Discover the natural beauty of America’s western frontier as we explore two of the country’s most breathtaking national parks: Great Basin and Mesa Verde. Both destinations offer a unique blend of geological wonders and cultural history, making them must-visits for nature and history enthusiasts alike. Great Basin is known for its stunning night skies, towering peaks, and ancient bristlecone pine trees, while Mesa Verde boasts of its ancient cliff dwellings and rich Native American history.
Embark on a journey with us as we compare and contrast these two magnificent parks, showcasing the best of what each has to offer. From scenic drives and guided tours to hiking trails and campfire tales, we guarantee that you’ll be left mesmerized by the beauty of these western gems. So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure that you won’t soon forget!
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging.
At Great Basin National Park, the most popular hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that takes you through a grove of ancient bristlecone pines, some of which are over 4,000 years old. The trail is considered easy and is great for families with children or visitors who are looking for a leisurely hike. Another great hike is the Wheeler Peak Trail, which is a strenuous 13-mile hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in Nevada.
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its cliff dwellings and ancient Pueblo Indian ruins. The park offers several easy hikes, including the Spruce Tree House Trail, a 0.3-mile trail that takes you to one of the largest cliff dwellings in the park. For those who are looking for a challenge, the Chapin Mesa Trail is a 6-mile hike that takes you through a variety of landscapes, including canyons, mesas, and ancient Pueblo Indian ruins.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
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 Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While both offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife, there are some key differences between the two.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can expect to see a wide range of wildlife including mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, mountain lions, and black bears. Additionally, the park is home to a large bird population, including the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and various species of owl. Visitors may also spot a variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes, and several species of fish in the park’s streams and lakes.
On the other hand, Mesa Verde National Park is home to a unique mix of wildlife including bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and several species of birds. However, the park is particularly noteworthy for its diverse plant life, including a variety of cacti, shrubs, and wildflowers. Visitors may also see several species of reptiles, including the collared lizard and the desert iguana, as well as several species of bats.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife, but each have their own specialties. Great Basin National Park is known for its wide range of wildlife and birdlife, while Mesa Verde National Park is notable for its diverse plant life and reptiles.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin 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 |
| 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
| Great Basin National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lion | House Mouse |
| Mink | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Mule Deer |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | Badger |
| Californis Myotis | Ermine |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Tiger Salamander |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Gopher Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Racer |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Western Fence Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is known for its beautiful landscapes including the Lehman Caves, the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and the ancient bristlecone pine trees. The Lehman Caves, a system of marble caverns, are a popular destination for visitors and offer guided tours. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive takes visitors to the top of the park’s highest peak for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The ancient bristlecone pine trees, some over 4,000 years old, can be seen on a hike to the top of Wheeler Peak.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The most famous of these is the Cliff Palace, a large dwelling containing over 150 rooms. Visitors can take guided tours to see the dwellings and learn about the culture and history of the Ancestral Puebloan people. The park also offers scenic drives and hikes with views of the surrounding mesas and canyons. The park’s landscape is characterized by its red rock formations, canyons, and mesas, making it a popular destination for both history and nature enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both popular destinations for nature enthusiasts and history buffs. However, they have different focuses and offer unique experiences.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can enjoy stargazing, as the park is known for its dark night skies. Park rangers offer guided stargazing programs, and it’s a popular activity for families and amateur astronomers alike. Additionally, the park is home to several caves, including Lehman Caves, which is a popular attraction. Visitors can take a tour of the caves to see stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations.
On the other hand, Mesa Verde National Park is known for its ancient ruins and rich cultural history. Visitors can tour the park’s cliff dwellings and learn about the lives of the ancestral Puebloans who lived here over 700 years ago. Park rangers lead guided tours, and visitors can also explore the ruins on their own. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led hikes, birdwatching, and scenic drives, providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park have their own unique features and attractions. Whether visitors are interested in stargazing, exploring ancient ruins, or immersing themselves in nature, these parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, both offering unique and breathtaking scenic beauty. When choosing between the two, a key factor to consider is the weather.
Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada and is known for its cool, alpine weather. Summer temperatures average in the 60s to 70s, while winter temperatures can drop into the 20s. The park experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. On the other hand, the best time to visit for those seeking to hike and camp is during the summer months.
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado and has a much milder climate. Summer temperatures average in the 80s, while winter temperatures average in the 40s. Unlike Great Basin, Mesa Verde does not experience heavy snowfall and is a great destination year-round. Visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring the park’s ancient ruins even during the winter months.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique weather patterns that attract different types of visitors. Those seeking a winter sports getaway will prefer Great Basin, while those looking for a milder, year-round destination will prefer Mesa Verde.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two popular national parks in the western United States, both offering unique experiences for families.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, offers a range of outdoor activities for families, including hiking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The park’s beautiful scenic drives, including the Lehman Caves Road, are ideal for families with children, as well as the easy hikes and interpretive programs. The park also has a Junior Ranger Program that encourages children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources, which can be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, offers a unique look into the lives of the ancient Pueblo people who lived in the area over 700 years ago. The park features numerous cliff dwellings and interpretive trails, making it a great choice for families interested in history and archaeology. The park also offers ranger-led tours, campfire programs, and hands-on activities for kids, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Both Great Basin National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are family-friendly in their own ways, but if you’re traveling with children, Mesa Verde National Park may be the better choice. The park’s focus on history and archaeology, combined with its hands-on activities and ranger-led tours, make it an excellent choice for families with kids who are interested in learning more about the past.