Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most spectacular natural wonders of the United States. Both parks have their own unique landscapes and offer different experiences, making it difficult for visitors to choose between them. From the towering sand dunes to the rugged peaks of the Rockies, there is something for everyone in these two parks.
One park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, while the other is home to some of the tallest mountains in the country. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is famous for its rolling sand dunes that can reach over 700 feet high. Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado and features majestic peaks that soar over 14,000 feet into the sky.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful hike, a challenging climb, or just a day spent enjoying the scenic views, these two parks have it all. In this article, we will compare and contrast Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park, so you can decide which one is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking views and challenging hikes. However, the hiking trails at the two parks are quite different, making it difficult to compare them directly.
Great Sand Dunes is known for its towering dunes, which offer a unique hiking experience. One of the easiest hikes is the Dunes Overlook Trail, which is a 1-mile round trip hike that provides stunning views of the dunes and the surrounding mountain ranges. For a more challenging hike, visitors can try the Sand Ramp Trail, which is a 4-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of the highest dune.
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its rugged mountains and alpine lakes. One of the easiest hikes is the Bear Lake Trail, which is a 1-mile round trip hike that takes you to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by stunning peaks. For a more challenging hike, visitors can try the Keyhole Route, which is a 13-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of Longs Peak, the tallest mountain in the park.
Ultimately, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are great destinations for hikers, but the nature of the hiking trails is quite different. Great Sand Dunes is ideal for those looking for a unique hiking experience, while Rocky Mountain National Park is better for those looking for a more traditional mountain hiking experience.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park have a rich diversity of wildlife, making them popular destinations for nature lovers.
Great Sand Dunes is a unique park, home to plants and animals that have adapted to its harsh desert environment, such as kangaroo rats and pronghorn antelope. Visitors may also spot golden eagles, and a variety of reptiles such as rattlesnakes, and lizards.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is a high-elevation park with a diverse range of habitats, including forests, alpine tundras, and rivers. This allows for a variety of wildlife, including big horn sheep, elk, moose, and black bears. Visitors may also see a wide range of bird species, such as the majestic bald eagle, and colorful peregrine falcons. Additionally, visitors may encounter a variety of plants, from the high-altitude tundra to lush, forested valleys.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park provide unique and diverse wildlife experiences. Whether you prefer the dry, desert environment of the sand dunes or the high-altitude and forested terrain of the Rockies, both parks are excellent destination options for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Rocky Mountain 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 | Rocky Mountain 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Long-Eared Bat | Gray Fox |
| Badger | Gray Wolf |
| Ermine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Badger |
| Water Shrew | Ermine |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| German Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Cutthroat Trout | Brown Trout |
| Western Longnose Sucker | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Wood Frog |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in southern Colorado, and is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. The park’s main attraction is the towering sand dunes, which reach up to 750 feet tall, and are surrounded by the beautiful mountain range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can explore the sand dunes by hiking, sand sledding, or even horseback riding.
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in northern Colorado, and is known for its stunning mountain landscapes. The park features over 300 miles of hiking trails, which lead visitors to some of the most beautiful overlooks in the country. From the top of Longs Peak, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. The park is also home to numerous alpine lakes, including Bear Lake, which is one of the most popular destinations in the park. Other natural wonders in the park include the beautiful waterfalls of Alberta Falls and the cascading waters of Cascade Creek.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are both cherished for their unique landscapes and opportunities for outdoor recreation. At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can enjoy hiking, sand sledding, and stargazing. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America and offers a unique opportunity to explore a desert environment. In contrast, Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its scenic drives, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
For those who love water-based activities, both parks offer opportunities for fishing and boating. At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can fish in Medano Creek when it is flowing and explore the park’s wetlands and ponds. Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain National Park has over 60 high-altitude lakes and streams for fishing, as well as opportunities for boating on Bear Lake and other bodies of water.
Both parks also offer stunning scenic drives, with Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offering a drive through the park that provides views of the sand dunes and the surrounding mountain ranges. Meanwhile, the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular scenic drive that winds through the park and offers breathtaking views of the Rockies.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities, making them popular destinations for visitors looking to explore unique landscapes and engage in a variety of activities. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, boat, or simply enjoy a scenic drive, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are both iconic destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. However, their seasonal weather patterns couldn’t be more different. The Great Sand Dunes experience hot and dry summers, with temperatures often reaching over 90°F. Winter months bring snow and below-freezing temperatures, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its harsh and unpredictable winter weather, with heavy snowfall and strong winds. Summer months bring mild to warm temperatures and occasional thunderstorms.
The weather at each park affects the best time of year to visit. The Great Sand Dunes are at their best from mid-spring to late fall, with mild temperatures and low chance of snow. Winter sports enthusiasts will find the best conditions for snowboarding and skiing from December to February. On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is best visited in the summer or early fall, when the weather is mild and the chances of snow are low. Those looking to experience the park’s winter wonderland can visit from December to March, when the snowfall is at its heaviest.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park offer unique and breathtaking experiences, but their seasonal weather patterns are vastly different. Understanding the weather conditions at each park can help visitors plan their trip to ensure the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Rocky Mountain National Park are both great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors. Both parks offer unique experiences and are ideal for families who love to hike, camp, and enjoy nature. However, when it comes to being family-friendly, there are some differences between the two parks.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. There are also several ranger-led programs for kids, including campfire talks and junior ranger activities. Additionally, the park is home to several campgrounds, making it easy for families to plan a camping trip.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, offers a more unique experience for families. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, and visitors can explore the dunes on foot, with sleds, or by sandboarding. There are also several hiking trails in the park, including a designated trail for families with children. Additionally, the park offers ranger-led programs, including sand dune hikes, stargazing, and campfire talks.
In conclusion, both parks are great options for families, but Rocky Mountain National Park may be a better choice for families looking for a more traditional outdoor experience, while Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve may be a better choice for families looking for a more unique and adventurous experience.