Are you torn between visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve or Theodore Roosevelt National Park? Then look no further! This article will compare the two national parks, highlighting their unique features and breathtaking landscapes. From sand dunes that tower over 700 feet tall to rolling prairies home to roaming bison, these parks offer vastly different experiences for the adventurous traveler.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a hidden gem in southern Colorado, where visitors can explore the tallest sand dunes in North America. The park is a unique blend of desert and mountain environments, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities like sand sledding, hiking, and stargazing.
On the other hand, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is a sprawling prairie landscape dotted with colorful badlands formations, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can expect to see bison, elk, and pronghorn roaming the park, as well as explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and backcountry camping opportunities.
So, whether you’re a sand-seeking adventurer or a prairie-roaming explorer, this article will help you decide which of these two national parks is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two parks that offer a unique outdoor experience. Both parks have hiking trails that are ideal for different skill levels, but both also have hikes that are challenging and rewarding.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the easiest hike is the Medano Pass Primitive Road, a flat trail that leads to the sand dunes. The hardest hike is the Sand Ramp Trail, which is a steep climb to the top of the dunes. The hike is strenuous but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
At Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the easiest hike is the Wind Canyon Trail, a short trail that offers views of the park’s unique rock formations. The hardest hike is the Painted Canyon Trail, which is a strenuous hike through a narrow canyon with steep cliffs. The hike is challenging but offers stunning views of the colorful rock formations and wildlife.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just starting out, both Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park 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 Theodore Roosevelt National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two of the most diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as pronghorns, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. The park is also home to a large number of bird species, including the mountain plover, burrowing owl, and loggerhead shrike. In addition to wildlife, the park is home to a number of unique plant species, including the sand verbena, sand hill sage, and sand dune primrose.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is known for its large herds of bison, pronghorns, and elk. Visitors to the park can also expect to see a variety of birds, including the golden eagle, prairie falcon, and sharp-tailed grouse. The park is also home to a number of unique plant species, including the prairie rose, western wheatgrass, and little bluestem.
Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, but each park has its own unique features. Whether you are interested in seeing large herds of bison or unique bird species, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | Porcupine |
| 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 | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Long-Eared Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Ermine | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Badger |
| Masked Shrew | Snowshoe Hare |
| Water Shrew | North American River Otter |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Bullsnake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Racer |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Milksnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| German Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Cutthroat Trout | Bluegill |
| Flathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Carp/European Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot | Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two beautiful parks located in the western United States.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is known for its vast sand dunes, which are the tallest sand dunes in North America. The dunes are surrounded by the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains and are a popular spot for hiking, sand sledding, and stargazing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Medano Creek, which is a popular spot for wading and splashing during the summer months.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in North Dakota, is known for its scenic badlands formations and prairie grasslands. The park features several scenic drives, including the 36-mile-long Scenic Loop Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and abundant wildlife. Hikers can also explore the park’s scenic trails, which offer stunning views of the Little Missouri River and the surrounding grasslands. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Painted Canyon Visitor Center, which offers breathtaking views of the colorful badlands formations.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in southern Colorado and is known for its vast sand dunes, which can reach up to 750 feet tall. The park offers several activities for visitors, including sand sledding, sandboarding, and hiking. Sand sledding and sandboarding are popular activities, especially during the hot summer months, and the park provides rental equipment for those who don’t have their own. Hiking is also a popular activity, with trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in North Dakota and is named after the 26th President of the United States. The park offers visitors a chance to explore the Badlands and see the unique geological formations, including colorful rock formations, canyons, and buttes. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with bison, elk, and bighorn sheep often seen in the park. Hiking and horseback riding are popular ways to explore the park, and visitors can also drive the scenic loop road to take in the views.
Both parks offer unique experiences and are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a must-visit for those interested in sand dunes, while Theodore Roosevelt National Park is ideal for those who love wildlife viewing and exploring the Badlands. Both parks offer opportunities for hiking and horseback riding, making them great destinations for those who love to get out and explore nature on foot or horseback.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer a unique experience for visitors. The seasonal weather at these parks can greatly impact when is the best time to visit.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, summers are warm with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. The park also experiences occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons. Winter temperatures drop significantly with occasional snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
On the other hand, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota experiences much colder temperatures in the winter, with average highs in the 20s and 30s and occasional snowfall. Summers are mild with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s, making it a popular destination for hiking and camping.
Overall, the best time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is during the summer months for warm weather and outdoor activities, while Theodore Roosevelt National Park is best visited during the summer for mild weather and scenic hikes. Winter at both parks offers a unique and picturesque experience for those brave enough to brave the colder temperatures.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer unique experiences for visitors, but when it comes to traveling with children, there are a few key differences to consider.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a great family-friendly destination. With its towering sand dunes and opportunities for sand sledding and hiking, kids will have a blast. The park also offers ranger-led programs, picnic areas, and campgrounds, making it easy to spend a day or even a week here.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, on the other hand, is a bit more rugged. With its vast prairies and rugged badlands, it’s a great place for families who enjoy the outdoors and are looking for a more adventurous experience. The park has several trails, including a boardwalk trail that is perfect for families with young children, as well as picnic areas and campgrounds. However, it may not be as accessible for families with very young children or those with mobility issues.
Overall, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer unique and family-friendly experiences. Great Sand Dunes is a great choice for families who are looking for a fun and active outdoor experience, while Theodore Roosevelt is a better choice for families who are looking for a more rugged and adventurous experience.