Embark on a journey to two of America’s most magnificent national parks – Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, each with its own set of natural wonders. From towering sand dunes to towering trees, both parks are sure to leave you in awe. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, these parks are a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure and inspiration. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two parks, highlighting the best things to see and do, and help you decide which one to visit first. So, pack your bags and let’s explore the rugged beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and the towering majesty of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks!
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. While both offer a diverse range of hiking trails, they each have their own unique features.
Great Sand Dunes is known for its towering sand dunes that offer a challenging hike for those looking for a workout. One of the most popular trails is the Dunes Overlook, which provides panoramic views of the dunes. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Sand Ramp Trail offers a steep ascent up the dunes. On the other hand, the Mosca Pass Trail is a relatively easy hike that winds through a valley filled with wildlife.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a variety of hikes ranging from easy to strenuous. The Congress Trail is a popular and easy hike that takes visitors through a grove of giant sequoias. For those looking for a longer and more challenging hike, the Muir Grove Trail offers a strenuous hike through a dense forest of giant sequoias. The High Sierra Trail is a multi-day backpacking trail that takes hikers through the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers breathtaking views of alpine lakes and high peaks.
In conclusion, both parks offer a diverse range of hiking trails for visitors of all fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll through a forest of giant trees or a challenging hike up towering sand dunes, 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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both located in the USA but have very different landscapes and wildlife. At Great Sand Dunes, you can expect to see animals like pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. Birds like the mountain plover and sandpipers are also commonly seen in the area. The park also has a unique ecosystem, with plants like yucca and sand verbena growing in the sand dunes. On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to a variety of animals, including black bears, deer, and coyotes. You might also spot some smaller mammals like squirrels and marmots. The parks are also known for their birdwatching opportunities, with species like the varied thrush, mountain bluebird, and spotted owl commonly seen. The parks are also home to the giant sequoia trees, which are the largest trees in the world and provide habitat for many species of birds and small mammals. In summary, both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, with Great Sand Dunes focusing on its desert ecosystem and Sequoia & Kings Canyon showcasing its diverse forest and bird populations.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
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 | Green-Winged Teal |
Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
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 | Mountain Lion |
Long-Legged Myotis | Mink |
Long-Eared Bat | Mule Deer |
Badger | Gray Fox |
Ermine | Wolf |
Snowshoe Hare | Long-Legged Myotis |
Masked Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
Water Shrew | Badger |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Ermine |
Reptiles
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Bull Snake | Gopher Snake |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Racer |
Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Ring-Necked Snake |
Milksnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
Eastern Fence Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
Common Kingsnake | |
Rubber Boa | |
Nightsnake | |
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Fish
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
German Brown Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
Cutthroat Trout | Brown Trout |
Green Sunfish | |
Golden Shiner | |
European Carp | |
Black Bullhead | |
Brown Bullhead | |
Goldfish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in southern Colorado and is known for its towering sand dunes that reach up to 750 feet tall. The park is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Luis Valley, making it a unique and breathtaking landscape. The dunes are constantly changing due to the shifting winds, so visitors can see a different view every time they visit.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountain range. The parks are famous for their towering giant sequoia trees, which are some of the largest trees on Earth. In addition to the sequoias, visitors can also see spectacular mountain vistas, crystal-clear streams, and deep valleys. The parks are home to several waterfalls, including the popular Grizzly Falls and Roaring River Falls. The parks also offer several scenic drives, including the Generals Highway, which winds its way through the heart of the parks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both unique and offer different experiences. Great Sand Dunes is known for its sand dunes, which rise up to 750 feet and are the tallest in North America. Visitors can explore the dunes by hiking, sandboarding, or sledding down the steep slopes. Star gazing is also a popular activity in the park, as the high elevation and minimal light pollution make for great viewing of the night sky.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are known for their towering trees. The parks are home to the largest trees in the world, including the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree by volume on earth. Hiking is also a popular activity in the parks, with trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and fishing are also popular activities in the parks. Additionally, visitors can take scenic drives through the parks to see the stunning views and wildlife.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer unique experiences for visitors. Whether you prefer sand dunes or towering trees, there is something for everyone in these parks.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two vastly different parks with unique climates and weather patterns. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and experiences dry, hot summers and cold winters with occasional snow. The best time to visit Great Sand Dunes is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Snow is common in the higher elevations during the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The summer months can be quite warm, making it a great time to hike and enjoy the scenic views, but be aware of the potential for afternoon thunderstorms. Overall, the best time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is during the spring or fall months when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer unique weather patterns and climates that can greatly impact the best time to visit. Consider the time of year and the type of activities you plan to do before planning your trip to either of these beautiful parks.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two great family-friendly destinations to visit. Both parks have something unique to offer to visitors of all ages, but they differ in their approach to family-friendly activities.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is an excellent choice for families who love outdoor adventures. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as sand sledding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Children will enjoy playing in the sand dunes and splashing in the creek. The park also has several campsites available for those who want to spend the night in the park.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are best for families who enjoy scenic hikes and learning about nature. The parks are home to some of the largest trees in the world, and children will love learning about the different species of trees and animals that live in the park. The parks also have several picnic areas, campgrounds, and ranger-led programs that are perfect for families. Additionally, the parks are located near several other attractions, such as Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and General Grant Grove.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are great options for families. However, Great Sand Dunes National Park is best for families who love outdoor adventures, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are best for families who enjoy scenic hikes and learning about nature.