Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park are two of the most unique and fascinating natural wonders in the United States. While both are designated as national parks, they couldn’t be more different from each other. One is a vast sea of golden sand dunes, while the other is a cluster of towering spires and caves. Both destinations offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the American wilderness.
But which one is right for you? That depends on what you’re looking for in a national park adventure. If you’re searching for the ultimate challenge, you might want to tackle the towering sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more relaxed, yet still thrilling, experience, Pinnacles National Park might be the better choice.
No matter what kind of adventure you’re seeking, one thing is for sure: both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park are not to be missed. So grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through two of America’s most unique and beautiful national parks!
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park both offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is known for its towering sand dunes, which offer a challenging hike for visitors. The park’s most popular hike is the Dunes Loop, which is a 2.5-mile trail that takes visitors to the tallest dune in North America. The hike is strenuous, but the views from the top are worth it.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering rock formations and unique rock formations. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy to challenging. The easiest hike is the Bear Gulch Cave Trail, which is a 1.2-mile trail that takes visitors through a narrow cave and to a waterfall. The hardest hike at the park is the High Peaks Trail, which is a 7.9-mile trail that takes visitors to the top of the park’s highest peaks. The trail is strenuous and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences for visitors, whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely walk. The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is best for visitors looking for a challenging hike, while Pinnacles National Park is best for visitors looking for a variety of hikes, from easy to strenuous.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Dune Trail | 4828.02 | 191.7192 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mosca Pass Trail | 10299.776 | 444.7032 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dunes Trail from Pinyon Flats | 7242.03 | 290.7792 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Sand Dunes Loop Trail | 8046.7 | 225.8568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 11909.116 | 598.932 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 12713.786 | 697.992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 804.67 | 26.8224 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 2414.01 | 80.772 | Moderate | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 40394.434 | 1079.9064 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 2896.812 | 47.8536 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Pinnacles National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop | 8690.436 | 484.9368 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Pinnacles Trail Loop | 15288.73 | 527.9136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bear Gulch Day Use Area to Reservoir via Rim Trail | 2896.812 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| High Peaks Trail | 10138.842 | 539.8008 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop Trail | 12713.786 | 549.8592 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Reservoir | 1770.274 | 96.9264 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies | 8207.634 | 150.876 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Balconies Trail | 13196.588 | 592.836 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Juniper Canyon Trail to High Peaks | 5793.624 | 383.7432 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Balconies Cave Trail | 4184.284 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park are two unique and beautiful parks in the United States. Both offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including birds, animals, and plants.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors can see a variety of animals, including mule deer, pronghorns, and coyotes. Birds commonly found in the area include the golden eagle, prairie falcon, and mountain bluebird. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including yucca, sagebrush, and wildflowers.
Pinnacles National Park is known for its diverse bird population, including the California Condor, the largest land bird in North America. Visitors may also see black-tailed deer, gray fox, and the endangered California red-legged frog. The park is also home to many unique plant species, including the Pinnacles manzanita and the California scrub oak.
Both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park offer visitors the chance to see a diverse array of wildlife. Whether you’re interested in birds, animals, or plants, these two parks are sure to provide a unique and memorable experience. So, if you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast, be sure to add these two parks to your must-visit list!
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | American Robin |
| American Robin | Great Horned Owl |
| Great Horned Owl | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Great Blue Heron |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Black Bear | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | House Mouse |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Puma |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Red Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Gray Fox | North American Badger |
| Long-Legged Myotis | California Myotis |
| Long-Eared Bat | Fringed Myotis |
| Badger | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Ermine | Townsends’ Big-Eared Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Masked Shrew | Western Small-Footed Bat |
| Water Shrew | Yuma Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Pallid Bat |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Gophersnake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Yellow-Bellied Racer |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Milksnake | Common Gartersnake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| California Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Night Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| German Brown Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Cutthroat Trout | Threespine Stickleback |
| Mosquitofish |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Buckeye | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, is famous for its massive sand dunes that tower as high as 750 feet. The dunes are a unique and breathtaking sight, formed by wind and water erosion over the course of thousands of years. Visitors can hike, sandboard, and even swim in the park’s nearby Medano Creek.
Pinnacles National Park, located in California, is known for its towering rock formations and caves. The park’s most famous landscapes are its massive monoliths, formed by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years. Hikers can explore the park’s diverse trails, including the High Peaks Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare California Condor.
Both parks offer a diverse range of beautiful landscapes and natural wonders, making them popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or simply take in the beauty of the great outdoors, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the United States.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park are two of America’s most beloved parks, each offering a unique set of experiences for visitors. While Great Sand Dunes boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America, Pinnacles is known for its towering rock formations and diverse wildlife.
At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can enjoy sandboarding, hiking, and camping. Pinnacles National Park offers a range of activities as well, including rock climbing, hiking, and birdwatching. Both parks are popular among outdoor enthusiasts, but they cater to different interests. For example, rock climbers and hikers prefer Pinnacles, while families and those seeking a unique outdoor experience prefer Great Sand Dunes.
Great Sand Dunes is also home to the nearby Medano Creek, which provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Pinnacles is known for its diverse array of wildlife, including California Condors, which are often spotted soaring overhead.
Whether you’re a hiker, birdwatcher, or simply looking for a unique outdoor experience, both Great Sand Dunes and Pinnacles offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a scenic picnic spot, or a chance to explore a new landscape, these parks are sure to impress.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park are both unique and beautiful destinations in the western United States. While they are different in many ways, one key difference is the seasonal weather patterns at each park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park experiences hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is typically in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the sand dunes are at their most photogenic. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 90°F, making it difficult to explore the dunes or hike in the surrounding mountains.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, has a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall when temperatures are mild and the park’s famous rock formations are easily accessible. Winter can bring heavy rainfall, making it difficult to hike and explore the park.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park offer visitors a chance to experience unique landscapes, but the weather patterns at each park dictate when the best time to visit is. In general, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit both parks, but visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and plan accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park are two unique and beautiful parks that offer a variety of outdoor experiences. Both are family-friendly and provide a range of activities for all ages. However, if you’re traveling with children, some factors may make one park a better choice over the other.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a great option for families with children who love to play in the sand and explore new environments. With vast sand dunes that can reach up to 750 feet high, kids can spend hours climbing, sliding, and playing in the sand. In addition, the park offers guided ranger programs, a visitors center, and picnic areas, making it a great place for families to spend a day or two.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is a better choice for families who enjoy hiking and exploring caves. The park has a range of trails that are suitable for families with children, including easy hikes with stunning views and challenging hikes through narrow, dark caves. The park also offers guided tours of the caves, providing a fun and educational experience for kids.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Pinnacles National Park are great options for families with children, but the best choice depends on your personal interests and what you want to experience in the park. If you’re looking for a place to play in the sand and enjoy the sun, Great Sand Dunes is the way to go. If you’re looking for an adventure filled with hiking, caves, and stunning views, Pinnacles is the perfect choice.