Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a nature lover, there’s no denying the allure of America’s stunning national parks. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the pristine beaches of the Virgin Islands, there’s a park for every type of traveler.
But what if you’re torn between two parks? Say, for example, the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado and Virgin Islands National Park in the Caribbean. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences and similarities between these two parks. We’ll take a closer look at the activities and attractions that each park offers, so you can decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure. Whether you’re a fan of sandboarding or snorkeling, we’ve got you covered. So buckle up and get ready for a journey through two of America’s most beautiful parks!
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are two national parks that offer unique and diverse hiking experiences. Both parks have trails that range from easy strolls to challenging hikes, but their landscapes are completely different.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, USA is known for its towering sand dunes that reach up to 750 feet tall. The park has several hiking trails that traverse the sand dunes, with the easiest being the Dunes Boardwalk, a short walk that takes you to the base of the dunes. For a more strenuous hike, the Medano Pass Primitive Road is a 5.5-mile trek that takes you to the top of the dunes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is known for its lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters. The park has several hiking trails that range from easy walks along the beach to challenging hikes through the tropical forest. One of the park’s easiest hikes is the Cinnamon Bay Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that takes you through a lush forest to a beautiful beach. On the other hand, the Ram Head Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you to the top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Both parks offer unique and diverse hiking experiences with trails that range from easy to challenging. Whether you want to stroll along the beach or hike to the top of a sand dune, there is something for everyone in these two national parks.
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 Virgin Islands 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, located in Colorado, is home to a unique desert ecosystem with a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors can spot pronghorns, mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, who come to see birds such as the pygmy owl, sandhill crane, and the mountain plover.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, boasts a lush tropical rainforest with a rich array of wildlife. Visitors can see a variety of birds including the bananaquit, the brown pelican, and the green-throated Carib. The park is also home to numerous species of reptiles, including iguanas and geckos, as well as numerous species of mammals, such as the mongoose and the Virgin Islands tree boa.
Both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park offer a unique opportunity to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. While one gives a taste of the desert and the other of the tropical rainforest, both parks offer a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of nature.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands 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 Virgin Islands National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado and is famous for its towering sand dunes that rise up to 750 feet. The park also features a diverse landscape, including alpine lakes, forests, and wetlands, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike, sandboard, or even stargaze in the park, which is known for its clear night skies.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park is located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The park features lush tropical forests and pristine beaches, as well as snorkeling and hiking trails that lead to historic ruins and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can also explore the coral reefs and spot a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous outdoor experience, Virgin Islands National Park has something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado and Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands are two vastly different parks, each offering their own unique activities and experiences.
At Great Sand Dunes, visitors love to sandboard and sled down the towering sand dunes, hike in the surrounding alpine forests, and enjoy scenic drives. In addition, the park offers opportunities for stargazing, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is all about island life, with visitors enjoying snorkeling and diving in the crystal clear waters to see vibrant coral reefs and exotic sea life. The park also offers hiking and beachcombing on its lush tropical trails and white sand beach.
For those seeking a bit of history and culture, both parks offer ranger-led programs such as guided hikes, campfire talks, and junior ranger activities. However, Virgin Islands National Park also has the added bonus of historic sugar plantation ruins, offering a unique look into the island’s colonial past.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes and Virgin Islands National Park offer diverse activities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it be sandboarding and hiking in the Colorado desert or snorkeling and beachcombing in the tropical Caribbean.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are two unique destinations for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts. However, the weather conditions in these two parks are very different, and this affects the best time to visit each park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in Colorado, and it experiences warm summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, sandboarding, and stargazing. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and has a tropical climate. The park experiences warm temperatures year-round, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. The park is also affected by hurricanes and tropical storms, so it is best to visit during the dry season, which is from January to April. During this time, visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and sunbathing on the beaches.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park greatly affects when is the best time to visit each park. Nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts should plan their trips accordingly and keep in mind the weather conditions when deciding when to visit each park.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are two very different national parks, each with its own unique features and outdoor activities. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks offer plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors together.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a perfect destination for families who love adventure and outdoor activities. It has a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, sand-boarding, and horseback riding. The park also has an educational visitor center and ranger-led programs that are perfect for families with children.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park offers a unique tropical experience for families. With its clear waters, pristine beaches, and lush forests, it’s a great place for families to relax and enjoy the sun. The park also offers snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking opportunities for those who want to be more active.
Ultimately, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Virgin Islands National Park are great destinations for families, but each has its own unique features that make it better suited for certain types of families. If your family loves adventure and outdoor activities, then Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve might be the better choice. If your family wants to relax in a tropical setting, then Virgin Islands National Park is the way to go.