Mesa Verde and Yellowstone: two of the world’s most iconic national parks. Both boast stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, and a wealth of history that leave visitors in awe. But which one is right for your next adventure? If you’re torn between these two magnificent destinations, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes each park unique and help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your next adventure.
On one hand, you have Mesa Verde, home to the incredible cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans. These ancient structures will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of indigenous peoples. The park’s rugged beauty and quiet solitude are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
On the other hand, you have Yellowstone, the world’s first national park and a true natural wonder. From its explosive geysers and bubbling mud pools to its diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears and wolves, Yellowstone is a feast for the senses. And let’s not forget about the park’s iconic Old Faithful geyser, which draws crowds from all over the world.
So whether you’re looking for an escape into the quiet beauty of the Southwest or an adventure in the heart of America’s wild, this article will help you choose the perfect national park for your next getaway.
Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, but they offer different hiking experiences. Mesa Verde is home to numerous trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
One of the easiest hikes in Mesa Verde is the Spruce Tree House Trail, a half-mile loop that offers visitors a chance to see ancient Puebloan dwellings up close. The Petroglyph Point Trail is a bit more challenging, a 2.2-mile hike with steep inclines, but the reward is stunning views of the park’s petroglyphs.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is home to much longer and more strenuous trails. The Fairy Falls Trail is a popular and relatively easy hike, a 3-mile round trip to the 200-foot tall waterfall. The more challenging Lonestar Geyser Trail is a 5.5-mile round trip hike with steep inclines. This hike takes visitors to the Lonestar Geyser, one of the park’s most unique and spectacular features.
For the most adventurous hikers, Yellowstone offers the grueling Mount Washburn Trail, a 10-mile round trip hike with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The hike takes visitors to the top of Mount Washburn, offering panoramic views of the park and beyond.
Overall, both Mesa Verde and Yellowstone offer a variety of hiking experiences, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, both parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroglyph Point Trail | 4184.284 | 131.9784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cliff Palace Loop Trail | 643.736 | 25.908 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balcony House Loop Trail | 643.736 | 27.7368 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail | 3379.614 | 161.8488 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Soda Canyon Overlook Trail | 1931.208 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | 24140.1 | 797.9664 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Long House Trail | 3379.614 | 86.868 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Step House Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Knife Edge Trail | 3218.68 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Prater Ridge Trail | 11748.182 | 311.8104 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, but there are some key differences to consider when choosing between these two parks.
At Mesa Verde, visitors can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including coyotes, black bears, and mule deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the peregrine falcon and the turkey vulture. There are also several species of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and lizards, that can be seen in the park.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its larger mammals, such as bison, elk, and wolves. Visitors to this park are also likely to see black bears, but they are much more prevalent here than at Mesa Verde. Additionally, Yellowstone is home to several species of birds, including the bald eagle and the great horned owl.
When it comes to plant life, both parks offer unique ecosystems to explore. At Mesa Verde, visitors can admire the beauty of the park’s juniper and pinon pine forests, while at Yellowstone, the park’s geothermal features support a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Ultimately, both Mesa Verde and Yellowstone are incredible places to see wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the United States. Whether you’re interested in seeing large mammals or a diverse array of bird and plant life, these two parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Mesa Verde National Park | Yellowstone 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 | 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 |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Mesa Verde National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| Badger | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Ermine | California Myotis |
Reptiles
| Mesa Verde National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Racer |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Racer | Rubber Boa |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Mesa Verde National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Mesa Verde National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Insects
| Mesa Verde National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, is famous for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park features over 4,000 archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is considered the largest cliff dwelling in North America. Visitors can take ranger-led tours to explore the structures and learn about the Puebloan people who lived in the area over 700 years ago.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is famous for its geothermal features and stunning natural landscapes. The park is home to the world’s largest active geyser, Old Faithful, which erupts every 90 minutes. Yellowstone also features hot springs, mud pots, and colorful thermal pools that are a unique and fascinating sight to see. The park’s rugged mountains, forests, and pristine lakes offer endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. visitors can also see the famous Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which is a 20-mile long canyon with dramatic cliffs featuring waterfalls and hot springs.
Both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty and a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation, but each is unique in its own way. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient cultures, admiring geothermal wonders, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, both Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Things To-Do and Activities in Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. At Mesa Verde, visitors can explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, go on guided tours, and view petroglyphs. In contrast, Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots.
Yellowstone is a paradise for wildlife lovers, with over 67 species of mammals, including the gray wolf, the threatened lynx, and the majestic bison. Visitors can take guided wildlife tours or drive through the park to see animals in their natural habitats. On the other hand, Mesa Verde offers a unique look into the history of Native American culture with its cliff dwellings and cultural tours.
Whether you’re interested in history, wildlife, or geology, both parks offer unique experiences that visitors won’t find anywhere else. Visitors to Yellowstone can also enjoy scenic drives, fishing, and boating on Yellowstone Lake. At Mesa Verde, visitors can hike to scenic overlooks for breathtaking views, attend ranger-led programs, and visit museum exhibits to learn more about the park’s rich cultural history.
Ultimately, both Mesa Verde and Yellowstone offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or a chance to escape into nature, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. These two parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but they also have different climates and weather patterns.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, has a desert-like climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, making it a perfect time for snow-based activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Yellowstone National Park, located in western Wyoming, has a subalpine climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Summer temperatures are usually in the 60s and 70s°F, making it the best time for wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking. Winter temperatures can drop to below zero, making it a perfect time for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Overall, both parks offer unique and diverse seasons to experience different activities. The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is during the summer, while the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is during the summer and early fall. Visitors should keep in mind that weather can change quickly at both parks, so it is important to come prepared for any weather condition.
Family Friendliness of Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both famous for their natural beauty and rich history. When it comes to traveling with children, both parks offer a variety of activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. However, there are some differences to consider when deciding which park is better for families.
Mesa Verde National Park is a great choice for families who are interested in history and archaeology. The park is home to over 4,000 ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, which are sure to captivate the imagination of children and adults alike. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led tours and junior ranger programs that are specifically designed for kids.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is a better choice for families who are looking for a more action-packed adventure. The park is home to a variety of geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features that are sure to amaze visitors of all ages. Additionally, the park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Ultimately, the choice between Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park will depend on the interests and preferences of your family. If your kids are fascinated by history and archaeology, then Mesa Verde is the way to go. If they’re looking for a more adventurous experience, then Yellowstone is the better choice.