Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most iconic and awe-inspiring natural destinations in the United States. Both parks offer a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural history, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and inspire a sense of wonder and discovery. From the towering red rock formations of Canyonlands to the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, these two parks offer a chance to experience the very best of America’s natural and cultural heritage. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through two of the most amazing parks in the country!
Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both popular national parks that offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. However, each park has its own unique features that make it better suited for different types of hikes.
Canyonlands National Park: This park is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and backpacking. The park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes, providing something for every level of hiker. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Grand View Point Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the Upheaval Dome Trail, which takes visitors to the top of a unique geological formation. Some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Chesler Park Loop, a strenuous backpacking trip that takes several days to complete, and the Confluence Overlook Trail, which is a steep and strenuous hike to the bottom of the park’s canyons.
Mesa Verde National Park: This park is well-suited for visitors who are interested in the history and culture of the area. The park is home to a variety of ancient Native American ruins, including cliff dwellings, and offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the ruins and learn about the culture of the people who lived there. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Spruce Tree House Trail, which takes visitors to one of the park’s most well-preserved cliff dwellings, and the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum Trail, which offers a leisurely walk through the park’s museum and picnic area. Some of the hardest hikes in the park include the Wetherill Mesa Trail, which is a strenuous hike to the top of a mesa, and the Knife Edge Trail, which is a challenging hike along a narrow and steep trail.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are popular national parks that offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. However, Canyonlands is better suited for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and backpacking, while Mesa Verde is better suited for visitors who are interested in the history and culture of the area.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Canyonlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Arch Trail | 965.604 | 18.8976 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand View Point Trail | 2896.812 | 52.7304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chesler Park Loop Trail | 18668.344 | 589.788 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| False Kiva Trail | 3057.746 | 136.8552 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upheaval Dome via Crater View Trail | 2414.01 | 91.7448 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Aztec Butte Trail | 2092.142 | 66.7512 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Druid Arch Trail | 15288.73 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Shafer Trail | 30899.328 | 949.7568 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| White Rim Overlook Trail | 2896.812 | 48.768 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Syncline Loop | 13840.324 | 496.824 | Very Hard | 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 Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park both offer visitors the chance to see a diverse range of wildlife and plants. However, the types of wildlife and plants that can be seen at each park differ due to the different habitats and environments found in each park.
At Canyonlands National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of desert animals, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and lizards. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including hawks, eagles, and vultures, as well as a variety of plant species, including cacti, yucca, and sagebrush.
At Mesa Verde National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals and plants that are typical of the southwestern United States. The park is home to a variety of mammals, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, as well as a variety of bird species, including hawks, eagles, and vultures. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands and Mesa Verde National Parks offer visitors the chance to see a diverse range of wildlife and plants. However, the specific types of wildlife and plants that can be seen at each park will depend on the park’s unique habitats and environments. Whether you’re interested in desert animals and plants or the wildlife and plants of the southwestern United States, both parks are sure to provide a unique and memorable wildlife viewing experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Canyonlands 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
| Canyonlands 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 |
| Ermine | Badger |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
Fish
| Canyonlands National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Common Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Canyonlands National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Eastern Racer | Racer |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Nightsnake | Nightsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Milksnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Tree Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Western Whiptail | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Glossy Snake |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Canyonlands 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 |
Beautiful Landscapes in Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both known for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders that leave visitors in awe.
Canyonlands National Park is famous for its towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and breathtaking mesas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Island in the Sky district, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and mesas, and the Needles district, which features towering red rock spires and unique rock formations. The park is also home to several rivers, including the Green and Colorado, which have carved out deep canyons and created unique landscapes that are a must-see for any visitor.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived in the region for over 700 years. The park is home to over 4,000 archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. Visitors can also explore the park’s beautiful mesas, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and are dotted with ancient ruins and petroglyphs.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re interested in exploring towering red rock formations, deep canyons, or ancient cliff dwellings, both parks offer a chance to experience the very best of America’s natural and cultural heritage.
Things To-Do and Activities in Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different types of recreational activities that cater to different interests.
At Canyonlands National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and backpacking. The park offers a variety of trails for hikers of all levels, ranging from easy walks to stunning overlooks to challenging backcountry hikes. The park is also a popular destination for campers, with several campgrounds and backcountry camping options available. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in the park, with visitors often spotting bighorn sheep, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
At Mesa Verde National Park, the most popular activities include visiting the park’s cliff dwellings, hiking, and exploring the park’s cultural and historical sites. The park is famous for its well-preserved cliff dwellings, which offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area over 700 years ago. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, including trails that lead to the cliff dwellings and other cultural and historical sites.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands and Mesa Verde National Parks offer a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, or exploring cultural and historical sites, both parks are sure to provide a unique and memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and experience different seasonal weather patterns. Understanding the weather conditions at each park is important for planning a visit, as the weather can have a significant impact on the best time of year to visit.
Canyonlands National Park: This park is located in southeastern Utah and experiences a warm and dry desert climate. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop into the 30s. The park is also known for its strong winds and sudden rainstorms, which can make hiking conditions challenging. The best time of year to visit Canyonlands is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the risk of rain is lower.
Mesa Verde National Park: This park is located in southwestern Colorado and experiences a temperate semi-arid climate. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s, while winter temperatures can drop into the 20s. The park is also known for its sudden and heavy snowstorms, which can make hiking conditions challenging. The best time of year to visit Mesa Verde is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the risk of snow is lower.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park experience different seasonal weather patterns that can have an impact on the best time of year to visit. Canyonlands is best visited in the spring or fall, while Mesa Verde is best visited in the spring or fall as well. Understanding the weather conditions at each park is important for planning a successful and enjoyable visit.
Family Friendliness of Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park both offer family-friendly experiences, but each park has its own unique offerings that cater to families with children in different ways.
Canyonlands National Park is an excellent choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring nature. The park offers several easy hikes, scenic drives, and picnic areas that are perfect for families with children. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that allows children to learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife while earning a badge.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for families who are interested in history and archaeology. The park offers several ranger-led tours of the ancient cliff dwellings, which are a great way for children to learn about the Ancestral Pueblo people and the history of the region. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that allows children to learn about the park’s archaeology, history, and wildlife while earning a badge.
In conclusion, both Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer family-friendly experiences, but the park that is best to visit with children depends on the family’s interests and preferences. If your family enjoys outdoor activities and exploring nature, Canyonlands National Park is an excellent choice. If your family is interested in history and archaeology, Mesa Verde National Park is the better option.