Welcome to the land of contrasts, where towering sand dunes meet steaming hot springs! The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are two of the most unique and diverse parks in the United States. These two parks offer visitors a chance to experience the extreme contrasts of the American landscape. From the tallest sand dunes in North America to the soothing hot springs, these parks are a must-visit for nature lovers, adventure seekers and anyone looking for a change of scenery.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors can hike, sandboard, and stargaze in the midst of towering sand dunes that reach over 700 feet tall. On the other hand, Hot Springs National Park is a place to relax, rejuvenate and unwind in the natural hot springs, which have been drawing visitors for centuries. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a peaceful retreat, these two parks have something for everyone.
So, grab your sunscreen, hiking boots, and a towel, and get ready to discover the best of what these two parks have to offer. In this article, we’ll delve into the unique features, activities, and attractions of both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park, and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are both unique and beautiful parks, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views. However, they differ greatly in their hiking trails.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a desert environment and the hikes are more strenuous and challenging, but with a stunning reward. One of the easiest hikes is the Dunes Overlook Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip hike that provides panoramic views of the dunes. On the other hand, the Medano Pass Primitive Road is one of the most difficult hikes in the park, a strenuous 4.5-mile one-way hike that takes you through the heart of the dunes.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its relaxing hot springs and bathhouses. The hiking trails are much easier, with many short and easy walks to the hot springs. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail is a 1.4-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of Hot Springs Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The Sunset Trail is a 2.7-mile round trip hike that takes you to scenic overlooks and the park’s hot springs.
In conclusion, whether you are looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing walk, both the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park have something to offer.
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 Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park offer visitors unique experiences and diverse wildlife. In Great Sand Dunes, visitors can spot animals such as pronghorns, mule deer, and coyotes. The park is also home to various bird species including the mountain plover, chestnut-collared longspur, and burrowing owl. In addition, Great Sand Dunes has a variety of flora including sagebrush, yucca, and sand verbena.
On the other hand, Hot Springs National Park is known for its thermal springs and variety of water-loving plants and animals. Visitors can spot animals like the beaver, river otter, and white-tailed deer. The park is also a haven for birdwatching with species such as the belted kingfisher, great blue heron, and wood duck. In addition to the rich wildlife, Hot Springs is home to a diverse array of plants, including river birch, sycamore, and species of ferns.
Whether you are interested in wildlife observation or just looking to enjoy nature, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park offer unique and exciting opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Hot Springs 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 Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Hot Springs 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 |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | North American River Otter |
| Long-Eared Bat | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Badger | White-Tailed Deer |
| Ermine | Virginia Opossum |
| Snowshoe Hare | Eastern Red Bat |
| Masked Shrew | White-Footed Mouse |
| Water Shrew | Norway Rat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Eastern Cottontail |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Hot Springs 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 | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| German Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Cutthroat Trout | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are two unique national parks that offer visitors a chance to experience diverse landscapes. Here’s what you can expect to see:
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is known for its large sand dunes that cover over 30 square miles. The tallest dune, Star Dune, stands at an impressive 750 feet tall. Hiking to the top of these dunes is a popular activity, and visitors can also enjoy sand sledding, camping, and stargazing.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its 47 hot springs that flow from the base of Hot Springs Mountain. The springs were used for their therapeutic benefits by the Native American tribes and later became a popular destination for tourists in the late 19th century. Visitors to the park can take a dip in the hot springs, hike the trails, and visit the historic bathhouses that have been preserved for their architectural and cultural significance.
Whether you’re looking for a chance to experience natural wonders or to simply relax and rejuvenate, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are great options to consider.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are two vastly different national parks, but both offer unique outdoor experiences. At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can enjoy sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing. Sandboarding is a popular activity where visitors can rent a sandboard and glide down the dunes. Hiking is also popular, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. The park also offers excellent stargazing opportunities, with its dark skies making it one of the best places to see the stars in the United States.
At Hot Springs National Park, visitors can relax in the natural hot springs, hike scenic trails, and tour the historic bathhouses. The hot springs are the park’s main attraction, and visitors can soak in the warm waters while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains. Hiking trails range from easy walks to strenuous hikes, offering opportunities to see wildlife and scenic vistas. The park’s historic bathhouses offer a glimpse into the past, with tours available of the historic structures.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique outdoor experiences, with Great Sand Dunes being a destination for sandboarding, hiking and stargazing, and Hot Springs being a place for hot springs, hiking, and historic bathhouse tours. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, these parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are two distinct national parks in the United States. They are located in different regions and offer unique experiences to visitors. Seasonal weather at these parks plays a crucial role in determining the best time of year to visit.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, the weather is dry and hot in the summer months, with temperatures ranging from 80-90°F. This is the peak season for visitors, as the warm weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities like sandboarding and hiking. In the winter, temperatures drop to around 20-30°F, making it too cold for most outdoor activities.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures in the summer can reach up to 90°F, while the winter months have an average temperature of 40-50°F. It is the perfect time to visit the park for those who want to enjoy the hot springs and indoor activities like spa treatments. Winter is also a good time to visit as the park is less crowded and the mild weather provides a peaceful atmosphere.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is during the summer months, while the best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is either in the summer for outdoor activities or in the winter for indoor activities and a peaceful atmosphere.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks. Both parks offer unique and exciting experiences, but they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a great destination for families with kids who love outdoor adventures. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, sand sledding, and camping. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and pronghorns, adding to the excitement for children.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families who enjoy more leisurely activities. The park is home to several hot springs, which are popular for soaking and relaxing. The park also offers a scenic drive and several easy hiking trails, making it a great option for families with younger children. Additionally, the park has a rich history and is located in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas, which offers plenty of opportunities for dining, shopping, and other family-friendly activities.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Hot Springs National Park are great options for families, but they differ in terms of the type of activities they offer. Great Sand Dunes is better for families who enjoy outdoor adventures, while Hot Springs is better for families who prefer leisurely activities and soaking in hot springs.