Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States. These parks boast stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, these parks will take your breath away with their natural beauty.
But which park is right for you? Both Glacier and Rocky Mountain have their own unique features and attractions, making it difficult to choose between the two. In this article, we’ll dive into the similarities and differences between these two amazing parks and help you determine which one is perfect for your next outdoor adventure. From scenic drives to challenging hikes, we’ll cover all the must-see sights and activities in each park.
So, grab your hiking boots and pack your camping gear – it’s time to embark on a journey to two of the most magnificent parks in the country!
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of America’s most iconic national parks, each offering its own unique and breathtaking hiking experiences. Both parks boast a diverse range of trails, from easy, leisurely walks to challenging, strenuous hikes.
Starting with Glacier National Park, one of the most popular and easiest hikes is the Trail of the Cedars. This flat, well-maintained trail takes visitors through a stunning forest of towering cedars and hemlocks, offering scenic views of the nearby river. On the other end of the spectrum, the Grinnell Glacier Trail is one of the toughest hikes in the park, with a steep ascent and several rocky sections. This hike rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the Grinnell Glacier and the surrounding mountains.
Moving on to Rocky Mountain National Park, the park is known for its challenging hikes, including the Keyhole Route, which is a strenuous, multi-day hike that takes visitors to the summit of Longs Peak, one of the park’s tallest mountains. For a more leisurely hike, the Bear Lake Trail is a popular option, offering stunning views of the park’s alpine valleys and nearby peaks.
Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to challenging ascents. Regardless of your hiking level, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both renowned for their stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. In Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of big mammals such as grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats. The park is also home to many species of birds including the spectacular harlequin duck and the bald eagle. Additionally, visitors can see a multitude of plant life, including the iconic glacier lilies that bloom in the summer months.
Rocky Mountain National Park is also known for its rich diversity of wildlife. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Bird-watchers can also enjoy spotting species such as the Clark’s nutcracker, the calliope hummingbird and the golden eagle. The park is also home to a range of plant life, including the beautiful wildflowers that bloom in the summer and fall months.
Both parks offer incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, but the specific species that visitors can expect to see will vary depending on the time of year and the specific area of the park they are visiting. Regardless of the time of year, visitors to both Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are sure to be enchanted by the breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife that these incredible parks have to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Eared Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
| Snowshoe Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Western Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Mottled Sculpin |
| Northern Pike | Speckled Dace |
| Burbot | Cutthroat Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Rubber Boa | Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Glacier National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its stunning mountain ranges, glaciers and alpine meadows. The park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails and features famous landscapes such as Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile road that winds through the heart of the park and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park also boasts several scenic overlooks, including Logan Pass, where visitors can see an array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and mountain goats.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is equally stunning and is known for its majestic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park has over 350 miles of hiking trails, and the most famous landscape is the Trail Ridge Road, a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park also boasts several scenic overlooks, including the Bear Lake Overlook, where visitors can see beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Additionally, Rocky Mountain National Park is also home to several waterfalls, including Alberta Falls, which is one of the most popular attractions in the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. In Glacier National Park, popular activities include scenic drives, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most famous drives in the country and provides stunning views of the park’s glaciers, lakes, and mountains. Boating and fishing are also popular activities in the park, with many visitors taking advantage of the park’s numerous lakes and rivers.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is known for its scenic drives and hiking. The park’s Trail Ridge Road is a must-see for visitors and offers stunning views of the park’s peaks and valleys. The park also features over 300 miles of hiking trails, including some of the most challenging hikes in the country. In addition to hiking, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park enjoy fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose.
Both Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including scenic drives, hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely drive, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Both offer stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows, but the weather conditions in each park are quite different, affecting the best time to visit.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana, where temperatures can be quite harsh, especially in the winter months. During the summer, temperatures can reach over 80°F, making it an ideal time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. However, in the winter, temperatures can drop below zero, making it difficult for visitors to enjoy the park.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in Colorado, which has a milder climate compared to Montana. During the winter, the park receives a significant amount of snowfall, making it an ideal time to visit for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. During the summer, temperatures can reach into the 80s, making it a great time to visit for activities such as hiking and fishing.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are beautiful destinations that offer visitors stunning views of the mountains and glaciers. However, the weather conditions in each park are quite different and affect the best time to visit. Visitors should consider the weather when planning their trip to either of these parks.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities, making them popular destinations for families. However, when it comes to traveling with children, there are some key differences between the two parks.
Rocky Mountain National Park is more family-friendly. It offers a variety of easy hikes, including the Bear Lake Loop Trail, which is a flat, easy trail perfect for families with young children. The park also offers ranger-led programs, including night sky programs and wildlife viewing walks, that provide a fun and educational experience for families.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its more strenuous hikes and backcountry wilderness. While there are some family-friendly hikes available, such as the Trail of the Cedars and the Avalanche Lake Trail, these hikes may not be suitable for very young children. Additionally, the park’s remote location and limited services can make it a challenge for families with young children.
Overall, if you are traveling with children, Rocky Mountain National Park is the better choice. With its wide range of family-friendly activities and amenities, it offers a more enjoyable and accessible experience for families.