Are you ready for a showdown between two of America’s most unique and awe-inspiring national parks? On one side, we have Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve – a rugged wilderness of pristine tundra and jagged mountain peaks. On the other side, we have Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve – a sea of rolling sand dunes that soar high into the sky.
Which one will come out on top as the ultimate destination for adventure-seekers and nature lovers? The answer may surprise you! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two exceptional parks, comparing and contrasting their landscapes, wildlife, recreational opportunities, and more. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a family looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone in this showdown between Gates of the Arctic and Great Sand Dunes.
So buckle up and get ready for a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in America. We’ll guide you through the glaciers, valleys, and sand dunes, and help you discover the unique wonders of each park. The only question is, which one will you choose?
Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are both unique and diverse national parks with amazing hiking trails.
Gates Of The Arctic is located in the Arctic Circle, and is known for its remote wilderness. It offers a variety of hiking experiences, from easy walks in the tundra to more challenging treks through the wilderness. A popular hike is the 11-mile Kobuk River Trail, which offers stunning views along the river and an opportunity to see grizzly bears and caribou. Another challenging hike is the 17-mile Alatna River Trail, which takes you through the heart of the park and past glaciers, lakes, and valleys.
Great Sand Dunes, on the other hand, is located in southern Colorado and is known for its towering sand dunes, which rise up to 750 feet. The park offers a variety of hikes, from easy walks on the sand dunes to more challenging hikes in the surrounding mountains. One of the easiest hikes is the 1-mile Medano Pass Primitive Road, which takes you to the base of the sand dunes and offers great views of the valley. For a more challenging hike, try the 7.5-mile Little Medano Creek Trail, which takes you up into the mountains and offers panoramic views of the dunes and surrounding landscape.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 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 Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are two stunning and unique parks in the United States. Both are known for their incredible landscapes, but the wildlife you’ll see at each park can be quite different.
At Gates of the Arctic, visitors can expect to see a variety of arctic and subarctic animals, including caribou, grizzly bears, foxes, and wolves. The park’s remote location in northern Alaska means that it is home to a wide range of wildlife that is not easily seen in other parts of the country. The park is also a great place to see birds, including the Arctic Tern, Golden Eagle, and Gyrfalcon.
In contrast, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in southern Colorado, and is home to a completely different set of wildlife. Visitors here can expect to see animals like pronghorns, mule deer, and black-tailed prairie dogs. The park is also a great place to see birds like the Mountain Bluebird, Western Tanager, and American Kestrel.
Both parks are also home to a variety of plant species, including alpine wildflowers and grasses in Gates of the Arctic, and sagebrush and pinyon pines in Great Sand Dunes. Regardless of the type of wildlife you’re interested in seeing, both parks are sure to impress.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
| American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
| American Pipit | European Starling |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Wolf | Deer Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Varying Hare | Black Bear |
| River Otter | Porcupine |
| Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
| Montane Shrew | Red Fox |
| Lynx | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Wolverine | Mule Deer |
| American Marten | Gray Fox |
| Grizzly Bear | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Meadow Vole | Long-Eared Bat |
| Moose | Badger |
| Least Weasel | Ermine |
| Pygmy Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Masked Shrew |
| Water Shrew | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
Fish
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Lake Trout | German Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Cutthroat Trout |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve | Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Alaska is renowned for its breathtaking landscape of remote wilderness. The park is home to the Brooks Range, a majestic mountain range that runs through the heart of the park. Visitors can explore the range on a backpacking trip or by air, taking in the stunning views from mountaintops and valleys. The park also features pristine rivers and streams, perfect for fishing and rafting.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado is known for its massive sand dunes, the tallest in North America. The dunes were formed by wind and water erosion, creating a unique desert landscape unlike anything else in the country. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes, sled down the soft sand, or explore the nearby wetlands and forests. The park also features a beautiful alpine lake, Medano Creek, and offers opportunities for stargazing and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply a peaceful escape, both Gates of the Arctic and Great Sand Dunes offer visitors a chance to experience America’s natural beauty.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve may seem vastly different, but both offer unique outdoor experiences. Gates of the Arctic is a remote wilderness park located in northern Alaska. This park is famous for backpacking, wilderness camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors come here to experience the true wilderness and escape the noise of civilization. On the other hand, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is known for its massive sand dunes and outdoor recreational activities. This park is popular for sandboarding, hiking, and camping. The park also has a small lake where visitors can swim, fish, and paddleboard.
Both parks offer exceptional opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. However, Gates of the Arctic is ideal for those seeking a remote wilderness experience, while Great Sand Dunes is perfect for those looking for a more developed park with a variety of recreational activities. No matter which park you choose, both offer stunning natural beauty and a chance to connect with nature.
Best Time to Visit Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its beautiful, wild landscapes and abundant wildlife. The park is typically visited during the summer months, when temperatures are mild and the sun shines for a long time. The average temperature in July is around 50°F, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the high 60s. Winter temperatures can reach below -40°F, making it a difficult time to visit.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Colorado and is known for its towering sand dunes and scenic vistas. The park is best visited in the summer, when temperatures are warm and the sand is not covered in snow. The average temperature in July is around 80°F, with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to the low 90s. Winter temperatures can reach below freezing, with snow and ice making some areas of the park difficult to access.
Both parks offer unique experiences and are best visited during different times of the year based on the seasonal weather. Gates of the Arctic is best visited during the summer months, while Great Sand Dunes is best visited in the summer or spring. Visitors to both parks should be prepared for changing weather conditions and should plan accordingly, bringing warm clothing for colder months and plenty of water for the hotter months.
Family Friendliness of Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States, and both are great options for families. However, the two parks differ in their family-friendliness, and it’s worth considering which one is better to visit if you’re traveling with children.
Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, located in northern Alaska, is a remote wilderness area with no roads, no services, and few trails. This makes it a challenging destination for families, especially those with young children. However, the park’s rugged beauty and solitude are unmatched, and adventurous families who are willing to rough it a bit will find it a truly unique and rewarding experience.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in southern Colorado and is much more accessible and family-friendly. The park features towering sand dunes, a large and shallow lake, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, sand sledding, and other outdoor recreation. The park also has modern facilities, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and a visitors center, making it a great choice for families who want a more traditional national park experience.
In conclusion, both Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve are great options for families, but they appeal to different types of families. If you’re looking for a rugged wilderness adventure, Gates Of The Arctic is a great choice, but if you’re looking for a more accessible and family-friendly national park experience, Great Sand Dunes is the way to go.