Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two of America’s most diverse and unique national parks. Both offer stunning landscapes, breathtaking views, and unforgettable experiences, but they couldn’t be more different. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two destinations, and help you decide which one is right for your next adventure.
One of the most striking differences between Great Sand Dunes and Saguaro is their geography. Great Sand Dunes is located in Colorado and features towering sand dunes that rise up to 750 feet. Saguaro, on the other hand, is located in Arizona and is home to the iconic giant cactus for which it is named. These towering plants can grow up to 70 feet tall and are a symbol of the American Southwest.
So, if you’re looking for a high-altitude adventure in the dunes or a hot and arid desert experience among the giant cacti, one of these parks is sure to deliver. Read on to find out which one is right for you!
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park both offer unique hiking experiences for nature enthusiasts. The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve features one of the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the highest peak standing at over 700 feet tall. Hiking here can be challenging due to the loose sand, but there are several trails to explore, including the Medano Pass Primitive Road, which is an easy 2.5-mile hike that takes visitors through the sand dunes and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Another popular trail is the Montville Nature Trail, a moderately difficult 2.5-mile hike that leads to a lake surrounded by sand dunes.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Sonoran Desert and is home to giant saguaro cacti, which can grow up to 70 feet tall. The park offers several easy hikes, including the Freeman Homestead Nature Trail, a 0.3-mile loop that takes visitors through stands of saguaro cacti, and the Desert Ecology Trail, a 0.5-mile loop that provides an overview of the desert’s ecosystem. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the King Canyon Trail is a challenging 4.9-mile hike that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two of the many National Parks in the United States that offer unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. In terms of wildlife, both parks have a diverse range of species, but there are some key differences.
At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can observe animals such as pronghorns, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and many species of reptiles and insects. The park is also home to over 300 species of birds, including the American kestrel, the mountain plover, and the sandhill crane. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plants, including sagebrush, yucca, and grasses.
On the other hand, Saguaro National Park is known for its iconic saguaro cacti, which can grow up to 50 feet tall. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, including bobcats, mountain lions, and coatimundis. Visitors can also observe many species of birds, including Gila woodpeckers, cactus wrens, and gilded flickers. In addition to the cacti, the park is also home to a variety of other plants, including ocotillo, cholla, and mesquite.
In conclusion, Great Sand Dunes and Saguaro National Parks are two unique parks that offer visitors different wildlife experiences. While both parks are home to a diverse range of species, Great Sand Dunes is known for its sand dunes and variety of birds, while Saguaro is known for its iconic saguaro cacti and mammal population. Whether you’re interested in observing wildlife or exploring unique landscapes, both parks are worth visiting.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Red Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Gray Fox |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Badger |
| Long-Eared Bat | Californis Myotis |
| Badger | Fringed Myotis |
| Ermine | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Masked Shrew | Yuma Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Bighorn Sheep |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | White-Tailed Deer |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Milksnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | |
| German Brown Trout | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot | Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two of America’s most beautiful natural wonders. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and unique natural features, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park, visitors can explore the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising over 700 feet tall. The dunes are surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, offering breathtaking views from several overlooks. The park also features several creeks and wetlands, providing important habitats for a variety of wildlife.
Saguaro National Park is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, the largest cactus species in the US. The park is comprised of two separate districts, each offering a unique landscape of rolling hills and towering saguaros. Visitors can explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and picnic areas throughout the park, taking in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique experience and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the American West.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors love to sandboard and hike through the dunes. The park also offers opportunities for backpacking, camping, and stargazing. In contrast, Saguaro National Park is known for its saguaro cactus forests and offers popular activities such as picnicking, bird watching, and scenic drives. The park also has several easy hikes for visitors to enjoy.
Both parks offer ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and campfire talks. At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, rangers lead full-moon hikes and stargazing programs. At Saguaro National Park, rangers lead saguaro-focused hikes and night sky programs.
Both parks also offer unique opportunities for nature photography. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a photographer’s paradise with its stunning dunes and surrounding mountains. Saguaro National Park offers an abundance of saguaro cacti and other desert plants, making it a great place to capture the beauty of the desert.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park are two unique and beautiful parks located in the United States. The seasonal weather at these parks is vastly different, affecting the best time of year to visit each one.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in the San Luis Valley in Colorado and experiences warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it the perfect time to hike and explore the sand dunes. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and the park often receives snow, making it a great destination for winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, experiences hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100°F, making it the best time to hike in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Winter temperatures are mild, with average temperatures in the 60s, making it a great time to visit the park for hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the best time to visit each park is heavily dependent on the seasonal weather. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly to ensure they have the best possible experience at either park.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Saguaro National Park are both family-friendly destinations and offer unique experiences for families with children.
At Great Sand Dunes, families can enjoy hiking, sand sledding, and splashing in the Medano Creek. The park also offers ranger-led activities, such as campfire talks, and Junior Ranger programs that are educational and fun for kids.
At Saguaro, families can explore the vast cactus forest, go on a scenic drive, and participate in ranger-led activities, such as nature walks and campfire programs. The park also has picnic areas and hiking trails that are suitable for families with children.
Both parks offer plenty of opportunities for families to experience the natural beauty of the American Southwest, but Great Sand Dunes may be more suitable for families with younger children. The park’s flat sand dunes and shallow creek provide a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to play and explore. Meanwhile, Saguaro’s rugged terrain and more strenuous hiking trails may be better suited for families with older children or teens.
Ultimately, the choice between Great Sand Dunes and Saguaro depends on the age and interests of your children, as well as your family’s preferred type of outdoor recreation.