5 U.S. National Parks with 'Must See' Glaciers
Witness the splendor of 5 glaciers in America's national parks
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Do you want ice with that?
Glaciers are amazing natural wonders that were formed over millions of years ago. Snow fell upon snow and each layer became compressed with the weight of new snowfall. Over time the compact snow became thick layers of ice eventually forming a glacier.
Glaciers, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (21st Century) by National Park ServiceNational Park Service
Ch-ch-ch-changes
Glaciers are vital to our environment, acting as natural water towers. Besides supporting their ecosystems, they are majestic fortresses of ice that shine like diamonds in the sun. Every day they continue to shift and recede; no matter how small the movement, they are constantly changing.
Muldrow Glacier (21st Century) by National Park Service / Emily MesnerNational Park Service
1. Muldrow Glacier, Denali National Park
Our first stop is Alaska. Also known as the McKinley Glacier, this is a 34-mile-long [54 km] glacier. Don’t look for shiny blue glacial ice because it's actually covered in tundra. The last surge occurred in 1956–57, when it moved over 4 miles! Scientists are expecting another surge at any time and monitor it closely.
Hubbard Glacier (21st Century) by National Park ServiceNational Park Service
2. Hubbard Glacier, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Also located in Alaska, Hubbard is the largest tidewater glacier, stretching 76 miles [107 kms] long with a 6-mile-wide [9.6 kms], 400-foot-tall [122 meters] face. Unlike most glaciers that are shrinking, the Hubbard is growing and advancing, providing scientists with unique data on glacial mechanics.
Hubbard Glacier, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve (2013-10-30)National Park Service
Most visitors see the glacier from cruise ships that sail into Disenchantment Bay. It is famous for actively advancing and producing loud "calving" events where massive chunks of ice crash into the bay.
Glacier Bay, Alaska by NPS / Sean TevebaughNational Park Service
3. Muir Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Named after the naturalist John Muir, who documented and brought national attention to the glacier during his 1879 expedition. Once rising 265 feet (81 meters) above the water and stretching nearly 2 miles (3 km) wide, it has since receded and no longer reaches the sea.
Glacier and Fog, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska by National Park ServiceNational Park Service
President Teddy Roosevelt visited the site with Muir. The stunning landscapes and wildlife continue to inspire visitors as it inspired Muir and Roosevelt more than a century ago.
Reflections of the Mountain, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington by National Park ServiceNational Park Service
4. Nisqually Glacier, Mount Rainier National Park
Most of the glaciers on Mount Rainier are known as valley glaciers. These glaciers are confined to a valley. A good example of this type of glacier is the Nisqually Glacier.
Climbers on the Nisqually Glacier, Mount Rainier National Park by National Park Service and Emily Brouwer PhotoNational Park Service
Nisqually Glacier is perhaps the most visited and best surveyed glacier on Mount Rainier, due to easy access and its prominent location near Paradise. The best views of the glacier are from the Nisqually Vista Trail in Paradise.
Wheeler Peak on the way up the Summit Trail (21st Century) by National Park ServiceNational Park Service
5. Wheeler Peak Glacier, Great Basin National Park
When people think of Nevada, they think of deserts so you may be surprised to learn that there is a glacier here. It's one of the southernmost glaciers in the United States. Alpine glaciers, like the Wheeler Peak Glacier, are smaller, and found in mountainous terrain.
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Visitors can see the glacier from multiple locations, including by car on a scenic drive or via a nearby hiking path called Glacier Trail. To see the ice in the alpine glacier, late fall is best, after the mantle of snow melts.
Glacier National Park (21st Century) by NPS / David RestivoNational Park Service
Discover more National Parks
This is only the tip of the iceberg! Find out more about the diverse and beautiful US National Parks here.
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