The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore diverse landscapes, rich cultural histories, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or simply someone who enjoys being outdoors, these two parks are must-visits.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Stretching for miles, these sand dunes are a stunning sight to behold, especially at sunset when the dunes are bathed in a warm golden light. Visitors can hike, sandboard, and even stargaze in this park.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado as well, is a unique park that offers visitors a chance to explore the ancient ruins of the Pueblo people who lived there from 600 to 1300 AD. Visitors can tour cliff dwellings, kivas, and other structures that offer a glimpse into the lives of these ancient people. Whether it’s the breathtaking views from the top of the mesa or the fascinating history of the Pueblo people, Mesa Verde National Park is a park that visitors will never forget.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two distinct parks offering different types of hiking experiences. Great Sand Dunes offers a unique and challenging hike on the tallest sand dunes in North America, while Mesa Verde provides an opportunity to explore the ancient dwellings of the Pueblo people.
For visitors looking for a leisurely hike, Great Sand Dunes offers the Dunes Overlook Trail, a 1.5-mile hike with a stunning view of the sand dunes and the surrounding mountains. For a more strenuous hike, visitors can try the Medano Pass Primitive Road, a 4-wheel drive road that leads to the backcountry where visitors can hike through the sand dunes.
Mesa Verde National Park has several trails, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. The Cliff Palace Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile hike that provides a close-up view of the largest cliff dwelling at Mesa Verde, while the Petroglyph Point Trail is a 2.2-mile hike that takes visitors to a rock art site. For a more challenging hike, visitors can try the Knife Edge Trail, a strenuous 4.5-mile hike that takes visitors to the top of a mesa with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique hiking experiences that cater to different skill levels. Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
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 Mesa Verde National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroglyph Point Trail | 4184.284 | 131.9784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cliff Palace Loop Trail | 643.736 | 25.908 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balcony House Loop Trail | 643.736 | 27.7368 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail | 3379.614 | 161.8488 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Soda Canyon Overlook Trail | 1931.208 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | 24140.1 | 797.9664 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Long House Trail | 3379.614 | 86.868 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Step House Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Knife Edge Trail | 3218.68 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Prater Ridge Trail | 11748.182 | 311.8104 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two unique parks that offer distinct wildlife experiences. At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife including mule deer, pronghorn, coyotes, and black bears. The park’s diverse ecosystems also provide habitat for over 330 species of birds, including the mountain plover and the sandhill crane. In addition, the park’s sand dunes are home to several species of reptiles, including the Great Basin rattlesnake and the long-nosed snake.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is home to a different array of wildlife, including deer, elk, pronghorn, and coyotes. The park is also known for its diverse bird population, with over 200 species of birds, including the peregrine falcon, the American kestrel, and the northern goshawk. Mesa Verde also boasts a rich plant community, with over 800 species of plants, including the ponderosa pine, the Douglas fir, and the aspen tree.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re interested in seeing majestic mammals, soaring birds, or diverse plant life, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park have something to offer for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde 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 | Mesa Verde 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 | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | House Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mink |
| Long-Eared Bat | Mule Deer |
| Badger | Gray Fox |
| Ermine | Wolf |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Badger |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Ermine |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde 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 |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | |
| German Brown Trout | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two of Colorado’s most popular national parks, and are both known for their stunning and diverse landscapes. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, which tower over 700 feet high. Visitors can hike, sandboard and enjoy various outdoor activities in the park’s stunning scenery.
Mesa Verde National Park is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings and cultural history. Here, visitors can see the remains of homes and villages built by the Pueblo people over 700 years ago. The park is also home to mesas, canyons, and other stunning landscapes. Visitors can tour the cliff dwellings, hike and explore the park’s many trails, and enjoy breathtaking views from scenic overlooks.
Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re a fan of natural beauty or cultural history, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park offer something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park both offer unique outdoor experiences for visitors. At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can enjoy sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing. Sandboarding is a popular activity where visitors can rent boards and glide down the towering sand dunes, providing a one-of-a-kind adventure. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails leading to the top of the dunes and to alpine lakes. At night, the park’s remote location and clear skies make it a prime spot for stargazing.
Mesa Verde National Park is known for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, which visitors can explore by taking guided tours. The park also offers scenic drives, camping, and hiking. One of the most popular activities is visiting the Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, and exploring the park’s other well-preserved ruins. The park is also a great destination for history buffs, as it offers a glimpse into the lives of the Puebloan people who once lived there. In addition to exploring the ruins, visitors can also hike to scenic overlooks for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the U.S. They both offer unique experiences, but have different weather patterns.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is well-known for its sand dunes that can reach up to 750 feet tall. The park has hot summers with average temperatures in the 80s and 90s, and cold winters with temperatures that can drop below freezing. The best time to visit the dunes is during the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Colorado and is famous for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park has a mild to warm summer climate with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, and cold winters with temperatures that can drop below freezing. Unlike Great Sand Dunes, the best time to visit Mesa Verde is during the summer when temperatures are warm and the park is open for tours.
In conclusion, the weather at both parks can greatly affect when is the best time to visit. It’s important to consider the seasonal weather patterns and make plans accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and each offers a unique experience for families traveling with children. While both parks offer a range of activities that are suitable for families, there are some key differences in terms of which park is more family-friendly.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor recreation. The park offers a wide range of activities, including sandboarding, hiking, and picnicking. There are also several ranger-led programs that are tailored to families, making it easy for children to learn about the park’s unique features. Additionally, the park’s large sand dunes provide a fun and challenging environment for children to explore and play.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families who are interested in history and culture. The park features ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings that are well-preserved and offer a unique window into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people. In addition to visiting the cliff dwellings, families can also participate in ranger-led tours and other educational programs that are designed to help children learn about the park’s rich cultural heritage.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are great options for families, but the choice of which park is better will depend on the specific interests of the family. If you’re looking for outdoor recreation and a fun, challenging environment, then Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve may be the better choice. If you’re interested in history and culture, then Mesa Verde National Park is the better option.