Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most iconic and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore and experience the natural beauty and cultural history of the American Southwest. While Arches National Park is known for its towering sandstone arches, fins, and spires, Mesa Verde National Park is known for its ancient cliff dwellings and the rich cultural history of the Ancestral Puebloan people. These two parks offer completely different experiences and are definitely worth visiting for those who are interested in exploring the American Southwest. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for an adventure, these two parks offer something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots and let’s dive in and explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park.
Hiking Trails in Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both popular national parks in the United States that offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
At Arches National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Park Avenue Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a narrow canyon of red rock formations and offers great views of the park’s famous arches. The Double Arch Trail, a 0.5-mile round trip hike that leads to the base of two large arches, is also an easy hike.
For more challenging hikes, visitors can try the Delicate Arch Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that leads to the famous Delicate Arch, one of the park’s most iconic landmarks. The hike is considered strenuous due to its steep climb and rocky terrain. Another challenging hike is the Devil’s Garden Trail, which is a 7.2-mile round trip hike that leads through a landscape of towering red rock fins and offers the chance to see a number of the park’s arches.
At Mesa Verde National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Spruce Tree House Trail, which is a 1-mile round trip hike that leads to one of the park’s best-preserved cliff dwellings, and the Petroglyph Point Trail, a 0.5-mile round trip hike that leads to a rock shelter with ancient rock carvings.
For more challenging hikes, visitors can try the Prater Ridge Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that offers great views of the park’s cliff dwellings, and the Knife Edge Trail, which is a 3.2-mile round trip hike that offers views of the park’s canyons and mesas. This hike is considered strenuous due to its steep climb and rocky terrain.
Overall, Arches National Park offers a range of hikes from easy to challenging, while Mesa Verde National Park also offers a variety of hiking options, including easier hikes to visit the park’s cliff dwellings and more challenging hikes for those looking for a strenuous adventure.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Arches National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate Arch Trail | 4988.954 | 186.8424 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Devils Garden Loop Trail with 7 Arches | 12070.05 | 325.8312 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Double Arch Trail | 804.67 | 9.7536 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch | 2735.878 | 132.8928 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Landscape Arch Trail | 3057.746 | 78.9432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail | 1931.208 | 51.816 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Park Avenue Trail | 2896.812 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sand Dune Arch Trail | 482.802 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail | 804.67 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
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 |
Wildlife in Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both located in the Southwest region of the United States and offer unique wildlife experiences.
At Arches National Park, visitors can see a variety of animals such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn, coyotes, and snakes. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, and white-throated swifts. The park also has a diverse array of plants, including cacti, yucca, and Joshua trees.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is known for its ancient cliff dwellings of the Puebloan people and wildlife is not the main feature of the park. You might see Mule deer, Elk, Bighorn sheep, and other small mammals, but it’s not as common as Arches National Park. However, the park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, and white-throated swifts. The park also has a diverse array of plants, including pinion pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its spectacular rock formations and diverse wildlife that includes desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn, coyotes, and snakes. Mesa Verde National Park is known for its ancient cliff dwellings of the Puebloan people and the wildlife is not as diverse as Arches National Park but still offers a chance to see mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and other small mammals, and a wide variety of bird species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Arches National Park | Mesa Verde 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
| Arches National Park | Mesa Verde 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 |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | Badger |
| Northern River Otter | Ermine |
Reptiles
| Arches National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Racer |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Milksnake | Nightsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Milksnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Tree Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Arches National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Arches National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead |
Beautiful Landscapes in Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Arches National Park is renowned for its towering sandstone arches, fins, and spires. The park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it one of the largest collections of natural arches in the world. The most famous and iconic arch in the park is Delicate Arch, which is a 65-foot freestanding arch that is visible from a distance and can be reached by a moderate hike. Other popular arches in the park include Landscape Arch, which is the longest arch in the park and Double Arch, which is a pair of arches that are joined at the base. The park also offers many other beautiful landscapes, including balanced rocks, towering spires, and colorful rock formations.
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its ancient cliff dwellings and the rich cultural history of the Ancestral Puebloan people. The park is home to over 600 cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is the largest cliff dwelling in the park and Balcony House, which is a smaller cliff dwelling that requires visitors to climb a 32-foot ladder to access. The park also offers many scenic overlooks, including Sun Temple, which offers beautiful views of the park, and Park Point, which is the highest point in the park and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers many hiking trails that lead to other natural wonders, such as Petroglyph Point which is a unique location that offers visitors the opportunity to see ancient rock art created by the Ancestral Puebloan people.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its towering sandstone arches, fins, and spires, while Mesa Verde National Park is known for its ancient cliff dwellings and the rich cultural history of the Ancestral Puebloan people, both parks offer many beautiful landscapes, scenic overlooks, and natural wonders that visitors can explore.
Things To-Do and Activities in Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both popular national parks in the Southwest region of the United States, and they offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Arches National Park, visitors can enjoy hiking and backpacking, with more than 20 different trails to explore. The most popular hikes include the Delicate Arch Trail, which leads to the park’s most famous arch, and the Park Avenue Trail, which offers spectacular views of the park’s red rock formations. Additionally, visitors can take scenic drives through the park to see its many natural arches and landmarks, such as Balanced Rock and Landscape Arch. Ranger-led programs and guided walks are also available.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is known for its ancient cliff dwellings of the Puebloan people. Visitors can take guided tours of the park’s cliff dwellings, including the Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. These tours offer a unique and informative perspective on the ancient Puebloan culture and their way of life. Visitors can also hike the park’s trails to see panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and learn about the plants and animals that call the park home.
In summary, Arches National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking, with more than 20 different trails to explore and its natural arches and landmarks. Mesa Verde National Park is known for its ancient cliff dwellings of the Puebloan people and visitors can take guided tours of the park’s cliff dwellings, including the Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. Both of the parks have ranger-led programs and guided walks available.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and have different weather patterns depending on the season.
Arches National Park, located in Utah, generally has hot summers and mild winters. The park’s hot summers can reach temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it very hot to hike and sightsee during the day. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the park as the temperatures are milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Winter can be cold but also a great time to visit because of the clear skies and crisp air.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, has a more moderate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The park’s summers can reach temperatures of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it comfortable to hike and sightsee during the day. The park’s fall and spring seasons are also comfortable for outdoor activities. Winter can be cold, with snow and ice on the trails. But the park can be a great place to visit during this time of the year, as the snow and ice can add a different perspective to the park’s natural beauty.
Both parks are popular year-round, but the best time to visit would be Spring, and fall as the weather is milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, if you’re looking for a unique experience, visiting in the winter can also offer beautiful and different views of the park. It is important to check the park’s website for any updates on closures and road conditions before planning a visit during the winter months.
Family Friendliness of Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Both Arches National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are family-friendly destinations, but each park offers a different type of experience for families with children.
Arches National Park is a great destination for families with children who are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring natural wonders. The park offers many easy and moderate hiking trails that are suitable for families with children of all ages. The park also offers many educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to teach children about the natural and cultural history of the park. The park also offers many picnic areas and playgrounds where families can rest and play.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is a great destination for families with children who are interested in history and archaeology. The park offers many guided tours that take visitors through the ancient cliff dwellings and explain the cultural history of the Ancestral Puebloan people. The park also offers many educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to teach children about the history and culture of the park. However, the park’s main attraction, the ancient cliff dwellings, requires a bit of hiking to access, and some of the cliff dwellings’s tour required climbing ladders, this may be challenging for some younger children.
In summary, Arches National Park is a great destination for families with children who are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring natural wonders, while Mesa Verde National Park is a great destination for families with children who are interested in history and archaeology, but be aware that some of the cliff dwelling’s tour required climbing ladders. Both parks offer many educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to teach children about the natural and cultural history of the park.