Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are two of America’s hidden gems, each offering a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors. Big Bend National Park, located in southwestern Texas, is a desert paradise where visitors can explore the rugged terrain and witness the vast expanse of the Chihuahuan Desert. On the other hand, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising up to 750 feet. Imagine hiking through the desert, seeing cacti and other desert plants, and then finding yourself in the middle of the Great Sand Dunes. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to stargazing and wildlife watching. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a weekend getaway, these two parks are sure to leave a lasting impression. Keep reading to find out more about the unique experiences offered by Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and discover which one is the perfect destination for your next trip.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are both known for their diverse and picturesque hiking trails. Big Bend National Park is located in Texas and features over 150 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hiking trails in the park include the Lost Mine Trail, which offers a moderate hike with incredible views of the Chisos Mountains, and the South Rim Trail, which is a challenging hike that leads to stunning views of the park’s vast desert landscape.
On the other hand, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is known for its towering dunes that rise as high as 750 feet. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the easy Dunes Overlook Trail and the strenuous High Dune Hike. The most popular hike in the park is the Medano Pass Primitive Road, which is a 4-wheel drive road that takes visitors to the base of the dunes for some of the most spectacular views in the park.
In terms of difficulty, Big Bend National Park offers a wider range of trail options, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is also known for its challenging hikes, but it is more limited than Big Bend National Park. However, both parks offer unique and diverse landscapes, making them great destination for hikers of all levels.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
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 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are both known for their diverse wildlife and unique landscapes. Big Bend National Park is home to a variety of animals, including desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, black bears, and over 450 species of birds. The park also boasts a wide range of plant life, including cacti and yucca, as well as mesquite and juniper trees.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its towering sand dunes and unique ecosystem. The park is home to a variety of animals, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and mule deer, as well as a wide range of bird species, such as the golden eagle and the mountain plover. The park also boasts a diverse range of plants, including sagebrush, yucca, and prickly pear cactus.
Both parks offer a unique and diverse wildlife experience, but the type of animals and plants seen will vary depending on the park. Big Bend National Park offers a desert ecosystem while Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offers a unique high-altitude desert ecosystem.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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
| Big Bend National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Gray Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Bat |
| American Badger | Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
| Fringed Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Masked Shrew |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Water Shrew |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Bull Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Western Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizards |
| Desert Kingsnake | Milksnake |
| Texas Nightsnake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Mexican Milksnake | |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Brook Trout |
| Green Sunfish | German Brown Trout |
| Bluegill | Cutthroat Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve both offer a diverse range of landscapes and natural features that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Big Bend National Park is home to the Chisos Mountains, a range of rugged peaks that rise up to 7,832 feet. The mountains offer some of the best hiking in the park, with trails that lead to breathtaking overlooks and panoramic views of the surrounding desert. The park also has the Rio Grande river that runs along the border of Mexico, offering scenic river trips and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Additionally, visitors can explore the Santa Elena Canyon, a dramatic gorge carved by the Rio Grande.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising up to 750 feet. The dunes are the main attraction of the park and offer a unique experience for visitors who can explore the dunes by hiking, sandboarding, and even skiing. The park also has Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that flows through the dunes, offering visitors an opportunity to splash around in the water and cool off from the heat. Additionally, the park is home to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a beautiful range of peaks that offer a great backdrop to the park.
In summary, Big Bend National Park offers a diverse range of landscapes and natural features, including the Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande river, and the Santa Elena Canyon, while Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is known for its unique sand dunes, Medano Creek, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Both parks offer a wide range of activities and opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the activities offered at each park are quite different.
At Big Bend National Park, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, and river rafting. The park is home to over 150 miles of trails, including the challenging South Rim Trail and the more moderate Window View Trail. The park also offers guided river trips on the Rio Grande and has several designated backcountry camping areas.
In contrast, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is known for its towering sand dunes, which are the tallest in North America. The most popular activity at the park is hiking and sand sledding on the dunes. Visitors can also enjoy backpacking and camping in the surrounding wilderness area, as well as fishing, horseback riding, and stargazing.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer a range of activities that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. However, the rugged and remote terrain of Big Bend National Park may make it more challenging for families with young children, while Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offers a more accessible and unique experience for families with children.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are both located in the western United States and offer a variety of outdoor activities, but the weather in the two parks is quite different.
Big Bend National Park is located in southwestern Texas and has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park receives very little rainfall, with most of it falling between July and September. Average summer temperatures range from the high 90s to 100s Fahrenheit, making it a great spot for visitors who enjoy hot weather and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded.
On the other hand, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in southern Colorado and features a high-altitude desert climate with cool summers and cold winters. The park receives most of its precipitation in the form of snow, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between November and April. Average summer temperatures range from the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit, making it a great spot for visitors who enjoy mild weather and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and sand sledding. The best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is during the summer months, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded.
In conclusion, both Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offer visitors a chance to experience unique landscapes and outdoor activities. However, the best time to visit each park will depend on the type of weather and activities visitors are looking for. If you are looking for hot weather and dry landscape, Big Bend National Park would be a great choice while if you are looking for mild weather, cooler temperature and snow activities, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve would be a great choice.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are both family-friendly destinations, but each park offers a different type of experience for visitors traveling with children.
Big Bend National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails that are suitable for children of all ages, and many of the trails offer stunning views of the surrounding desert. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that is designed to help children learn about the park’s wildlife, geology, and history. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds that are suitable for families and offer a great way to experience the park’s remote wilderness.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is also a great destination for families, but it offers a different type of experience than Big Bend National Park. The park’s main attraction is the sand dunes, and children of all ages will enjoy exploring the dunes by hiking, sandboarding, and even skiing. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that is designed to help children learn about the park’s natural and cultural history. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and a playground that are suitable for families.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are family-friendly destinations, but each park offers a different type of experience. If your family is looking for an outdoor adventure and enjoy hiking, Big Bend National Park might be a better option. If your family is looking for a unique experience exploring sand dunes and other activities, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a better choice.