Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park are two of the most unique and fascinating parks in the United States. While they may seem vastly different on the surface, they both offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
The Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is home to a diverse array of landscapes including ancient bristlecone pine forests, alpine lakes and the Lehman Caves. On the other hand, White Sands National Park in New Mexico is a sea of pristine white sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Both parks offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re a hiker, stargazer or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax, these parks are the perfect place to be. But which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll compare Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park, highlighting the unique features of each and helping you decide which one is best for your next adventure. So grab a hiking map, pack your sunscreen and get ready to explore two of the most awe-inspiring parks in the country.
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park
Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park are both unique and beautiful. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, from easy to strenuous.
Great Basin National Park offers a range of trails, including the popular Bristlecone Pine Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike to a grove of ancient bristlecone pines. Another easy hike is the Lehman Creek Trail, which is a 2-mile loop through a lush meadow. For those looking for more of a challenge, the Wheeler Peak Trail is a strenuous 13-mile round trip hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak – the tallest mountain in Nevada.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, has a unique landscape of white sand dunes, making for a one-of-a-kind hiking experience. The park’s easiest hike is the Dune Life Nature Trail, a 0.5-mile loop that explores the diverse plant and animal life found in the dunes. For a more challenging hike, the Alkali Flat Trail is a 4-mile round trip hike that takes you to the heart of the dune field.
Both parks offer a variety of hikes that cater to different fitness levels and interests, making them great destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike, Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park have something to offer.
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 White Sands National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 6 |
Wildlife in Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park
Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park are both unique and beautiful parks located in the United States. In terms of wildlife, both parks offer a unique and diverse experience.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain lions, and black bears. Additionally, the park is home to a number of bird species, including the peregrine falcon, great horned owl, and the white-tailed ptarmigan. The park is also known for its diverse plant life including the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees, as well as wildflowers, sagebrush, and pinyon pines.
On the other hand, White Sands National Park is home to a number of unique and interesting animal species, including the pronghorn antelope, jackrabbits, and desert kit foxes. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the roadrunner, Gambel’s quail, and the common poorwill. Visitors to the park will also see a variety of unique and interesting plant species, including the creosote bush and various cacti species.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. With its abundance of animal and bird species, as well as its diverse plant life, Great Basin National Park provides a unique and interesting wilderness experience. Meanwhile, White Sands National Park is home to a number of unique and interesting animal species, as well as a variety of interesting plant species, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in wildlife and nature.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Great Basin National Park | White Sands 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 | White Sands 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 | Common Gray Fox |
Gray Wolf | Plains Wolf |
Long-Legged Myotis | American Badger |
Long-Eared Myotis | Ermine |
Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
Ermine | River Otter |
Californis Myotis | Masked Shrew |
Fish
Great Basin National Park | White Sands National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
Mottled Sculpin | Bluegill |
Speckled Dace | Fathead Minnow |
Cutthroat Trout | Golden Shiner |
Lake Trout | |
Northern Pike | |
Ellpout | |
Mottled Sculpin | |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Longnose Dace | |
Black Crappie | |
Black Bullhead | |
Creek Chub | |
Brown Bullhead | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
Great Basin National Park | White Sands National Park |
---|---|
Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
Woodhouse’s Toad | Wood Frog |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
Great Basin National Park | White Sands National Park |
---|---|
Racer | |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
Rubber Boa | |
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
Eastern Collared Lizard | |
Eastern Fence Lizard | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Desert Spiny Lizard | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
Great Basin National Park | White Sands 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 White Sands National Park
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. The most famous landscape in the park is the Lehman Caves, a series of beautifully decorated limestone caves that are open to visitors for tours. Another popular spot is the 13,063-foot-high Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in Nevada, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park also features a number of scenic drives, including the scenic drive to the top of Wheeler Peak, which takes you through forests of bristlecone pines, some of which are over 4,000 years old.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is famous for its stunning white sand dunes, which are made up of gypsum crystals. The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore these fascinating dunes on foot, by hiking, and by sand sledding. Another popular attraction is the Alkali Flat Trail, a scenic loop that takes you through the heart of the dunes and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park also features a number of scenic drives, including the scenic drive through the dunes, which takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park
Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park offer unique experiences for visitors with different interests. Great Basin is known for its diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and deserts, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities like camping, rock climbing, bird watching, and stargazing. The park also offers educational programs and ranger-led tours for those who want to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is a unique landscape of white sand dunes that are constantly shifting and changing. People love to explore the dunes on foot, horseback, or even by sledding down the slopes. The park is also a popular destination for photographers and artists who come to capture the beauty of the dunes in different lighting conditions. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic drive through the park or take a guided tour to learn about the geology and ecology of the area.
Overall, both Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are an outdoor adventurer, a lover of natural beauty, or a history buff, there is something for everyone at these two parks.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park
Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park are both unique and beautiful destinations, but their seasonal weather patterns are quite different. Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada near the border of Utah, experiences cold, snowy winters and mild summers. The average temperature in winter is around 20°F, while in summer it ranges from 60-80°F. Snow is common in the higher elevations and can make hiking and camping difficult. On the other hand, the best time to visit the park is in the summer when the weather is mild and the snow has melted, making it easier to explore.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer is around 90°F, while in winter it ranges from 40-60°F. The park is known for its vast expanse of white sand dunes, which can become scorching hot in the summer months. However, visiting in the winter months can be pleasant and the crowds are much smaller.
When deciding when to visit these parks, it is important to consider the weather patterns and how they affect the experience. Great Basin National Park is best visited in the summer, while White Sands National Park is best visited in the winter. Both parks offer unique and beautiful experiences, so choose the time that works best for you and your travel plans.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park
Great Basin National Park and White Sands National Park are two unique and beautiful parks in the United States, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to being family-friendly.
Great Basin National Park has many family-friendly activities, including ranger-led programs, hiking, camping, and stargazing. The park’s location in Nevada provides a remote and scenic setting for families to enjoy. The park also has picnic areas and a visitor center with educational displays.
White Sands National Park is also a good choice for families, but it does not have as many amenities as Great Basin National Park. However, the park’s main attraction, the white sand dunes, is a unique and exciting experience for children. The park offers ranger-led programs and hiking, but it does not have camping or picnic areas.
If you’re traveling with children, Great Basin National Park is likely to be a better choice, as it has more family-friendly activities and amenities. However, if your children are older and enjoy unique and unusual experiences, White Sands National Park may be a great choice. Both parks are wonderful destinations for families, and the best choice will depend on your family’s interests and needs.