Are you torn between visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve or Wind Cave National Park? Both of these remarkable parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting these two incredible parks, highlighting the best things to see, do and discover.
From the towering sand dunes of the Great Sand Dunes, to the captivating labyrinth of Wind Cave, each park offers a completely different landscape. And while one park offers a chance to explore the world above ground, the other takes you deep into the heart of the earth. Both are truly awe-inspiring destinations, each with its own unique set of adventures and memories waiting to be made.
So, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventurer, or just looking for a change of scenery, read on to discover the wonders of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park.
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are two unique parks with very different landscapes. The Great Sand Dunes offer miles of sand dunes, pristine alpine lakes and challenging hikes up the dunes, while Wind Cave is known for its unique cave system and scenic hiking trails throughout the Black Hills.
At Great Sand Dunes, the most popular hike is the High Dune, a strenuous 2.5 mile hike with a 700 foot elevation gain. Another challenging hike is the Medano Pass Primitive Road, a 4.5 mile hike through sand and river crossings. For the easiest hike in the park, try the Mosca Pass Trail, a 1.5 mile trail with a gentle incline and stunning views of the dunes.
Wind Cave National Park has a variety of hikes for all skill levels. The rankin Ridge Trail is a popular hike, offering a 1.5 mile hike with panoramic views of the forest and prairie. For a more strenuous hike, the Cold Brook Canyon Trail is a 5.5 mile hike with steep inclines and descents through the forest and prairies. For a shorter, easier hike, try the Wind Cave Canyon Trail, a 1.5 mile trail with a gentle incline through a beautiful canyon.
Both parks offer unique and rewarding hiking experiences, whether you are looking for a challenging hike or an easy walk. With diverse landscapes, stunning views, and a variety of trails to choose from, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are both must-visit destinations for any nature lover.
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 Wind Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are both unique destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the main differences between these two parks is the variety of wildlife that visitors can expect to see.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors can expect to see a variety of desert dwelling animals such as pronghorns, mule deer, coyotes, and black-tailed prairie dogs. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the mountain plover, the burrowing owl, and the horned lark. In addition, the park is home to a variety of plants, including the yucca, the sand sagebrush, and the cholla cactus.
At Wind Cave National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife that are typically found in prairies and caves. Some of the most common animals seen in the park include bison, elk, pronghorns, and mule deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the swift fox, the mountain plover, and the ferruginous hawk. In addition, the park is home to a variety of plants, including the prairie rose, the yucca, and the prickly pear cactus.
These two parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences for visitors. Whether you are interested in the animals and birds of the desert or the wildlife of the prairies and caves, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park offer opportunities to see a variety of species in their native habitats.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Wind Cave 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 | Wind Cave 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 | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Weasels |
| Mule Deer | House Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mink |
| Long-Eared Bat | Mule Deer |
| Badger | Wolf |
| Ermine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Masked Shrew | Badger |
| Water Shrew | Ermine |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Fringed Myotis |
Reptiles
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | Bull Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Racer |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Western Rattlesnake |
| Milksnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Milksnake |
Fish
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| German Brown Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Cutthroat Trout | Long Nose Dace |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouses Toad |
| Plains Spadefoot | Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfer | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is located in southern Colorado and boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America. Towering more than 750 feet above the valley floor, these massive sand formations are a must-see for any nature lover. In addition to the sand dunes, the park also features a diverse landscape of wetlands, forests, and alpine lakes that can be explored via a variety of hiking trails.
Wind Cave National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota and is home to one of the world’s longest and most complex caves. The cave is known for its unique features, including boxwork formations, which are thin blades of calcite that form a honeycomb-like pattern on the cave walls. Visitors to the park can take tours of the cave to learn more about its geology and history, or explore the park’s vast prairies and rolling hills on horseback or on foot.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike or an underground adventure, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park offer something for everyone. So plan your next trip today and experience the beauty and diversity of these two incredible national parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are majestic lands that offer a unique combination of natural beauty and recreational activities. While both parks are known for their stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, they each have their own unique attractions and popular activities.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is best known for its towering sand dunes, which are the tallest in North America. The park is a popular destination for sandboarding and sledding on the dunes, as well as hiking and backpacking in the surrounding mountains. For those who love water activities, the park also offers fishing and kayaking on the Medano Creek.
Wind Cave National Park, on the other hand, is home to one of the world’s longest and most complex cave systems. The park offers tours of the Wind Cave, as well as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching and bison watching are also popular activities in the park, where visitors can see a variety of bird species and the famous American bison.
Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable outdoor experience, and visitors can choose to spend their time exploring the vast landscapes and natural wonders of the parks, or participate in the many recreational activities available. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape or an action-packed adventure, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are two beautiful national parks in the United States that offer different experiences to visitors. Both parks have unique weather patterns, and the best time to visit each park depends on the type of experience you are seeking.
The Great Sand Dunes are located in southern Colorado, and the park experiences seasonal weather changes with hot summers and cold winters. The summer months are the most popular time to visit the dunes, as temperatures can reach up to 90°F during the day, making it perfect for sand sledding and hiking. However, during the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing and snow can make some park trails and facilities inaccessible.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, experiences a more moderate climate with warm summers and mild winters. However, the park is known for its underground cave system and it is recommended to visit during the summer months when the cave temperature is more comfortable. Winter temperatures in the park can drop below freezing, making it more challenging to explore the cave system.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park offer unique experiences and scenery, but the best time to visit each park depends on the type of weather you prefer and the activities you are interested in. If you enjoy warm temperatures and outdoor activities, the Great Sand Dunes are best visited during the summer months. If you are interested in exploring caves, Wind Cave is best visited during the warm summer months.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are two unique and beautiful national parks located in the United States. Both parks offer a range of activities and experiences, but when it comes to family-friendliness, they differ in several ways.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a great destination for families who love outdoor adventure. It offers activities such as sandboarding, hiking, and fishing, as well as a scenic drive through the park. Children can also enjoy educational ranger programs, which provide a fun and interactive way to learn about the park’s unique geological features.
Wind Cave National Park, on the other hand, is more geared towards families who are interested in learning about the natural world. The park offers ranger-led tours of its famous Wind Cave, where visitors can learn about the geology, biology, and history of the cave. Children can also participate in Junior Ranger Programs and attend nature walks to learn about the diverse array of wildlife found in the park.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Wind Cave National Park are great destinations for families. Great Sand Dunes is a perfect place for families who love outdoor adventure, while Wind Cave is better for families who are interested in learning about the natural world. Ultimately, the choice between the two parks will depend on the interests and preferences of the travelers.