Both Arches and Glacier National Parks offer unique experiences. Arches is known for its stunning arches and desert landscape, while Glacier boasts mountainous terrain and glacier-carved features. Glacier offers more amenities like lodging and a shuttle service within the park, but both parks provide ranger-led programs, stargazing opportunities, and have pet restrictions. The choice depends on the traveler's preference for landscape and desired amenities.
| Attribute | Arches National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility for visitors with disabilities | The scenic road is paved, offering views of arches and rock formations. Some short trails and viewpoints are accessible. The Visitor Center is accessible with parking, restrooms, a lowered information desk, tactile exhibits, and audiovisual materials. Large print and braille versions of the park brochure are available. Service animals are allowed everywhere. Two campsites at Devils Garden Campground are ADA accessible. | Glacier National Park is working to improve accessibility, but the mountainous terrain can present challenges. Pre-planning is essential. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Lands Access Pass offers discounts. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald area, and Logan Pass Visitor Center are accessible. All park shuttles are ADA accessible. Trail of the Cedars (0.7-mile accessible loop) and McDonald Falls viewpoint are ADA compliant. Accessible campsites are available at Avalanche Campground (site A33). Accessible ranger-led programs are marked with a symbol. |
| Availability of lodging inside the park | There are no lodges within Arches National Park. Lodging is available in nearby Moab. | Lodges and rustic cabins are available. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Average daily costs for hotels is $112. |
| Camping facilities and amenities | Devils Garden Campground is the only campground in the park. It is open year-round. Reservations are required from March 1 to October 31. First-come, first-served from November to February. Facilities include drinking water, picnic tables, grills, and both pit-style and flush toilets. No showers are available. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Leashed pets are allowed in campsites. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 8 am. | Frontcountry campgrounds include Apgar, Fish Creek, St. Mary, and Avalanche. Most campgrounds offer potable water and flush toilets. Reservations are required for most campsites and can be made up to 6 months in advance. Group campsites are available at Apgar and St. Mary campgrounds. The maximum length of stay is 14 days. Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. |
| Crowd levels during peak season | Crowds are extremely high during peak season (March-October). Parking lots at trailheads fill up quickly. The park may implement a timed entry system during busy months (April through mid-October). | Late June through August is the busiest time, with July and August seeing the highest visitation. Expect more traffic and more hikers on popular trails. Parking lots and campsites fill up quickly. Arrive early (before 7 a.m.) to secure parking. Late September or October offers fewer crowds. |
| Hiking trail difficulty and variety | The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many trails use cairns (stacks of rocks) for markers. Trails provide access to viewpoints and arches not visible from the road. | Glacier National Park offers 734 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Family-friendly hikes include Rocky Point (1.9 miles), Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook, and Running Eagle Falls. |
| Junior Ranger program quality | Information about the Junior Ranger program quality was not found in the search results. However, Junior Ranger booklets can be obtained at the Visitor Center. | Glacier National Park has a Junior Ranger program for children ages 6-12. Kids can pick up the Junior Ranger newspaper at any of the visitor centers. |
| Pet-friendly areas and regulations | Pets are allowed in the campground, on paved roads, and in parking lots. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails, at overlooks, or in buildings. Pets must be leashed at all times (6-foot leash max). Pets cannot be left unattended, except in a paid-for campsite in Devils Garden Campground if they do not cause a disturbance. | Pets are allowed in developed areas, including in cars, frontcountry campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads when stopped, parking areas, and in boats on lakes where motorized watercraft are permitted. Pets are not allowed on trails, along lake shores outside of developed locations, in the backcountry, or in any building. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, under physical restraint, or caged at all times. Pets are not to be left unattended, and owners must pick up after their pets. |
| Ranger-led program offerings | Rangers and volunteers offer programs every day, spring through fall. Program types, times, and locations vary. Popular programs include guided hikes of the Fiery Furnace (reservations required). Stargazing programs are also offered. | Glacier National Park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including astronomy programs, Native America Speaks programs, and guided hikes. Check bulletin cases and visitor centers for schedules. Physical/mobility accessible programs are marked with a symbol. |
| Scenic drives and viewpoints | The Arches Scenic Drive is an 18-mile road that offers access to many of the park's natural wonders. Key viewpoints include: La Sal Mountains Viewpoint, Courthouse Towers Viewpoint, Balanced Rock, The Windows Section, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, Fiery Furnace Viewpoint, and Panorama Point. | Going-to-the-Sun Road (50 miles) bisects the park east to west, offering access to many scenic areas. Logan Pass is the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road, with accessible boardwalks and panoramic views. Numerous scenic viewpoints and pullouts along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Lake McDonald offers picturesque views. |
| Shuttle service availability and routes | Information about shuttle service availability and routes was not found in the search results. | A free shuttle system operates along Going-to-the-Sun Road from early July to early September. Shuttles run between Apgar Visitor Center and St. Mary Visitor Center, with a transfer at Logan Pass. Shuttles operate approximately every 15-30 minutes. All park shuttles are ADA accessible. |
| Stargazing opportunities | Arches is an International Dark Sky Park. Areas off the main park road with few obstructions offer the best views. Recommended spots include: Balanced Rock Picnic Area, The Windows Section, Garden of Eden Viewpoint, and Panorama Point. Ranger-led stargazing programs are available. | Glacier National Park is an International Dark Sky Park. Ranger-led viewing events and star parties are hosted during the summer at St. Mary, Logan Pass, and Apgar Visitor Centers. Drive or bike Going-to-the-Sun Road at night or set up a telescope at Lake McDonald. Dusty Star Observatory is located at the St. Mary Visitor Center. |
| Visitor center exhibits and information | The Visitor Center is typically open every day. Exhibits include audio recordings, tactile models and maps, and rock samples. Audio tours of the scenic road are available for rent. Large print and braille publications are available. | Glacier National Park has four visitor centers: Apgar Visitor Center (West Side), Logan Pass Visitor Center, and St. Mary Visitor Center (East Side). Visitor centers offer trip planning information, exhibits, restrooms, water fountains, bookstores, and ranger-led activities. |