Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve vs Indiana Dunes National Park

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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve vs Indiana Dunes National Park

Are you torn between visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado or Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana? Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare these two parks, highlighting the must-see attractions and activities that each has to offer. We’ll also provide tips on the best time to visit and what to bring with you. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventurer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the city, you won’t want to miss this comparison of Great Sand Dunes and Indiana Dunes National Parks. Get ready to be transported to a world of rolling sand dunes, pristine beaches, and stunning sunsets. The choice is yours, but one thing is for sure, both parks are guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park are two national parks that offer unique hiking experiences. Both parks have trails that range from easy walks to challenging hikes, but the type of terrain and scenery is vastly different.

At Great Sand Dunes, the most popular hike is the High Dune Trail, a 1.5-mile hike up the tallest dune in North America. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty due to the steep incline and soft sand. The views from the top are worth the effort, as visitors can see the entire park and surrounding mountain ranges. Another easy hike is the Mosca Pass Trail, a 2.9-mile loop that winds through the wetlands and forests near the park’s eastern boundary.

In contrast, Indiana Dunes National Park is located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers a mix of woodland and beachfront trails. The easiest hike is the Dunes Succession Trail, a 0.75-mile loop that takes visitors through the different stages of dune formation. A more challenging hike is the Cowles Bog Trail, a 3-mile out-and-back trail that winds through wetlands and forests, offering views of both the lake and dunes.

Both parks offer unique and diverse hiking experiences, from sand dunes to forested wetlands. Whether you are looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, there is something for everyone at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park.

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 Indiana Dunes National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Cowles Bog Trail 6920.162 64.9224 Moderate loop 4.5
Little Calumet River Trail Loop 6276.426 50.9016 Moderate loop 4
West Beach Loop with Scallop Dunes and Long Lake Trail 5471.756 78.9432 Moderate loop 4
Dune Succession and West Beach Walk 4345.218 43.8912 Easy out and back 4.5
West Beach Loop 1770.274 28.956 Easy loop 4
Miller Woods Trail 6115.492 40.8432 Easy out and back 4.5
Dune Ridge Trail 1448.406 26.8224 Moderate loop 4
Tolleston Dunes 5149.888 52.7304 Moderate loop 4
Beach Trail to Waverly Beach 1609.34 5.7912 Easy out and back 4
Indiana’s Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive 35083.612 84.7344 Moderate point to point 3.5

Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve located in Colorado, is home to diverse wildlife, including pronghorns, mule deer, coyotes, black bears, and elk. In addition, bird enthusiasts can observe the park’s over 300 species of birds, including the endemic avocet, sandpiper, and the American kestrel.

In contrast, Indiana Dunes National Park located near Lake Michigan, boasts a unique blend of prairie, woodland, and wetland ecosystems. The park is home to a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, foxes, beavers, and muskrats. Birdwatchers can also observe over 300 bird species, including the bald eagle and the red-headed woodpecker.

Both parks offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. However, the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve has a more arid climate, supporting a different mix of wildlife than the habitat found in the Indiana Dunes National Park. On the other hand, the Indiana Dunes National Park offers a more diverse array of ecosystems and therefore a more diverse range of wildlife. Regardless of which park you choose, it is important to remember that the best time for wildlife viewing is early morning or late afternoon, when animals are most active.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Indiana Dunes 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 Indiana Dunes 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 Indiana Dunes 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 Indiana Dunes 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 Indiana Dunes National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Bullfrog
Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in southern Colorado and is famous for its towering sand dunes, some of which reach over 750 feet high. The dunes are situated against the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and are a popular destination for hiking, sand sledding, and stargazing.

Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the state of Indiana. It is known for its beautiful beaches and diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and prairies. Visitors can hike numerous trails, including the beautiful and challenging Dunes Kankakee Trail, which offers views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.

Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is perhaps more famous for its towering sand dunes, while Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its beautiful beaches and diverse ecosystems. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing day at the beach, both parks are worth a visit.

Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park are two popular parks for outdoor enthusiasts. Great Sand Dunes is located in Colorado and boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America. Indiana Dunes, on the other hand, is located in Indiana and offers a unique blend of beach, wetlands, forests, and prairies.

Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Great Sand Dunes is popular for sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing. Visitors can rent sandboards and slide down the dunes, or they can explore the park on foot. The park also offers excellent stargazing opportunities due to its remote location and lack of light pollution.

Indiana Dunes, being located on the shores of Lake Michigan, is popular for beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The park also features several trails for hiking and bird-watching, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for families. In addition, the park has a rich history, with several historic sites and museums to visit.

Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but it ultimately depends on personal interests and preferences. Great Sand Dunes is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and exploring new environments, while Indiana Dunes is perfect for those who love the beach and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park are two unique parks that offer distinct experiences to visitors. In terms of seasonal weather, Great Sand Dunes is located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado and experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the sand dunes are less crowded. In the summer, temperatures can reach over 90°F making it too hot for many activities. In the winter, snow and ice can make the dunes difficult to access.

On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park is located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is in the summer when temperatures are warm and the beaches are open for swimming and other water activities. In the fall, the park offers a stunning display of autumn colors. Winter can be cold and snowy making some areas of the park inaccessible, but it is also a great time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

In conclusion, both parks offer unique weather experiences that can greatly affect the best time of year to visit. Visitors to Great Sand Dunes should plan their trip for the spring or fall to avoid the hot summer temperatures, while visitors to Indiana Dunes should plan their trip for the summer to take advantage of the warm weather and water activities.

Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park are two beautiful parks that offer different experiences for families. Both parks are family-friendly but in different ways.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, is a unique park with towering sand dunes that kids will love to climb and play in. There are many activities to enjoy such as sandboarding, hiking and horseback riding. The park also has a visitors center with educational exhibits and ranger-led programs.

Indiana Dunes National Park, located in Indiana, is a more traditional park with miles of sandy beaches, forests, wetlands and prairies. Kids will love exploring the dunes, fishing and swimming in Lake Michigan. The park also has a nature center with interactive exhibits, educational programs and a playground.

If you’re traveling with children, Indiana Dunes National Park is a better choice. The park offers a wider range of activities, including water activities and a nature center. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a unique and exciting park, but may have limited activities compared to Indiana Dunes National Park. Both parks are great options for families, but Indiana Dunes National Park is the better choice for families looking for a more traditional park experience.

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