Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most stunning and unique national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But which one is the best for your adventure? Whether you’re a beach bum or a sand dune surfer, this article will compare these two national parks and give you a better idea of which one is the perfect fit for your next vacation.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a land of fire and ice. From the active Kīlauea volcano to the frozen summit of Mauna Loa, this park offers a glimpse into the raw power of nature. With over 150 miles of hiking trails, and the chance to witness an active volcano, this park is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a magical place where the sand dunes rise as high as 750 feet, creating a sea of sand in the middle of the Colorado Rockies. With opportunities for hiking, sand sledding, and stargazing, this park is a true gem for those looking for a unique adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two unique and diverse parks in the US. Both offer breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for adventure, with hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can hike to the top of the dunes, which rise to over 700 feet, or explore the nearby Medano Creek. The High Dune Hike, which climbs over the tallest dune, is a popular and challenging hike. The hike to the top of the dunes is strenuous but the view from the top is worth the effort. The Creek Trail is a more leisurely hike, with a gentle slope along the creek.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has a variety of trails, including hikes through the Kīlauea Caldera, to the summit of Mauna Loa and through the rainforest. The Kīlauea Iki Trail is a popular hike and takes you through the Kīlauea Iki crater, which last erupted in 1959. The hike is about 4 miles round trip and offers stunning views of the crater and surrounding rainforest. The Mauna Loa trail is a strenuous hike that requires permits and is only recommended for experienced hikers.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether visitors want to explore the sand dunes or the volcanic landscapes, these parks offer a unique and memorable experience.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two unique parks, each with its own distinct wildlife. At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can observe a variety of animals such as mule deer, pronghorns, coyotes, and black bears. In addition, bird watchers can spot species like the mountain bluebird, American goldfinch, and the Swainson’s hawk. The park is also home to a number of reptiles and amphibians, including the Great Basin rattlesnake and the boreal toad.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is a haven for unique and endemic species. Visitors may encounter the nēnē, also known as the Hawaiian Goose, which is the state bird of Hawaii. The park is also home to many species of rare and endangered birds, such as the ‘alalā (Hawaiian crow) and the ‘akepa. In addition, visitors can see a variety of native plants, such as the silversword and the Hawaiian hibiscus. The park is also home to several active volcanoes, including Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which offer a unique and dynamic landscape for visitors to explore.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a diverse array of wildlife for visitors to observe, making them both ideal destinations for nature enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Canada Goose |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Great Blue Heron |
| Osprey | Rock Pigeon |
| Tree Swallow | House Sparrow |
| Mallard | Northern Mockingbird |
| Canada Goose | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Wild Turkey |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Barn Owl |
| American Robin | Cattle Egret |
| Great Horned Owl | Sanderling |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| Northern Flicker | Chukar |
| Merlin | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Barn Swallow | Northern Cardinal |
| Savannah Sparrow | California Quail |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | ‘Iole |
| Big Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
| Bobcat | Feral Hog |
| 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
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | |
| German Brown Trout | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, is known for its towering sand dunes that reach up to 750 feet. The sand dunes were formed by wind and water erosion and are the tallest sand dunes in North America. Visitors can hike or sandboard on the dunes, or explore the surrounding landscape which includes forests, wetlands, and alpine lakes.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers a unique opportunity to witness volcanic activity and see the dramatic effects of volcanic eruptions on the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike through craters, witness steam vents and sulfur dioxide emissions, and see the results of past eruptions in the form of lush rainforests, lava tubes, and more.
Both parks offer breathtaking natural wonders and a chance to experience unique landscapes that can only be found in these areas. Whether you’re hiking through the sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park or exploring the volcanic landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors are sure to be in awe of the beauty and majesty of these natural wonders.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii offer unique and diverse landscapes for visitors to explore. At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can enjoy sandboarding and sand sledding down the towering dunes. In the spring, visitors can also hike to the nearby Medano Creek and wade in the shallow waters. Meanwhile, at Hawai’i Volcanoes, visitors can observe the active Kilauea volcano, hike through the volcanic landscapes, and visit the steam vents and sulfur banks.
Both parks also offer ranger-led programs and educational opportunities, such as talks on the geology and ecology of the parks. Visitors to Great Sand Dunes can also visit the museum and learn about the history of the park, while visitors to Hawai’i Volcanoes can attend a night-time volcano walk and see the glow of the eruptions.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique experiences for visitors. Whether it be playing in the sand dunes or observing an active volcano, both parks offer fun and educational activities for all ages.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most unique parks in the United States. While they are quite different in terms of geography and topography, they both have their own unique weather patterns that visitors should be aware of when planning a trip.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in the high desert of Colorado, and is known for its hot and dry summers, and cold winters with occasional snow. The peak season is from May to September, when temperatures are warm and the sand dunes are accessible for hiking and sand-boarding. Winter can be a great time to visit the park as well, with snow-covered dunes giving the park a unique look.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and experiences a more tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rain. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from June to August, when the weather is drier and the visibility is better for viewing the active lava flows. Winter can be the wettest time of year, with heavy rain and high humidity, making it a less ideal time for hiking and other outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the weather at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park greatly affects when is the best time to visit. While both parks are open year-round, visitors should plan their trips based on the weather patterns in order to have the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two unique national parks in the United States. Both offer a range of activities for families, but in different ways.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a great option for families with children who love being active in the great outdoors. This park offers hiking, sand sledding, and even camping opportunities, making it a fun and adventurous park for families. The highlight of the park is the towering sand dunes, which are a thrilling sight for kids and adults alike.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great choice for families with children who are interested in the natural world and geology. This park is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. The park also offers several trails, including one that takes visitors to the edge of an active lava lake. Children can learn about the process of volcanic formation and the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park can provide great family experiences. The decision on which park is better to visit with children really comes down to personal preferences. If your family loves being active and experiencing the great outdoors, then Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve may be the better choice. If your family is interested in the natural world and geology, then Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park may be the better option.