“Picture this: towering sand dunes that kiss the sky and crystal clear waters that hug the shore. These two national parks, though vastly different, both offer breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of California, boasts five unique islands that are home to a diverse array of flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. Meanwhile, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado showcases the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising over 750 feet tall and stretching as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the water or on the sand, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and leave you wanting more. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a wild and wonderful journey through Channel Islands and Great Sand Dunes.”
Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Hiking trails at Channel Islands National Park offer a range of difficulty levels, from easy beach walks to strenuous backcountry treks. One of the easiest hikes is the Cavern Point Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding islands. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Anacapa Island Trail is a 2.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of Anacapa Island, offering panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean. On the other hand, the hardest hike at Channel Islands is the backcountry trek to the summit of Santa Cruz Island, which is a strenuous 10-mile round trip hike with steep inclines and rough terrain.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve also offers a range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous sand dune climbs. The easiest hike is the Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop that takes you through a beautiful landscape of grasslands, wetlands, and forests. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the High Dune hike is a 2.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of the tallest dune, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding sand dunes and mountain ranges. On the other hand, the hardest hike at Great Sand Dunes is the Sand Ramp Trail, a strenuous 4.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of the tallest dune and requires a lot of energy and effort to climb the steep sand dunes. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a challenging sand dune climb, Great Sand Dunes has something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potato Harbor Trail | 7885.766 | 183.7944 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Smugglers Cove Trail | 12391.918 | 426.72 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Scorpion Bay to Cavern Point Loop | 2574.944 | 84.7344 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| El Montanon Trail | 13679.39 | 569.976 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Santa Cruz Island: Pelican Bay And Prisoners Harbor Trails | 13840.324 | 436.7784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| East Anacapa Island Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 238.9632 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Del Norte and Montanon Trail to Scorpion Campgroud | 20116.75 | 810.768 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Cueva Valdez to Arch Rock Trail | 11748.182 | 535.8384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Pelican Bay Trail | 6437.36 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
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 Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including many species that are found nowhere else on Earth. Some of the most commonly seen animals include the island fox, sea lions, and harbor seals. Birdwatchers will also have a field day, as the park is home to over 250 species of birds, including the Western gull, the Ash-throated flycatcher, and the Peregrine falcon. In addition to the wildlife, the park is also home to a variety of unique plant species, including the island live oak and the island prickly pear cactus.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mammals such as pronghorns, mule deer, and coyotes. Bird enthusiasts will also find a wealth of species to observe, including the American kestrel, the mountain bluebird, and the lark bunting. The park is also home to a variety of unique plant species, including the sand verbena and the sand sagebrush, which are well adapted to the harsh conditions of the sand dunes. Whether you’re interested in observing wildlife or exploring the unique flora and fauna of the area, both Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offer a wealth of opportunities for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Channel Islands 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
| Channel Islands National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Big Brown Bat | Coyote |
| Deer Mouse | American Beaver |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Muskrat |
| Hoary Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Bobcat |
| California Myotis | Striped Skunk |
| Fringed Myotis | Little Brown Bat |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Raccoon |
| Pallid Bat | Black Bear |
| Red Bat | Porcupine |
| Black Rat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Bat | |
| Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Reptiles
| Channel Islands National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Bull Snake |
| Yellow-Bellied Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Western Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Channel Islands National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | |
| German Brown Trout | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Channel Islands National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park is famous for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders, including crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and rugged cliffs. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Painted Cave, which is the largest sea cave in the world and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and ocean. Another popular landmark is Scorpion Anchorage, which is a sheltered cove surrounded by towering cliffs and is a popular spot for kayaking and snorkeling. The park is also home to a variety of unique landscapes, including the Anacapa Island Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean and islands.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is famous for its towering sand dunes, which are the tallest in North America and rise over 750 feet tall. The dunes are surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which offer stunning views and a dramatic backdrop for the dunes. Another popular landmark is Medano Creek, which is a seasonal stream that runs through the dunes and provides a unique and beautiful landscape for visitors to enjoy. The park is also home to a variety of unique landscapes, including the Star Dune, which is the tallest dune in the park and offers panoramic views of the surrounding dunes and mountains. Whether you’re looking for stunning vistas or unique landscapes, both Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offer a wealth of natural wonders to explore and admire.
Things To-Do and Activities in Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities to enjoy including kayaking, snorkeling, wildlife watching, and beachcombing. Kayaking is a popular activity in the park, with visitors exploring the crystal-clear waters and rugged coastline. Snorkeling is also a popular activity, with visitors diving into the rich underwater world to see a variety of marine life, including seals, sea lions, and colorful fish. Wildlife watching is also a popular activity in the park, with visitors observing a variety of animals, including whales, dolphins, and sea birds.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities to enjoy including sand sledding, sandboarding, wildlife watching, and stargazing. Sand sledding and sandboarding are popular activities in the park, with visitors sliding down the towering sand dunes. Wildlife watching is also a popular activity in the park, with visitors observing a variety of animals, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pronghorns. Stargazing is also a popular activity in the park, with visitors admiring the clear, dark night skies and the stars above. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, both Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offer a wealth of activities to enjoy and explore.
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Channel Islands National Park is located in a Mediterranean climate, which means that it experiences mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when temperatures are warm and the weather is generally sunny and dry. However, even during the summer, visitors should be prepared for cool ocean breezes and occasional fog. Winter weather can be more unpredictable, with rain and strong winds being more common.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in a high-desert climate, which means that it experiences hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the weather is generally sunny and dry. During the summer, temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it too hot for many visitors. Winter weather can also be harsh, with strong winds and snow being more common. Whether you’re looking for warm sun or mild temperatures, both Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offer a variety of weather conditions to suit any preference.
Family Friendliness of Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Both Channel Islands National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offer a variety of activities that are suitable for families with children. However, the level of difficulty of these activities can vary between the two parks.
Channel Islands National Park is a great option for families who enjoy water activities, such as kayaking and snorkeling. The park’s mild climate and calm waters make it a great place for children to explore and learn about marine life. There are also several easy hikes in the park that are suitable for families, such as the Cave Trail and the Anacapa Island Loop Trail.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities, such as sand sledding and sandboarding. The park’s towering sand dunes provide a unique and exciting playground for children to explore. There are also several easy hikes in the park that are suitable for families, such as the Dunes Overlook Trail and the Medano Creek Trail.
In conclusion, both parks offer a variety of family-friendly activities, and the best park for your family will depend on your personal preferences and the activities you enjoy.