Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most magnificent natural wonders in the United States. Both parks boast stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking vistas that leave visitors in awe. With so much to see and do in each park, it can be tough to decide between them. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes each park unique and help you determine which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
So, are you ready to embark on a journey through towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests? Then grab your hiking boots, pack your camera, and get ready to explore the beauty of Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, these two parks have something for everyone. So, let’s dive in and discover which one will be your new favorite destination!
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their incredible scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. When it comes to hiking, both parks offer a wide range of trails, from easy day hikes to strenuous backcountry adventures.
Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of trails, ranging from easy boardwalk hikes to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Highline Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s rugged landscape, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which takes hikers to one of the park’s largest glaciers. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Piegan Pass Trail is a strenuous 11-mile trek through the park’s rugged backcountry.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a similarly diverse range of hiking trails, including both easy walks and strenuous backcountry adventures. The Big Trees Trail is a popular easy hike, offering visitors the chance to see the park’s famous giant sequoias up close. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Rae Lakes Loop is a strenuous 41-mile trek that takes hikers through the park’s rugged backcountry, offering stunning 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier National Park in Montana and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California are both renowned for their stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Both parks offer a chance to see unique and fascinating creatures up close.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of large mammals such as grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bighorn sheep, as well as numerous bird species including the bald eagle, osprey, and peregrine falcon. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers, conifers, and deciduous trees.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are known for their giant sequoia trees, which are among the largest and oldest trees in the world. Visitors to these parks can also expect to see a variety of mammals, including black bears, coyotes, and deer, as well as numerous bird species such as the Steller’s jay and the mountain chickadee. The parks are also home to a rich array of plant life, including sequoias, ferns, and wildflowers.
In summary, both Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer visitors a chance to see diverse and unique wildlife, including a variety of mammals, birds, and plants. Whether you’re interested in large mammals, birds of prey, or towering trees, these parks are sure to impress.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Glacier National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Green Sunfish |
| Lake Trout | Golden Shiner |
| Northern Pike | European Carp |
| Burbot | Black Bullhead |
| Mottled Sculpin | Brown Bullhead |
| Slimy Sculpin | Goldfish |
| Longnose Dace | Smallmouth Bass |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Racer |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its awe-inspiring landscapes, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains and glaciers. The park also features over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the Highline Trail, which offers views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are famous for their towering trees and dramatic canyons. The parks are home to the largest trees on Earth, the giant sequoias, which can reach up to 275 feet tall and live over 3,000 years. The parks also feature diverse landscapes, including the Kings Canyon National Park, which is home to scenic canyon views and waterfalls.
Both Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are must-visit destinations for nature enthusiasts and those seeking breathtaking landscapes. From the towering trees in Sequoia & Kings Canyon to the glaciers in Glacier National Park, these parks offer a diverse range of natural wonders to explore and enjoy.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most beautiful and popular parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors, but each park has its own unique offerings.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Visitors can also take a boat tour of Lake McDonald and fish in the park’s many streams and lakes.
At Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the park’s giant sequoia trees. The parks are home to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest known single stem tree on the planet. Visitors can also hike to scenic vistas and waterfalls, and enjoy camping in the park’s wilderness areas.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are great places to visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives or hiking, these parks offer something for everyone. So, choose a park that fits your interests and plan your next adventure today!
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Although both are stunning, they have different climates and weather patterns, which affect when is the best time to visit.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its harsh winter weather. Winter in Glacier National Park can be extremely cold with heavy snowfall. The best time to visit the park is the summer months between June and September, when the weather is milder and the snow has cleared.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are located in California and have a Mediterranean climate. The parks experience hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit the parks is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be crowded and hot, making it less enjoyable to explore the parks.
In conclusion, Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two unique destinations, each offering its own unique weather patterns. Visitors should consider the weather and the best time to visit each park when planning their trip.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Glacier National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both popular destinations for families, but they offer different experiences. Glacier National Park is known for its breathtaking scenery, including glaciers, towering peaks, and pristine lakes. However, due to its rugged terrain, it may not be the most family-friendly park. Hiking trails can be strenuous, and some areas may not be accessible to young children or those with mobility issues.
In contrast, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are more accommodating to families. The parks feature more gentle terrain, and there are many easy trails that are suitable for children. Additionally, there are several picnic areas and campgrounds, making it easy for families to enjoy the beauty of the parks together. The parks also offer ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities that are designed to engage and educate children.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are likely to be the better choice. The parks offer a more accessible and family-friendly experience, with plenty of opportunities for children to learn and have fun. However, if you’re looking for a more challenging adventure, Glacier National Park is the place to be. Both parks are beautiful and offer unique experiences, so it just depends on what you’re looking for in a national park trip.