Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two remarkable national parks in the United States. Both parks are unique and offer a different experience to visitors. While Great Sand Dunes is famous for its towering sand dunes, Shenandoah is known for its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In this article, we will compare these two national parks to help you choose which one to visit.
Great Sand Dunes is located in Colorado and is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. The dunes are surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, forests, and streams. Visitors can hike through the dunes, go sandboarding or even take a scenic drive. The park is also home to several species of animals, including pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and mule deer.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in Virginia and covers over 200,000 acres of land. The park is known for its scenic Skyline Drive, which offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can also hike, picnic, or go camping in the park. Shenandoah is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and over 200 species of birds.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer a wide range of hiking trails, making them great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
At Great Sand Dunes, the easiest hike is the short, 0.5-mile walk to the top of the dunes. For a more challenging hike, try the 6-mile round trip to the top of Star Dune. The difficult hike is worth it for the 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and dunes.
Shenandoah National Park is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails. The easy trails in the park include the Flatrock Loop, which is a 2-mile hike that takes you through the forest, and the Rose River Loop, which is a 3-mile hike along the Rose River. For a more strenuous hike, try the Old Rag Mountain hike, which is a 9-mile round trip hike to the summit of the mountain. This hike is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the park, but the views from the top are breathtaking.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, making them great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk or a strenuous hike, you are sure to find a trail that suits your needs at either Great Sand Dunes or Shenandoah National Park.
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 Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two unique national parks that offer visitors the chance to experience vastly different landscapes and wildlife.
At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including pronghorns, mule deer, and black bears. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds, including golden eagles, northern harriers, and mountain plovers. In terms of vegetation, the park features sagebrush, piñon pine, and juniper trees, as well as sand-loving plants like sand verbena and sand sagebrush.
At Shenandoah National Park, visitors are likely to encounter a mix of mammals, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and raccoons. The park is also a popular destination for birders, with over 180 species of birds, including scarlet tanagers, wood thrushes, and the rare Cerulean warbler. In terms of vegetation, the park is home to a variety of deciduous trees, including oak, hickory, and maple, as well as understory plants like ferns and wildflowers.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to observe some of the most unique and diverse wildlife in the United States, from majestic birds of prey to small mammals and plants adapted to their specific environments. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a chance to connect with nature, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are well worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah 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 | Shenandoah 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | River Otter |
| Long-Eared Bat | Masked Shrew |
| Badger | Water Shrew |
| Ermine | Red Squirrel |
| Snowshoe Hare | White-Tailed Deer |
| Masked Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Water Shrew | Marten |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Black Racer |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Ringneck Snake |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Common Kingsnake |
| Milksnake | Milksnake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| German Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Cutthroat Trout | Brown Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Common Carp | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Shenandoah 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 | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising up to 750 feet. The park offers a unique landscape of sand dunes against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes, explore the Medano Creek, and go sand sledding or sandboarding.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the famous Skyline Drive. The park offers scenic views from various overlooks and is popular for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. Visitors can also enjoy waterfalls and streams, as well as wildlife such as black bears and deer.
Both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes for visitors to explore and enjoy. Whether you are looking for towering sand dunes or rolling mountains, both parks have something to offer for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is known for its towering sand dunes, which are the tallest in North America. Visitors can enjoy sandboarding and sand sledding on the dunes, as well as hiking and backpacking in the surrounding mountains. The park also offers ranger-led programs, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is popular for its scenic drives, such as the Skyline Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 500 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs. Rock climbing, fishing, and horseback riding are also popular pursuits in the park. In the winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on the park’s trails.
Both parks offer a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, but Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is unique in its sand dunes, while Shenandoah National Park is known for its scenic drives and extensive network of hiking trails. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing drive, both parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Despite being separated by over 2,000 miles, these parks offer different experiences based on seasonal weather patterns.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is known for its vast sand dunes, some reaching over 700 feet tall. The park experiences warm and dry summers with temperatures ranging from 80-90°F and cool, wet winters with temperatures ranging from 20-40°F. The park is best visited in the summer months when visitors can enjoy activities such as sand sledding, hiking, and horseback riding.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, offers a different experience with its lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic Skyline Drive. The park experiences moderate temperatures in the spring and fall, with temperatures ranging from 40-70°F, and hot, humid summers with temperatures ranging from 70-90°F. The park is best visited in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. In the summer, visitors can hike, camp, and enjoy scenic drives through the park, while in the winter, the park offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park offer unique experiences based on seasonal weather patterns. The best time to visit each park will depend on individual preferences and the type of experiences desired.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States and are great options for families who are looking for outdoor adventures. Both parks offer a wide range of activities and attractions that are suitable for people of all ages, but which one is better for families with children?
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a unique and exciting destination that offers a variety of outdoor activities, including sand sledding, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park’s main attraction, the towering dunes, are a hit with kids and provide an opportunity for outdoor play and exploration. Additionally, the park offers educational programs and ranger-led activities for kids, making it a great place for families to learn about nature and the environment.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is a lush and beautiful park that is perfect for families who enjoy hiking and scenic drives. The park’s Skyline Drive offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides an opportunity for families to enjoy nature together. In addition, the park has a variety of hiking trails, including many that are suitable for families with children. The park also offers ranger-led activities and educational programs, making it a great place for families to learn about the natural world.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Shenandoah National Park are great options for families with children, but each park offers a different experience. If your family loves outdoor play and exploration, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve may be the better choice. If your family enjoys hiking and scenic drives, Shenandoah National Park may be a better fit.