Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most unique and captivating national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore and experience landscapes unlike any other, with towering dunes and explosive volcanic activity. However, each park also has its own unique features, making it difficult to determine which one is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
In this article, we will embark on a journey to compare Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park. We will explore the fascinating geology, scenic beauty, and thrilling adventures that each park has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a family looking for a summer vacation, or just someone who loves to explore the great outdoors, this article will give you all the information you need to decide which park is right for you.
So, buckle up and get ready to discover the wonders of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two beautiful natural parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
In Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, the easiest hike is the Medano Creek Trail, which takes you to the creek that runs through the park. This trail is suitable for all ages and abilities, and offers stunning views of the dunes. The most challenging hike in the park is the High Dune Hike, which takes you to the top of the tallest dune in the park. This hike requires a good level of fitness and is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights.
In Lassen Volcanic National Park, the easiest hike is the Brokeoff Mountain Trail, which takes you to the top of the mountain and offers panoramic views of the park. The most challenging hike in the park is the Lassen Peak Trail, which takes you to the top of the active volcano. This hike is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or for anyone who is not in good physical condition.
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 Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado and Lassen Volcanic National Park in California are two unique national parks with unique wildlife. At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as mule deer, pronghorns, and coyotes. Additionally, birdwatchers can spot birds such as the horned lark, mountain plover, and burrowing owl. The park also has a diverse plant life, including the shadscale, sand sagebrush, and phlox.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is home to a different set of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see animals such as black bears, mountain lions, and the occasional deer. Birdwatchers can spot birds such as the Stellar’s jay, the Clark’s nutcracker, and the mountain bluebird. The park is also home to a diverse plant life, including the Sierra Nevada Red Fir, the Lodgepole Pine, and the Western White Pine.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see unique and diverse wildlife, but each park offers its own unique experiences. Whether you’re interested in seeing large mammals or unique bird species, both Great Sand Dunes and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Lassen Volcanic 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 | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Raccoon |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Hoary Bat |
| Raccoon | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Mountain Lion |
| Porcupine | Mink |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mule Deer |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Fox |
| Red Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Snowshoe Hare |
| Gray Fox | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Long-Eared Bat | Yuma Myotis |
| Badger | Bighorn Sheep |
| Ermine | Montane Shrew |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Masked Shrew | Ringtail |
| Water Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Wolverine |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Racer |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Western Rattlesnake |
| Milksnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Redband Trout |
| German Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Cutthroat Trout | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is famous for its massive sand dunes which reach heights of up to 750 feet. The park is also home to several hiking trails, including the challenging High Dune and the scenic Medano Creek Trail. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and picnicking opportunities.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is a must-visit for those interested in geology and volcanoes. The park is home to the world-famous Lassen Peak, an active volcanic dome that last erupted in 1915. Visitors can hike to the top of the peak for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a number of hot springs, boiling mud pots, and fumaroles as well as scenic drives and diverse hiking trails.
Both parks are unique in their own way and offer breathtaking natural landscapes, making them great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you are interested in sand dunes, volcanoes, or scenic drives, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado and Lassen Volcanic National Park in California are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Great Sand Dunes, visitors love to explore the towering sand dunes, go sandboarding, and hike in the surrounding mountains. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided walks and stargazing events.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its volcanic landscapes and geothermal features. Visitors can hike to the top of Lassen Peak, explore Bumpass Hell, a geothermal area with boiling mud pots and steam vents, or take a scenic drive on the Lassen Volcanic Scenic Byway. The park also offers ranger-led programs and campfire talks for those who want to learn more about the park’s unique geology and history.
Both parks offer stunning scenic views, opportunities for outdoor recreation and educational experiences. Whether you prefer exploring sand dunes or volcanic landscapes, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a unique adventure in the great outdoors, these two parks are definitely worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, but they also differ in terms of seasonal weather.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in southern Colorado and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit this park is from May to September when temperatures are warm and the sand dunes are accessible for hiking and sand sledding. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and the park can be covered in snow, making outdoor activities more difficult.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern California and has a subalpine climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit this park is from June to September, when the snow has melted and the park is accessible for hiking and camping. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and the park can receive heavy snowfall, making outdoor activities more difficult.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather conditions. Visitors to Great Sand Dunes should plan to visit during the summer months, while those visiting Lassen Volcanic should plan to visit during the late spring or early fall.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two popular national parks in the United States, both known for their unique geological features. If you’re traveling with children, Lassen Volcanic National Park may be the better option.
Lassen Volcanic National Park has a variety of activities for families, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The park also features several family-friendly ranger-led programs, including campfire talks and guided hikes, which provide educational and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. The park’s scenic drive offers stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscape, and there are several picnic areas along the way where families can stop and enjoy a meal.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its towering sand dunes, which can be challenging for families with young children. While the park does offer hiking and camping opportunities, the dunes can be difficult to navigate and may not be suitable for families with young children. Additionally, the park’s remote location can make it difficult for families to access basic amenities such as food and water.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children, Lassen Volcanic National Park is the better choice as it offers a variety of family-friendly activities and amenities. The park’s scenic drive and ranger-led programs make it an ideal destination for families looking to explore the great outdoors and learn about the natural world.