Discover the thrill of two of America’s most diverse and stunning national parks in one article! Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring parks in the country and are sure to leave you breathless. From the towering sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes to the rugged peaks of North Cascades, these parks are a true showcase of nature’s beauty and power.
In this article, we’ll compare these two parks and highlight the best things to see and do in each. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beach bum, there’s something for everyone in these amazing parks. So buckle up, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park are two popular national parks in the United States known for their scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in both parks, and each provides a unique and challenging experience for hikers of all skill levels.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, one can enjoy easy hikes on the Medano Creek Trail, which is a popular spot for families and offers stunning views of the towering sand dunes. For a more challenging hike, the High Dune Trail is a must-visit, a strenuous 3-mile hike to the highest dune in the park.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged and wild terrain, and is a mecca for experienced hikers. The park has over 500 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Cascade Pass Trail, a 5.5-mile hike with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. For a more challenging hike, the Sahale Arm Trail is a strenuous 8-mile hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park provide a range of hiking options with stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a challenging backcountry trek, these parks have something 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 North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks offer unique and diverse ecosystems, they differ in the types of wildlife you can expect to see.
At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can observe a variety of animals such as pronghorns, black-tailed deer, and elk. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species including the mountain bluebird, the lazuli bunting, and the horned lark. The park also boasts a rich variety of flora, including sagebrush, pinyon pines, and ponderosa pines.
In contrast, North Cascades National Park is a haven for bird watchers, with over 200 species of birds having been recorded in the park. Some of the most commonly seen bird species in the park include the American goldfinch, the western tanager, and the American robin. Additionally, visitors to North Cascades can expect to see a variety of mammals, including black bears, river otters, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant species, including western hemlock, Douglas-fir, and Pacific yew.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park offer unique and diverse ecosystems, but with different wildlife. Whether you are interested in birds, mammals, or plants, both parks offer a wealth of opportunities to explore and discover.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | North Cascades 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | North Cascades 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 | Puma |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mink |
| Long-Eared Bat | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Badger | Wolf |
| Ermine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Ermine |
| Water Shrew | California Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Common Garter Snake |
| Milksnake | Rubber Boa |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Redband Trout |
| German Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Cutthroat Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is known for its sand dunes that reach up to 750 feet tall. The dunes were formed by wind and water erosion and are considered a unique and unusual landscape in North America. Visitors can hike, sandboard or even sled down the dunes.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington, is home to the North Cascades Mountain Range and is known for its rugged peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. The park offers scenic driving routes, hiking trails and opportunities for backcountry camping and mountaineering. One of the most popular destinations within the park is Diablo Lake, a turquoise blue lake surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers.
Both parks offer unique and stunning landscapes that draw visitors from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike in nature, a thrilling outdoor adventure, or simply to admire the beauty of the natural world, these parks have something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and both offer a wide range of recreational activities. The Great Sand Dunes is a desert landscape in Colorado, while North Cascades is a mountainous terrain in Washington state.
One of the most popular activities at Great Sand Dunes is sandboarding and sand sledding, where visitors can glide down the towering dunes. The park also offers scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. There are several campgrounds and picnic areas within the park, as well as backcountry camping opportunities for those who want to explore the remote areas of the park.
North Cascades is a destination for those who love outdoor adventure. The park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, and boating. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing and mountaineering, with over 300 peaks and glaciers to explore. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and wildlife viewing, including the chance to see mountain goats and other rare species.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park offer unique and diverse recreational experiences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or a challenging backcountry adventure, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park are two distinct and beautiful parks in the United States. They have different weather patterns, which affects the best time to visit each park.
Great Sand Dunes is located in Colorado and experiences hot and dry summers with occasional monsoon storms. Winter brings snow and cold temperatures, making it difficult to access the park. The best time to visit is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington, experiences cold, wet, and snowy winters with occasional snowstorms. Summers are mild and less rainy, making it a good time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing. Winter is a popular time for snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The best time to visit North Cascades is from June to September, when the weather is mild and the park is accessible for outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the weather at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and North Cascades National Park affects the best time of year to visit each park. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly to make the most of their experience and to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to these beautiful parks.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and North Cascades National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, and North Cascades National Park, located in Washington, are two of the most beautiful and unique parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of activities and attractions, but they differ in terms of family-friendliness.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a great place to visit with children. The park features a large sand dune that kids can climb and play on, as well as a nearby lake where families can swim, fish, and kayak. There are also several hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and educational opportunities for kids. Additionally, the park offers camping and picnic areas, making it a great place for families to spend the night.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is more rugged and challenging, offering a different type of experience for families. While the park does have a few easy hikes and ranger-led programs for kids, it is not as well-suited for families as Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. The park is known for its challenging hikes, rocky terrain, and remote wilderness areas, making it a better option for older children and adventurous families.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is the better option as it offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are suitable for kids of all ages. North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is best suited for older children and adventurous families who are looking for a more challenging experience.