When it comes to exploring the incredible natural wonders of the United States, there’s no shortage of breathtaking sights to see. From towering mountains to pristine beaches, there’s something for every kind of adventure seeker. But what about those who want to discover something truly unique? Enter Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park.
These two parks are like night and day. Great Sand Dunes is a desert oasis with towering sand dunes that will take your breath away. Petrified Forest, on the other hand, is a fossil-filled wonderland where you can step back in time and see the remnants of ancient trees that have been turned to stone. Both parks are unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and they’re both waiting for you to discover their secrets.
So, which one will you choose? Do you want to wander through a sea of sand and feel like you’re on another planet, or do you want to explore a landscape that’s been frozen in time for millions of years? The choice is yours, but one thing is for sure, you won’t be disappointed with either option.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two unique natural wonders located in different parts of the United States. Both offer scenic hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the hiking experiences at each park are quite different.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, the hiking trails vary from easy hikes along the sand dunes to strenuous hikes up to their peaks. One of the easiest hikes is the Dunes Boardwalk, which is a half-mile loop that takes visitors through the heart of the sand dunes. On the other hand, the High Dune hike is one of the most challenging hikes in the park, requiring a steep ascent up the tallest dune.
In contrast, Petrified Forest National Park offers a completely different hiking experience, with trails that meander through the colorful badlands and ancient forests of petrified wood. One of the easiest hikes is the Giant Logs Trail, which is a short, half-mile loop that takes visitors past some of the largest petrified logs in the park. Hikers looking for a challenge can try the Blue Mesa Trail, a strenuous hike that descends into a deep canyon surrounded by towering cliffs.
Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park offer unique and unforgettable hiking experiences.
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 Petrified Forest National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mesa Trail | 1448.406 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Crystal Forest Trail | 1448.406 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Desert Rim Trail | 1770.274 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Scenic Drive | 46027.124 | 297.7896 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Giant Logs Trail | 965.604 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Onyx Bridge Trail | 7402.964 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail | 3379.614 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puerco Pueblo Trail | 482.802 | 2.7432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Devil’s Playground Loop | 12070.05 | 144.78 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Jasper Forest Road | 4184.284 | 53.9496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife, there are significant differences between the types of animals and plants that can be found in each park.
At the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and black bears. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the American kestrel, the mountain bluebird, and the northern pygmy owl. In addition to these animals, visitors may also see a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the Great Basin rattlesnake and the boreal toad.
Petrified Forest National Park is known for its unique and diverse plant life, including the towering petrified trees, cacti, and other desert plants. Visitors may also spot a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and bald eagles. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the pinyon jay, the rock wren, and the red-tailed hawk. While the park does not have as wide a variety of wildlife as Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors will still be able to see a diverse range of animals and plants in this unique and beautiful park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest 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 | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Bat | Badger |
| Badger | California Myotis |
| Ermine | Fringed Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Water Shrew | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Western Harvest Mouse |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Milksnake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | |
| German Brown Trout | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Petrified Forest 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 Petrified Forest National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two of the most unique and beautiful national parks in America, each offering a unique landscape and natural wonders. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is famous for its towering sand dunes that rise over 750 feet above the valley floor. The dunes are surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains, forests, and alpine lakes that make for an unforgettable experience. The park is also home to a number of hiking trails and campgrounds, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
Petrified Forest National Park is famous for its petrified wood, which is fossilized wood that has turned to stone over time. The park is also home to a number of other geological wonders, including the Painted Desert and the Blue Mesa, both of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a number of hiking trails and picnic areas, making it an ideal destination for those who love to get out and explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re interested in geology, hiking, or just soaking up the natural beauty of the area, Petrified Forest National Park is a must-visit destination.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are two popular national parks located in the western United States. Both parks offer unique opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing. The park’s main attraction is its towering sand dunes, which reach heights of up to 750 feet and provide a unique landscape for visitors to explore. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous. At night, visitors can take in the stars and enjoy stargazing, as the park’s remote location provides unobstructed views of the night sky.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, offers visitors a glimpse into the past. The park is home to one of the largest and most colorful collections of petrified wood in the world, as well as a rich history of Native American cultures. Visitors can explore the park’s trails, including the Painted Desert Rim Trail and the Crystal Forest Trail, which offer stunning views of the petrified logs and the surrounding landscape. The park also features several historic sites, including an ancient pueblo, a homestead, and a train station, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the area.
Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors, but each has its own distinct attractions and activities. Whether you are interested in exploring the natural beauty of the landscape or learning about the history of the area, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are well worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado and Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona are two unique national parks with distinct seasonal weather patterns. The Great Sand Dunes experience hot summers with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s and cold winters with temperatures dropping to below freezing. The best time to visit the park is from spring to fall when the weather is mild and the sand is not too hot to walk on.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, experiences hot summers with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s and cool winters with temperatures in the high 40s to low 50s. The park is best visited in spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park’s vibrant colors are on full display. Winter is also a good time to visit the park as the lack of leaves on the trees allows for unobstructed views of the petrified logs.
When planning a visit to either park, it is important to consider the seasonal weather patterns. The Great Sand Dunes are best visited in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the sand is not too hot to walk on. Petrified Forest National Park is best visited in the spring, fall, or winter when temperatures are mild and the park’s unique features are on full display.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Petrified Forest National Park are both family-friendly parks that offer unique experiences. However, if you’re traveling with children, Great Sand Dunes may be the better choice. The park offers a variety of activities for kids such as sand sledding, hiking, and exploring the dunes. Additionally, the park has a Junior Ranger program, which is a great way to get kids involved in learning about the park and its history.
Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is more suited for older children and adults. The park features a scenic drive, hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities to see petrified wood, but it may not be as engaging for younger children. The park’s Junior Ranger program is also less hands-on than Great Sand Dunes.
Both parks are great options for families who want to experience unique natural wonders, but if you’re traveling with young children, Great Sand Dunes may be the more enjoyable option. With its variety of kid-friendly activities and engaging Junior Ranger program, kids are sure to have a great time while learning about the park and its history.