“Nature has a way of taking our breath away with its stunning landscapes, towering peaks, and breathtaking vistas. Two such places that embody this beauty are Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. These two parks are vastly different, yet equally awe-inspiring. One park boasts towering sand dunes while the other is home to a deep river gorge.
Get ready to embark on a journey of contrasts as we compare and contrast these two incredible parks. Imagine yourself standing in the midst of sweeping sand dunes, feeling the soft sand under your toes and gazing up at the towering peaks. Now, imagine yourself by the side of a rushing river, surrounded by towering cliffs and breathtaking vistas. Both of these experiences are possible at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.”
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two very different but equally beautiful national parks. When it comes to hiking trails, the two parks offer vastly different experiences.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, the hiking trails range from easy to strenuous, with the most popular trail being the Dunes Overlook Trail, a 1.5-mile hike that offers breathtaking views of the sand dunes and surrounding mountains. Another easy trail is the Mosca Pass Trail, a 3.5-mile trek that takes you through a forest and to a historic cabin.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its rugged and challenging trails. The Endless Wall Trail is one of the hardest and most popular hikes, with a distance of 7.5 miles and a ascent of 1,400 feet. The trail takes you along the rim of the New River Gorge, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding forest. Another challenging hike is the Long Point Trail, a 5.5-mile trek that takes you to the end of a high ridge for panoramic views of the New River Gorge.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer a variety of hiking trails for all levels of difficulty, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a challenging trek, these two 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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is known for its towering sand dunes that can reach up to 750 feet tall. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorns, mule deer, black bears, and coyotes. Visitors may also see a variety of bird species, such as the mountain plover, burrowing owl, and piñon jay. The park is also home to a number of unique plant species, including the sand verbena, sand sagebrush, and sand dune primrose.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This park is known for its diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and river otters. Birdwatchers can also enjoy sightings of species such as the osprey, pileated woodpecker, and the cerulean warbler. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including the American beech, yellow birch, and tulip poplar.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a unique outdoor experience, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park & Preserve offer something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, these parks are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | New River Gorge National Park and 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 | 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is famous for its towering sand dunes that can reach up to 750 feet tall. The sand dunes are surrounded by the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating a unique landscape that draws visitors from all over. The park offers opportunities for hiking, sand sledding, and stargazing, making it a fun and adventurous destination.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its deep and dramatic river gorge, which is one of the oldest and most scenic in the world. The park is a popular destination for rock climbing, white water rafting, and hiking, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from overlooks along the rim of the gorge. The New River Gorge Bridge, which spans the river and is the longest steel arch bridge in the Americas, is a major attraction and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two great destinations, both offering unique experiences for visitors. At Great Sand Dunes, sandboarding and sand sledding are popular activities. The park’s towering dunes offer an exciting challenge for visitors looking for a thrilling experience. In addition, visitors can also enjoy bird watching, stargazing, and hiking in the park’s backcountry.
New River Gorge is known for its incredible rock climbing and whitewater rafting opportunities. The park’s stunning cliffs and rapids provide a thrilling experience for adventure-seekers. In addition to these activities, visitors can also go hiking, fishing, and camping in the park’s backcountry. The park is also home to numerous historic sites, which provide a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Visitors can learn about the coal-mining industry and the Civilian Conservation Corps, which played a significant role in the park’s development.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer unique and scenic environments, but they differ greatly in their weather conditions. Great Sand Dunes, located in Colorado, experiences warm and dry summers, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90°F. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with occasional snow and ice storms. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded.
In contrast, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia experiences four distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures in the summer can reach into the high 80s and 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The park is best visited during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its peak. Additionally, the New River Gorge is a popular destination for white-water rafting, so visitors should plan their trip accordingly based on the water levels, which are affected by the weather.
In conclusion, the weather at both parks plays a significant role in determining the best time to visit. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is best visited during the spring and fall, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is best visited during the spring and fall for its mild temperatures and peak foliage, but also consider water levels for white-water rafting.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two distinct parks offering different experiences for families with children. Great Sand Dunes is a great place for families to enjoy the natural beauty of its sand dunes, which can be climbed, sledded on, and used for sandboarding. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers ranger-led activities and educational programs for families.
On the other hand, New River Gorge is a great destination for families interested in outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, white-water rafting, and camping. The park is home to over 1,400 miles of trails, including some that are specifically designed for families. Children can also participate in ranger-led activities, such as nature walks, campfire programs, and wildlife watching.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks are great options, but Great Sand Dunes may be a better choice for families with younger children due to its easier trails and ranger-led programs. New River Gorge is more suited to families with older children who are interested in more strenuous outdoor activities. Regardless of which park you choose, be sure to plan ahead, pack plenty of water and snacks, and bring appropriate clothing and gear for the weather.