Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both are well known for their stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, making them popular tourist destinations. But which one is right for you? If you’re looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, one of these parks is sure to satisfy your craving.
Denali, with its towering mountain and pristine wilderness, is a true bucket list destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This rugged and remote park offers visitors the chance to explore its six million acres of scenic beauty by foot, bike, or even dog sled! Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or a unique cultural experience, Denali has something for everyone.
Mesa Verde, on the other hand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich cultural history. This park is home to thousands of ancient cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of the ancestral Pueblo people and explore the well-preserved ruins of this once thriving civilization. With its breathtaking views and fascinating history, Mesa Verde is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique hiking trails that showcase the diverse landscapes of Alaska and Colorado.
Denali National Park is home to some of the most challenging hikes in the country, including the Mount Healy Overlook Trail and the Stampede Trail. The Mount Healy Overlook Trail is a 7-mile hike that takes you to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the park. The Stampede Trail is a 14-mile hike that takes you through the heart of the park and provides the opportunity to see wildlife such as moose and caribou.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, offers a different type of hiking experience. The park is known for its ancient ruins and cliff dwellings, and hiking trails such as the Petroglyph Point Trail and the Spruce Tree House Trail offer a glimpse into the history of the Ancestral Puebloans who once lived there. The Petroglyph Point Trail is a 1.5-mile hike that takes you to a rock art site with over 600 petroglyphs. The Spruce Tree House Trail is a 0.9-mile hike to a cliff dwelling with over 130 rooms.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a rigorous hike or a leisurely stroll, both Denali National Park and Mesa Verde National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | 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 Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two unique and popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife, but in different environments.
At Denali National Park & Preserve, visitors can see wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. This park is also a great place to see birds such as the golden eagle, sharp-tailed grouse, and the ptarmigan. The park is known for its dense forests and alpine tundra, which provide habitats for many species of plants and animals.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is home to a different set of wildlife. Visitors to the park can see animals such as the black-tailed deer, rock squirrels, and the coyote. Birdwatchers can enjoy seeing the common raven, the piñon jay, and the red-tailed hawk. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including the piñon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
Both Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re interested in seeing large mammals, birds, or plants, both parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Denali National Park & Preserve | 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 |
Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
European Starling | Song Sparrow |
Northern Pintail | European Starling |
American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Denali National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
Black Bear | Bobcat |
Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
Mink | Deer Mouse |
Wolf | Raccoon |
Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
Snowshoe Hare | Porcupine |
River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
Water Shrew | Red Fox |
Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
Lynx | Mountain Lion |
Wolverine | Mink |
American Marten | Mule Deer |
Northern Flying Squirrel | Gray Fox |
Grizzly Bear | Wolf |
Meadow Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
Moose | Long-Eared Myotis |
Least Weasel | Badger |
Pygmy Shrew | Ermine |
Fish
Denali National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Longnose Sucker | |
Lake Trout | |
Northern Pike | |
Burbot | |
Coho Salmon | |
Chinook Salmon | |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
Denali National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
Denali National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Gopher Snake | |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Racer | |
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 |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is famous for its towering mountain peak, Mount Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), which is the highest peak in North America. The park is also known for its stunning tundra landscapes and glaciers, as well as the diverse wildlife that can be seen there, including grizzly bears, caribou, and moose. Visitors can take scenic drives, go backpacking, or take guided tours to see the park’s many wonders.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is famous for its ancient Native American cliff dwellings, the most famous of which is the Cliff Palace. The park is also known for its stunning mesa and canyon landscapes, as well as its diverse array of wildlife, including coyotes, deer, and big horn sheep. Visitors can take guided tours to see the cliff dwellings, hike the park’s many trails, or take scenic drives to see the breathtaking views.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and for good reason. Both parks offer stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich cultural history. However, the activities and experiences offered at each park are quite different.
In Denali, visitors can take a scenic drive on the park road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and tundra. Wildlife sightings are also a popular activity, with visitors often spotting moose, caribou, and grizzly bears. In addition, visitors can take part in ranger-led programs, attend evening campfire talks, and go flightseeing to get a bird’s eye view of the park.
Mesa Verde, on the other hand, is known for its ancient Native American cliff dwellings. Visitors can tour several of these dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, and learn about the lives of the Pueblo people who lived there over 700 years ago. In addition to the cliff dwellings, visitors can also hike to other cultural, historical and scenic sites and enjoy ranger-led walks and talks.
Both Denali and Mesa Verde offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and interest. Whether you prefer breathtaking views and wildlife sightings or exploring ancient ruins and learning about indigenous cultures, both parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two popular parks in the United States. These parks are unique in their own way, with different climates and weather patterns that affect the best time to visit.
The weather in Denali ranges from sub-arctic to arctic, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Winter temperatures can drop to -40°F and the park receives an average of 24 inches of snow per year. The summer months are the best time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F and minimal snow.
Mesa Verde, on the other hand, has a more temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The park receives about 15 inches of precipitation per year, with most of it falling in the spring and summer months. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it the best time to visit for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures are mild, with occasional snow, making it a good time for sightseeing and exploring the park’s ancient ruins.
Both parks have their own unique weather patterns and the best time to visit depends on what the visitor wants to experience. For those seeking outdoor activities and scenic views, summer is the best time to visit Denali, while Mesa Verde is best experienced in the summer for its warm weather and outdoor activities. Winter is a good time to visit both parks for those interested in a quiet and peaceful visit, with fewer crowds and a chance to see the parks in a different light.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both of these parks are known for their stunning natural beauty and rich history, making them ideal destinations for families. But which park is better for families traveling with children?
When it comes to family-friendliness, Denali National Park & Preserve has the edge. The park offers a wide range of activities for families, including hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. The park also has several ranger-led programs and educational opportunities for children, making it an ideal destination for families who want to learn about the natural world.
On the other hand, Mesa Verde National Park is a bit more challenging for families with young children. The park is home to numerous ancient cliff dwellings, which can be difficult to access, especially for families with strollers. Additionally, the park’s remote location can make it difficult for families to find lodging and dining options.
Despite these challenges, Mesa Verde National Park is still a great destination for families who are looking for a unique and educational experience. The park offers guided tours of the cliff dwellings, which are a great way for families to learn about the history and culture of the ancient Pueblo people.
Ultimately, the choice between Denali National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park will come down to the specific needs and interests of your family. Both parks are wonderful destinations, but Denali is probably the better choice for families traveling with young children.