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Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
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#9 on this list
Glacier
Montana
Classic Northern Rockies backcountry. Grizzly country and truly wild interior.
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- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#10 on this list
Kings Canyon / Sequoia
California
High Sierra wilderness with less foot traffic than Yosemite. JMT and Rae Lakes country.
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- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Glacier | Kings Canyon / Sequoia |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Northern Montana | Central Sierra Nevada, California |
| Terrain | Glaciated mountains, alpine meadows, dense forests | High alpine, granite peaks, deep canyons, sequoia groves |
| Dominant Wildlife | Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats | — |
| Best Season | Late July - Early September | July to mid-September |
| Permits | Required for all overnight backcountry stays | — |
| Elevation | — | 4,000 ft to over 14,000 ft |
| Key Trails | — | JMT, PCT, Rae Lakes Loop |
| Crowd Level | — | Moderate (permits limit numbers) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Glacier
- Unparalleled wilderness immersion in the Northern Rockies
- Stunning alpine scenery with abundant glacial lakes and peaks
- High likelihood of diverse wildlife viewing, including large mammals
- Extensive trail network for multi-day expeditions
- True escape from front-country crowds
- Highly competitive and difficult to secure backcountry permits
- Short weather window and unpredictable mountain conditions
- Grizzly country requires constant vigilance and preparedness
- Significant elevation gain and strenuous trail conditions
Kings Canyon / Sequoia
- Stunning high alpine scenery, rivaling Yosemite's
- Fewer crowds than other popular Sierra parks
- Extensive network of long-distance trails
- Opportunity for true solitude in remote areas
- Home to iconic giant sequoia groves
- Permits are highly competitive for popular routes
- Significant elevation gain and loss on most trails
- Road access limited seasonally by snow
- Limited resupply options within the park backcountry
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.