“Imagine being transported to two vastly different worlds within the same country. One, a tropical paradise surrounded by crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. The other, a desert oasis where sand dunes tower above you, creating a landscape unlike any other. Welcome to the comparison of Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. These two national parks are perfect examples of the diverse beauty that can be found within the United States.
In the Dry Tortugas, visitors can explore the historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel in the turquoise waters, and spot a variety of bird species. Meanwhile, at Great Sand Dunes, adventure seekers can hike to the top of towering sand dunes, camp in the adjacent Medano Creek, and even sled down the dunes in the winter.
With so many unique experiences, it can be tough to decide which park to visit. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison of Dry Tortugas and Great Sand Dunes. Keep reading to discover which park is the perfect fit for your next outdoor adventure.”
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are both unique and beautiful national parks, but they differ greatly in terms of hiking trails. Dry Tortugas is a remote island park located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. It offers visitors a chance to explore historic Fort Jefferson, crystal clear waters and a variety of bird species. There are no designated hiking trails on the island, but visitors can explore the fort and beaches.
In contrast, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado is known for its towering sand dunes that rise up to 750 feet tall. The park offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs. The easiest hike is the Dunes Boardwalk Loop, a half-mile trail that takes visitors through the dunes and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The most strenuous hike is the High Dune, a challenging 2.5-mile round-trip hike to the tallest dune in the park. The hike is strenuous due to the thin air and steep incline, but the views from the top are worth it.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique hiking experiences, but Dry Tortugas is more suitable for visitors seeking a peaceful beach experience and Great Sand Dunes is better suited for those looking for a challenge and breathtaking views.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 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 Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve both offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. Dry Tortugas, located off the coast of Florida, is known for its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. Visitors can expect to see a variety of colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manatee. The park is also a popular birdwatching destination, with over 300 species of birds, including pelicans, frigate birds, and ospreys.
In contrast, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, is home to a unique desert ecosystem with a diverse array of plants and animals. Visitors can expect to see pronghorns, mule deer, and coyotes roaming the sand dunes. The park is also a stopover for many migratory birds, including sandpipers, plovers, and phainopepla. In addition, the park is home to many unique species of plants, including yucca, sagebrush, and prickly pear cactus.
Whether you are interested in marine life, desert wildlife, or birdwatching, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offer a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas 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 |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Song Sparrow | American Kestrel |
| European Starling | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Killdeer | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Big Brown Bat | |
| Bobcat | |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| 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
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | |
| German Brown Trout | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its crystal-clear waters and historic Fort Jefferson. This park is a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers who come to see the vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks that dot the seabed. Visitors can also take a ferry or seaplane to the park to tour Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century military fortress that’s now a museum.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. These dunes reach up to 750 feet high and cover over 30 square miles of the park. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert, or they can rent sandboards or sleds and slide down the dunes. The park also has a high-altitude lake and a wetlands area where visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk and moose.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are two very different national parks that offer unique outdoor activities for visitors.
Dry Tortugas, located off the coast of Florida, is best known for its crystal-clear water and abundant sea life, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can also take a ferry or seaplane to historic Fort Jefferson, where they can explore the fort, go bird watching, or simply relax on the beach.
Great Sand Dunes, located in Colorado, is famous for its massive sand dunes that rise as high as 750 feet. Adventure seekers can hike, sled, and sandboard on the dunes, while those who prefer a more relaxed pace can enjoy the park’s scenic landscape and go wildlife watching. The park also offers opportunities for stargazing and fishing in Medano Creek.
Whether you prefer to explore the underwater world, soak up the sun on a beach, or tackle a challenge in the great outdoors, Dry Tortugas and Great Sand Dunes both offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are two unique national parks that offer visitors a chance to experience diverse landscapes and weather patterns. While both parks are located in the United States, they have vastly different climates that affect the best time to visit each park.
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, experiences warm weather throughout the year with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 90s. The park is best visited from December to May when the weather is mild and dry, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and birdwatching. On the other hand, summer months are characterized by intense heat and frequent thunderstorms, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to the high 80s in the summer. The park is best visited from April to September when the sand dunes are accessible and the weather is warm, making it an ideal time for sand sledding, hiking, and camping. Winter months can be very cold and snowy, making it difficult to access the park and participate in outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offer visitors unique weather patterns that affect the best time to visit each park. Travelers should take into consideration the weather when planning their visit to these national parks to ensure the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida and is best known for its historic Fort Jefferson, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. The park offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and birdwatching. Despite its stunning beauty and unique attractions, Dry Tortugas may not be the ideal park for families with young children. Access to the park is only by ferry or seaplane, and overnight camping is not allowed. This means that families with young children will have to plan a day trip and may find the journey challenging.
On the other hand, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve located in Colorado, offers a more family-friendly experience. The park features towering sand dunes that are perfect for sand sledding, hiking, and splashing in the nearby Medano Creek. In addition, the park has a campground, picnic areas, and ranger-led activities that are designed to help families get the most out of their visit. The park also offers a variety of easy and moderate trails, making it easy for families with young children to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Overall, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a better option for families traveling with children. It offers a more accessible and family-friendly experience than Dry Tortugas National Park, with a variety of activities and amenities that are perfect for families with children of all ages.