Looking for a change of scenery? Two of America’s most unique and breathtaking national parks, Dry Tortugas and Mesa Verde, offer a unique blend of history, natural beauty and adventure. Whether you’re in search of turquoise waters or ancient ruins, these parks have got you covered.
Dry Tortugas, located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, is a remote island paradise. The crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life make it a snorkeler and scuba diver’s dream. But it’s not just the water that draws visitors – the historic Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th century military fort, adds a touch of history to the mix.
Mesa Verde, located in southwestern Colorado, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Pueblo people. The park is home to hundreds of ancient cliff dwellings, including the iconic Cliff Palace, offering a window into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived here over 700 years ago. With over 4,000 archeological sites to explore, Mesa Verde is a true treasure trove for history buffs and adventurers alike.
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island park located 68 miles west of Key West, Florida. The park has several hiking trails, including the Fort Jefferson trail, which is a 2.5-mile loop that takes visitors around the historic Fort Jefferson. The trail is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding islands. Another popular hike is the Garden Key Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to Garden Key and the historic lighthouse. This trail is also relatively easy and offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and the surrounding islands.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. One of the easiest hikes is the Chapin Mesa Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum. This trail is relatively flat and offers stunning views of the surrounding mesa and the nearby canyons. Another popular hike is the Petroglyph Point Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to Petroglyph Point, where they can see ancient rock art. This trail is a bit more challenging, but the views are worth it. The hardest hike in the park is the Knife Edge Trail, which is a strenuous, 2.5-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors to the top of a mesa, offering stunning views of the surrounding canyons and mesas.
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 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 Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both unique and have their own special characteristics. Dry Tortugas, located in Florida, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many species of fish, seabirds, and reptiles. Some common wildlife that can be seen in the park are Key deer, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species such as brown pelicans, frigatebirds, and terns. In addition, the park is also home to a large number of coral reefs, which provide habitat for a variety of species, including colorful fish and other marine life.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural history. Visitors to the park can see a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn, and many species of birds such as the American kestrel, the common raven, and the Steller’s jay. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including piñon pine, juniper, and sagebrush. Additionally, visitors to the park can see unique geological features such as canyons and mesa formations, as well as ancient Native American cliff dwellings.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife and unique landscapes. Whether you’re interested in marine life, birds, or ancient history, both parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas 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 |
| 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 | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Badger | |
| Ermine |
Reptiles
| Dry Tortugas National Park | 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 |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, is renowned for its pristine turquoise waters and abundant marine life. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, a historic 19th-century fort, and the surrounding waters are a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can also take a ferry to the Dry Tortugas and hike to the top of the fort’s walls for panoramic views of the surrounding waters.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is famous for its cliff dwellings, ancient homes carved into the sides of cliffs. Visitors can explore these dwellings and learn about the lives of the Pueblo people who lived here over 700 years ago. The park also boasts breathtaking overlooks of the surrounding mesa and canyon country, offering views of the rugged landscape and nearby mountains. Hiking trails, ranger-led tours, and campgrounds provide opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two iconic National Parks in the United States that attract thousands of visitors every year. Both parks offer a unique experience and cater to a wide variety of interests, from history buffs and nature lovers to outdoor enthusiasts.
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, is a popular destination for snorkeling, fishing, and birdwatching. Visitors can explore the crystal-clear waters, home to an abundance of sea life and colorful coral reefs, or hike the many trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the Gulf of Mexico. The park is also famous for Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fort that is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the fort, experiencing its rich history, and breathtaking views.
Mesa Verde National Park, in Colorado, is a must-visit for history buffs and archaeologists. The park is home to ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is considered one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. Visitors can take guided tours of the cliff dwellings, learning about the history and culture of the ancient Puebloan people. In addition, the park offers scenic drives, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. Whether watching the sunset over the mesa or taking a scenic drive through the park, visitors are sure to be in awe of the stunning scenery.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Florida Keys and is known for its warm and sunny weather throughout the year. Summer temperatures average in the high 80s to low 90s with high humidity, making it a popular time for water activities such as snorkeling and swimming. Winter temperatures are mild, with average temperatures in the mid-70s, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as bird watching and hiking.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Colorado and is known for its dramatic changes in weather throughout the year. Summer temperatures average in the high 70s to low 80s, making it a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and the park can receive significant snowfall, making it a popular time for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is between March and May, when the temperatures are mild and there are fewer crowds. The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is between May and September, when temperatures are warm and the park’s diverse ecosystems are in full bloom.
Overall, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique experiences, but the weather and seasonal changes have a significant impact on when is the best time to visit each park. Visitors should consider the time of year and the type of activities they prefer when planning their trip to either destination.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both worth exploring for families, but for different reasons. Dry Tortugas National Park is an island located 70 miles from Key West, Florida. It’s a great place for children who love the ocean, snorkeling, and wildlife. There’s a children’s program that provides educational activities and games. The park has a picnic area, and visitors can also go fishing. However, getting to Dry Tortugas requires a ferry or seaplane ride, which can be a bit of a challenge for families with young children.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is a great place for families who love history and the outdoors. The park has several well-preserved cliff dwellings that visitors can explore. The park also has a Junior Ranger program, which provides children with opportunities to learn about the park’s history and natural resources. There are several picnic areas and hiking trails in the park, and visitors can also go camping. However, the park can be quite remote, so families with young children may find it challenging to access some of the park’s attractions.
Both parks have something unique to offer families, but for those traveling with young children, Mesa Verde National Park may be the better choice. The park’s location and accessibility make it more manageable for families, and the Junior Ranger program provides a great opportunity for children to learn about the park’s history and natural resources.