Hey guys, I'm looking to setup a trip to either Yosemite or GNP around my birthday this year (early June) and want to hear opinions from people who have been to one or both of these places. It will be just me and my soon to be wife travelling and I'm only really looking to go for around 5-7 days. I believe that both of these trips are bucket list items that I should take while I'm still young and somewhat in shape. Which would you choose and why?
Having been to many of the National Parks, (I even proposed to my wife in Yellowstone!) my favorite park of ALLTIME is Glacier. Some roads will likely still be closed in June so go as late in June as you can. Absolutely amazing place.
I haven't been to either but have tried to set up trips to Yosemite and Yellowstone on relativity short notice and found it challenging. I would suggest you start planning and see which trip comes together more to your liking. Good luck and enjoy.
Tough choice also look into Zion Natl' Forest or around Moab Utah, Grand Canyon. Mesa Verda is also awesome.
Our oldest son spent a whole summer in Glacier hiking in the high country catching Ptarmigan and taking blood samples, etc., for a research project that his biology professor had been doing for many years. That was two years ago. So, my wife, other son, and I went out and spent 10 days exploring the park. We stayed part of the time in Many Glacier Hotel. It was beyond amazing. The rest of the time we rented a small cabin that was also very nice. The hiking is beyond anything I could ever imagine. We saw bears, moose, grouse, etc. We literally had mountain goats walking within arms reach of us on some of the high trails that cross the continental divide. The glacier lakes are beyond description also. We also caught trout in the lakes and rivers. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit and have seen a lot of the world. But, I have never seen anything that compares to GNP. I hope to make many return trips and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys natural beauty and the outdoors. But, to truly appreciate it, you have to get out of the car and spend time in the back country. I really cant say enough good things about Glacier, just go.
It looks like the overwhelming majority is picking Glacier here. I feel that the scenery in Yosemite is really at its peak in the autumn months. I appreciate the feedback and now its time to start planning out this trip to GNP!
I hate to agree with Sota but if the earlier part of June is your only time and just so you know, Glacier has had a extremely heavy snowfall/pack this year and it may linger a long time so my second favorite park area is the Arches and Moab. Yellowstone and Yosemite are both amazing but my order would definitely have Glacier way above everything else.
Glacier if you understand backpacking and backcountry camping and that is what you are looking for, otherwise Yosemite if it is a view from the road and hit up the local towns trip. Whitefish is a riot for young people, but if you aren't backpacking/camping a 3-4 day weekend type trip is about all you can squeeze out of Glacier, (not too mention the snow being left behind for early summer trips). What kind of trip are you both looking for and then I'd give my vote for the best NP to fit those expectations.
TEmbry makes a very valid point. The true experience lies in the backcountry. But, there is plenty to see and do from the car. Even Glacier has some very doable short hike trails that will get you to some remote lakes and glacier views. They have rangers leading hikes for all ability levels, or you can head out on your own. Booking an overnight at one of the high country chalet's that are only available by hiking is on my bucket list.
Yosemite is awesome! I've been there several times and live reasonably close. Lots of hiking trails and beautiful country. You won't be disappointed. Although the best advice I can give you is make a reservation SOON if you plan on camping in a camp site with trailer or tents. There might not be any left at this point for 2018 and if there are, they will be few and far between. First part of June will be awesome weather and excellent time to go.
