Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most spectacular parks in the United States. They both offer unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. Both parks are located in remote locations, but they are well worth the effort to get there. So, which one is the better destination? In this article, we’ll explore both parks, compare their highlights, and help you decide which one is right for you.
The Great Sand Dunes offer a surreal landscape that is unlike anything else in the world. Towering sand dunes rise up from the valley floor, creating a truly otherworldly experience. The dunes are constantly changing, and the wind and sun create new patterns and shapes every day. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is home to one of the largest populations of brown bears in the world. Visitors can watch as the bears fish for salmon in the Brooks River, or observe them from a safe distance on a guided tour. The park is also home to a number of other wildlife species, including moose, caribou, and wolves. Whether you’re a nature lover, a wildlife photographer, or an adventure seeker, Katmai will not disappoint.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of the most unique and beautiful national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, each with its own unique landscape and challenges.
At Great Sand Dunes, the most popular hike is the High Dune hike, which takes visitors up a steep, 700-foot dune to stunning views of the surrounding valley. This hike is considered easy to moderate and is a great option for families and those new to hiking. For a more challenging hike, visitors can attempt the Medano Pass Primitive Road, which is a strenuous, backcountry hike through sand dunes and creek beds.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its remote and rugged terrain, making it the perfect destination for more experienced hikers. The Brooks Falls hike is one of the park’s signature trails, offering visitors the chance to see brown bears fishing for salmon at the Brooks River. This hike is considered easy, but visitors should be prepared for a long day of hiking and bear viewing. For a more challenging hike, visitors can attempt the Valleys of Ten Thousand Smokes hike, which takes them through a unique volcanic landscape and requires a high level of physical fitness.
Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking options, whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging backcountry adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail for everyone at Great Sand Dunes and Katmai National Park & Preserve.
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 Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two unique National Parks in the United States. While Great Sand Dunes is known for its towering sand dunes, Katmai is famous for its bear viewing opportunities.
At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorns. Additionally, over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including the threatened Southwestern willow flycatcher.
Katmai, on the other hand, is home to one of the largest populations of brown bears in the world. Visitors can watch as these magnificent creatures fish for salmon in Brooks River. In addition to the bears, Katmai is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including moose, caribou, and foxes.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for visitors to see and learn about the incredible wildlife that call these parks home. Whether you’re interested in the towering sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes or the awe-inspiring brown bears of Katmai, both parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | American Wigeon |
| Northern Pintail | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Wigeon | American Pipit |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Gray Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Varying Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Northern River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Masked Shrew |
| Red Fox | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Montane Shrew |
| Mule Deer | Lynx |
| Gray Fox | Wolverine |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Marten |
| Long-Eared Bat | Grizzly Bear |
| Badger | Meadow Vole |
| Ermine | Moose |
| Snowshoe Hare | Least Weasel |
| Masked Shrew | Pygmy Shrew |
| Water Shrew | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Northern Bog Lemming |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Redband Trout |
| German Brown Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Cutthroat Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a unique and diverse landscape, featuring the tallest sand dunes in North America, surrounded by mountains and forests. The most famous landscape in this park is the sand dune field that covers over 30 square miles and rises up to 750 feet tall. Visitors can hike, sandboard, and enjoy scenic views from the top of the dunes.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness area located in Alaska, famous for its active volcanoes, pristine wilderness, and the Brooks River, which is home to one of the largest concentrations of brown bears in the world. The most famous landscape in this park is Brooks Falls, where visitors can observe brown bears fishing for salmon. The park also offers scenic flightseeing tours and opportunities for backpacking, fishing, and kayaking.
Both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer visitors the chance to experience truly unique and awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you’re interested in the towering sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes or the stunning wilderness and wildlife of Katmai, there’s something for everyone in these two incredible parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two popular national parks that offer a range of outdoor activities. Both parks are known for their unique landscapes and breathtaking views, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can enjoy sandboarding and sledding down the massive sand dunes, hiking through the surrounding mountains and forests, and fishing in the nearby Medano Creek. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as campfire talks and full-moon hikes, that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the park’s ecosystems and history.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is famous for its active brown bear population and the Brooks River, where visitors can observe bears fishing for salmon. The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including bear-viewing tours, kayaking trips, and wilderness hiking. Visitors can also explore the park’s volcanic landscapes and visit the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which is filled with steam vents and volcanic ash.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve are must-visit destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities that are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re interested in sandboarding, bear watching, or exploring volcanic landscapes, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two very different parks located in different parts of the United States. The weather at these two parks is vastly different and this affects the best time of year to visit each park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and the weather is characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the park is from late spring to early fall when temperatures are mild and the sand is warm enough to hike and play in the dunes. During the winter, the park is covered in snow and temperatures can drop below freezing, making it difficult to access some areas of the park.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and the weather is characterized by mild summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit the park is from June to September when temperatures are mild and the bears are active. During the winter, the park is covered in snow and temperatures can drop below freezing, making it difficult to access some areas of the park. Additionally, the bears are in their dens, so visitors do not get to see them during this time.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both beautiful parks, but they have different family-friendly offerings. Great Sand Dunes is located in southern Colorado and is known for its towering sand dunes that can reach up to 750 feet tall. This park has a variety of activities for families, including sand sledding, hiking, and ranger-led programs. The park’s visitor center also has educational exhibits and interactive displays to keep children engaged and entertained. Additionally, the park has picnic areas and campgrounds that are perfect for families who want to spend a day or more exploring the dunes.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its large population of brown bears. While Katmai is not as well-equipped for families as Great Sand Dunes, it still offers a unique experience for families who are interested in wildlife and natural beauty. Children can participate in ranger-led programs, hike through the park, and watch brown bears up close as they fish for salmon. Additionally, the park has scenic flight tours that offer a bird’s eye view of the park’s stunning landscapes.
Overall, if you’re traveling with children, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is the better choice. It has more activities and facilities for families, and the towering sand dunes are sure to be a hit with kids. However, if your family is interested in wildlife, Katmai National Park & Preserve is still a great option.