas and spires. The park is home to thousands of ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is considered one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. The park also offers scenic drives and hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding canyons and mesas.
Both Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer visitors the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the United States. Whether you’re interested in glaciers, mesas, or ancient cliff dwellings, these parks offer something for every type of traveler.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique experience to visitors and are known for their stunning natural beauty. However, the activities available in each park are quite different.
Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise. The park features over 700 miles of trails, including backcountry trails and day hikes. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and boating. The park is also known for its stunning glaciers, although the number of glaciers has been decreasing due to climate change.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, offers a unique experience for visitors interested in history and archaeology. The park is known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace. Visitors can take guided tours of the cliff dwellings, attend ranger-led programs, and explore the park’s many hiking trails. The park also offers scenic drives and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Both Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique experiences and activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in hiking, history, or wildlife, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park both offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but the weather at each park can vary greatly and can impact the best time to visit. Glacier National Park, located in Montana, experiences warm summers with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and cold, snowy winters with average temperatures ranging from 0 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit Glacier National Park is during the summer months, when visitors can hike and explore the park’s scenic trails and glaciers.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, has a more temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and average winter temperatures range from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the milder weather, the best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is during the late spring and early fall, when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of rain or snow. During these months, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the park’s ancient Native American cliff dwellings and explore the park’s scenic trails. Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the weather at each park can greatly affect the best time to visit. It’s important to research the weather patterns of each park before planning your trip.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its stunning glaciers, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife. With its natural beauty and scenic drives, Glacier is a popular destination for families looking for an outdoor adventure. The park offers a variety of activities for all ages, including camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Children can also participate in ranger-led programs and explore the park’s many trails and scenic overlooks.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is a unique destination that offers visitors a chance to explore ancient Native American dwellings. The park is home to more than 4,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings that date back to the Puebloan people who lived in the area from 600 to 1300 AD. While the park is not as physically demanding as Glacier, it offers a rich cultural experience that is perfect for families with children who are interested in history and archaeology. The park offers ranger-led tours of the cliff dwellings, as well as hiking trails, camping, and educational programs for children.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are family-friendly destinations that offer unique experiences for visitors of all ages. However, if you are traveling with children who are interested in history and archaeology, Mesa Verde may be a better choice. The park offers a rich cultural experience that is both educational and fun, while Glacier is better suited for families who are looking for a more physically demanding outdoor adventure.