Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve vs Olympic National Park

Feel Free To Share:

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve vs Olympic National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring parks in the United States. They offer unique and diverse landscapes, from towering sand dunes to lush rainforests, making it difficult to choose between the two. In this article, we will compare these two parks in terms of their attractions, activities, and facilities, to help you decide which one is right for your next adventure.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is known for its towering sand dunes that rise up to 750 feet. This park is an oasis in the middle of the desert and offers visitors the chance to hike, camp, and even sandboard down the massive dunes. On the other hand, Olympic National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its diverse landscapes ranging from rugged coastlines to snow-capped mountains. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears, as well as old-growth forests and pristine rivers.

So, whether you’re a fan of towering sand dunes or lush rainforests, this article will have something for you. Get ready to explore the unique beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park, and discover which park is the perfect destination for your next adventure!

Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two distinct and beautiful national parks that offer diverse hiking experiences.

At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, the most popular trail is the sand dune hike. This hike takes visitors up the towering sand dunes and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valley. Although the sand dune hike is considered easy, it is also strenuous due to the soft sand. Another easy hike at the park is the Medano Creek Trail, which follows the creek through the sand dunes and offers a chance to cool off in the water.

On the other hand, Olympic National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging backcountry adventures. One of the easiest hikes is the Hurricane Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding landscape. Another popular and easy hike is the Hoh Rainforest Trail, which leads visitors through a lush temperate rainforest and along the Hoh River. For those seeking a more strenuous challenge, the High Divide Loop is a popular backcountry hike that offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows.

In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park offer a diverse range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a strenuous adventure, these parks have something to offer for all types of hikers.

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 Olympic National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge 4988.954 242.9256 Moderate out and back 4.5
Mount Storm King 6276.426 638.8608 Hard out and back 5
Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail 2574.944 77.724 Easy out and back 4.5
Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss 1609.34 23.7744 Easy loop 4.5
Marymere Falls Trail 2735.878 90.8304 Easy out and back 4.5
Hoh River Trail 52786.352 1558.7472 Moderate out and back 4.5
High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop 30577.46 1617.8784 Hard loop 5
Ruby Beach 2253.076 20.7264 Easy loop 4.5
Staircase Rapids Loop 3379.614 64.9224 Easy loop 4.5
Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent 18024.608 131.9784 Easy out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their diverse wildlife and offer a unique experience to visitors.

At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. There are also black-tailed prairie dogs, which are a common sight in the park. In addition to these mammals, visitors can also see a variety of birds, including sandhill cranes, American kestrels, and mountain bluebirds.

Olympic National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain lions. Visitors can also see a variety of bird species, such as the bald eagle, spotted owl, and pileated woodpecker. In addition to these animals, the park is also home to a variety of plant species, including Douglas firs and Sitka spruces.

Both Great Sand Dunes and Olympic National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see unique wildlife and experience the beauty of nature. Whether you are interested in seeing mammals, birds, or plants, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Olympic 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 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 Olympic National Park
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver American Beaver
Muskrat Muskrat
Big Brown Bat Big Brown Bat
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 Red Fox
Hoary Bat Long-Tailed Weasel
Red Fox House Mouse
Long-Tailed Weasel Wolf
Mule Deer Long-Legged Myotis
Gray Fox Long-Eared Myotis
Long-Legged Myotis California Myotis
Long-Eared Bat Snowshoe Rabbit
Badger North American River Otter
Ermine Fringe-Tailed Myotis
Snowshoe Hare Masked Shrew
Masked Shrew Water Shrew
Water Shrew Western Big-Eared Bat
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat Bushy-Tailed Woodrat

Reptiles

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Olympic National Park
Bull Snake Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Common Garter Snake
Western Prairie Rattlesnake Rubber Boa
Greater Short-Horned Lizards Western Fence Lizard
Milksnake
Eastern Fence Lizard

Fish

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Olympic National Park
Brook Trout Steelhead/Rainbow Trout
German Brown Trout Brook Trout
Cutthroat Trout Largemouth Bass
Salish Sucker
Coho Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Longnose Dace
Speckled Dace
Threespine Stickleback
Sockeye Salmon
Pink Salmon
Chum Salmon
Dolly Varden
Cutthroat Trout

Amphibians

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Olympic National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Bullfrog
Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Insects

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Olympic National Park
Honey Bee

Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States, each offering a unique landscape and a variety of outdoor activities.

At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors can explore the massive sand dunes that tower over 700 feet high. These dunes, formed by wind and water erosion, stretch for over 30 square miles and provide a unique and stunning landscape that is unlike anything else in the world. Visitors can hike, sandboard, and even swim in the nearby Medano Creek.

Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Olympic Mountains, which offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding rainforests. The park also features beautiful waterfalls, including Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls, as well as a number of lakes, including Lake Crescent and Lake Quinault. Visitors can go hiking, camping, and even fishing in the park, all while taking in the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Whether you are interested in sand dunes, mountains, or waterfalls, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park offer breathtaking landscapes and a wealth of outdoor activities. Whether you are an experienced hiker or simply looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, these two parks are must-visit destinations for anyone traveling to the United States.

Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the U.S. and both offer a unique set of activities for visitors. One of the most popular activities at Great Sand Dunes is sand sledding and sandboarding. Visitors can bring their own equipment or rent it at the park. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails that lead to the top of the dunes or to the nearby mountains. Another popular activity is visiting the Medano Creek, which provides a shallow area for visitors to wade and play in the water during the summer months.

Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse landscape, which includes lush forests, rugged coastline, and snow-capped mountains. One of the most popular activities is exploring the park’s various ecosystems, such as the Hoh Rainforest and the Elwha River Valley. Another popular activity is scenic drives, where visitors can see the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. Visitors can also kayak or canoe in the park’s many lakes and rivers, go fishing, or take a guided tour.

Both Great Sand Dunes and Olympic National Park offer a unique set of activities that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a peaceful escape, both parks have something to offer.

Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two unique and beautiful destinations in the United States, each with its own weather patterns and seasonal variations.

At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in southern Colorado, the weather is hot and dry in the summer months, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Winter temperatures are much cooler, reaching down into the 20s. The park’s location in the high desert means that it receives little precipitation throughout the year, making it a great spot for outdoor activities like sandboarding and hiking.

In contrast, Olympic National Park in Washington state is known for its temperate rainforest climate, with high levels of rainfall throughout the year. Summer temperatures are mild, with high temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, while winter temperatures can dip into the 40s and 50s. The park’s unique climate makes it an ideal destination for visitors looking to explore the lush, verdant forests and stunning waterfalls that the area is known for.

When it comes to deciding the best time to visit these two parks, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of activities you’re interested in. If you’re looking for warm, dry weather and outdoor adventure, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is the place to be in the summer months. If you’re more interested in exploring the lush forests and waterfalls of Olympic National Park, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are both family-friendly parks that offer unique experiences to visitors. However, they differ in their level of accessibility and available activities for families.

Great Sand Dunes offers a unique sand dune landscape and activities like sand sledding, hiking, and campsites. The park’s location in Colorado also provides access to nearby hot springs and other outdoor adventures. However, the park’s remote location and high altitude may make it difficult for young children or those with medical conditions.

Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers a variety of environments, including beaches, rainforests, and mountain ranges. The park has several family-friendly hiking trails, including a scenic drive, and campgrounds. It also offers ranger-led programs, which can be educational and fun for kids. Additionally, the park’s location in Washington state provides easy access to nearby cities and attractions.

For families traveling with children, Olympic National Park may be the better option due to its accessibility and variety of activities. However, both parks offer unique experiences for families and are worth considering for your next family vacation.

Leave a Comment