Glacier National Park Travel Forum

Hi, despite all my research in books/sites I'm having hard time deciding on which to go.

Details:
- will go for 7 days around late Aug. or early Sept.
- just wife and I, in our 30's, intermediate hikers/backpackers.
- would like to do at least one 3 day back country trip, and the others would be full-day dawn to dusk type hikes. preferably in a loop as we wont have a 2nd car to shuttle us.
- into awe-inspiring mountains, rivers/lakes, lush greenery and trees, and prefer narrow winding trails versus big flat ones in a valley.
- wildlife is a plus, but not the main goal.

Thanks for any help! I'm at goldemi on yhoo

The later in the year you go, the more freedom you will have in the park as August is a prime time for tourists. Just don't make it too late or you will get into the snow season.

Glacier is a very mountainous park and has over 700 miles of trails http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm, but Yellowstone isn't flat.

To do an overnight trip in Yellowstone you will need a permit and it is the same in Glacier. There are authorized back country guides which are listed on the website. http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm

http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/guided-hiking-trips.htm

Both parks have great hiking. However -- just to complicate your decision :-) --for the type of environment/trail that you prefer, it's right in my own backyard in the North and Central Cascades of Washington State. Huge mountains, narrow heavily forested trails, waterfalls, splendid views after hiking uphill, campsites everywhere, and far fewer visitors than mid-summer Yellowstone or Glacier (which are also glorious, BTW). Here, you could hike the splendid Alpine Lakes, the areas around Glacier Peak or Mt. Baker, great hikes near Washington and Rainy Pass (no, it does not rain all the time), or just about anywhere off the North Cascades Highway, Mountain Loop, or State Rte. 2. All the hiking details are contained in very thorough books published by The Mountaineers. Happy trails!

Whichever you decide, I'd suggest being able to handle cold weather, make your preparations and pay attention to weather reports. I don't think you would be able to see anything like the geysers that are in Yellowstone if you decide on Glacier. That time of year, you may see beautiful fall foliage or totally denuded deciduous trees, along with the green of the evergreens, again depending on the weather.

The "ghost forests" of Yellowstone intrigued me.

Be careful- and I hope you have a great time.

Certain roads close early in both parks. By late September they may have some closures. If you do go to both, see Yellowstone first or you will have a let down.

I truly believe every person should see both. From what you describe, you should go to Glacier. It is truly the most beautiful place we have ever been. There are many trails you can do and a bus you can catch and ride back to your vehicle. Late August/Early Sept you will be in prime Huckleberry season. It should not be missed. Not the animals that you will see in Yellowstone,but oh so worth it. Don't missing going to Polebridge while there.

Glacier is the place to go to hike. Not that Yellowstone doesn't have hiking but it is much easier in Glacier with much better scenic results.