The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park are two American treasures that offer vastly different experiences for visitors. At Great Sand Dunes, you can watch as the wind sculpts the sand into towering dunes that seem to touch the sky. Meanwhile, Mount Rainier is a majestic mountain that dominates the landscape, offering alpine adventures and breathtaking views from its summit.
Both parks are unique, but which one is worth visiting? That’s what we’re here to find out! In this article, we’ll compare these two national parks, highlighting the experiences and activities that each offers. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor adventurer, or just looking for a great place to relax and unwind, there’s something for everyone at Great Sand Dunes and Mount Rainier. So, buckle up and get ready to explore two of America’s most beautiful and diverse national parks!
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States and both offer a range of hikes for visitors to enjoy.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, the easiest hike is the Dunes Overlook Trail, which is a 0.5-mile boardwalk that offers stunning views of the dunes and surrounding mountains. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Medano Pass Primitive Road is a 4.5-mile out-and-back hike that takes visitors through the heart of the dunes and up to the top of the pass.
In contrast, Mount Rainier National Park offers a range of hiking trails that cater to different levels of difficulty. The easiest hike is the Nisqually Vista Trail, a 0.5-mile trail that offers views of the Nisqually River and the surrounding landscape. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Skyline Trail is a 7.2-mile hike that takes visitors to the summit of Mount Rainier and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer a range of hikes for visitors to enjoy, from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, there’s a hike for everyone at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier 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 Mount Rainier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park are two vastly different national parks with their own unique habitats and wildlife. At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can expect to see a variety of reptiles, mammals, and insects that have adapted to the harsh desert environment. Some common species include the pronghorn antelope, rattlesnakes, and the Great Basin pocket mouse. Additionally, over 300 species of birds are known to migrate through the park, including the American golden plover and the mountain bluebird.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife, including the Olympic marmot, the black bear, and the gray wolf. The park is also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 140 species of birds known to inhabit the area, including the Steller’s jay and the hermit thrush. The park’s lush subalpine meadows are also home to a variety of wildflowers, including the alpine forget-me-not and the western anemone.
Whether you’re interested in wildlife watching, birding, or simply soaking up the natural beauty of the great outdoors, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Mount Rainier 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Barn Swallow | European Starling |
| Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
| Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Kestrel | American Pipit |
| Bald Eagle | Killdeer |
| Song Sparrow | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| European Starling | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Northern Pintail | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| American Wigeon | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Mount Rainier 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | Ermine |
| Snowshoe Hare | California Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
| Water Shrew | North American River Otter |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| German Brown Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Cutthroat Trout | Brown Trout |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is situated in Colorado, where the largest sand dunes in North America rise over 750 feet. It is a unique and breathtaking landscape that attracts visitors from all over the world. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes or even sandboard down the slopes. The park also features a variety of other landscapes, including forests and wetlands, making it a diverse destination for any nature lover.
Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington state, is a popular destination for those seeking breathtaking views of majestic snow-capped peaks. Mount Rainier, the park’s namesake, is an active volcano towering over 14,000 feet and is visible from Seattle on clear days. The park offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks, and visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and camping in the park. The park also offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves outdoor adventures.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US. They both offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, there are some significant differences between the two parks, particularly in terms of the types of activities that are most popular.
At Great Sand Dunes, the main attraction is the towering sand dunes that rise up to 750 feet. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes, sled down the slopes, and even try sandboarding. The park also has several scenic drives and picnic areas, as well as opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, and stargazing.
In contrast, Mount Rainier is a popular destination for winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The park is also a popular spot for summertime activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also drive to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Both Great Sand Dunes and Mount Rainier offer a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors, but each park is unique in its own way. Visitors to Great Sand Dunes can enjoy the thrill of exploring the largest sand dunes in North America, while visitors to Mount Rainier can experience the beauty of a towering snow-capped mountain. Regardless of which park you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park are both unique and beautiful natural destinations in the United States. Both parks have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can greatly affect when is the best time to visit.
At Great Sand Dunes, the weather is mild and dry in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the high 80s. Winter is cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from the low teens to the low 40s. Summer is the best time to visit for sand-boarding and hiking in the dunes, while winter is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
At Mount Rainier, the weather is mild in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the low 70s. Winter is extremely cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from the low teens to the low 20s. Summer is the best time to visit for hiking and wildlife viewing, while winter is ideal for snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Both parks offer unique experiences depending on the season, but it is important to be prepared for the weather and to bring the necessary gear for specific activities. Whether you prefer a warm, sunny hike or a snowy adventure, both Great Sand Dunes and Mount Rainier have something to offer.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both are great destinations for families, they offer different experiences and are better suited for different types of families.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a great place for families who love to be active and enjoy outdoor adventures. With sand dunes reaching up to 750 feet, visitors can hike, sandboard, and even sled down the dunes. The park also offers ranger-led programs and a visitor center with interactive exhibits.
On the other hand, Mount Rainier National Park is better for families who are looking for a more relaxed and scenic experience. The park offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world. Visitors can go on nature walks, participate in ranger-led programs, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The park also has picnic areas, campgrounds, and a visitor center with educational exhibits.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park are family-friendly, but which one is better to visit with children depends on your family’s interests and preferences. If you’re looking for an active outdoor adventure, Great Sand Dunes may be the better choice, while if you’re looking for a more relaxed and scenic experience, Mount Rainier is the way to go.