Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most stunning and diverse national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer visitors a chance to explore breathtaking landscapes, witness the power of nature, and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, there are stark differences between these two parks that make them unique and ideal for different types of travelers.
For those who love the thrill of adventure, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offers an otherworldly experience with its towering sand dunes, pristine lakes, and challenging hikes. Meanwhile, Yosemite National Park is a place of serenity and seclusion, with its towering granite cliffs, lush meadows, and serene waterfalls. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape, there’s something for everyone at these two amazing parks.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the similarities and differences between Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park, and help you decide which one is best for your next adventure. From the breathtaking views to the unique activities, we’ll cover it all, so sit back, relax, and get ready to explore two of America’s most iconic national parks!
Hiking Trails in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado and Yosemite National Park in California are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both offer scenic hiking trails, each has its own unique features and challenges.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, visitors can hike the sand dunes themselves or explore the surrounding mountains and forests. The easiest hike in the park is the Medano Creek Trail, a flat, 2-mile trail along the creek that offers stunning views of the dunes. For a more strenuous hike, try the High Dune hike, a strenuous 3-mile ascent to the top of the tallest sand dune in North America.
In contrast, Yosemite National Park is known for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. The easiest hike in the park is the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, a 1-mile paved trail that leads to the base of Yosemite Falls. For a more challenging hike, try the Half Dome hike, a strenuous 16-mile round-trip hike to the top of the iconic Half Dome cliff face.
Both parks offer a variety of hikes to suit different levels of fitness and experience, from easy, flat trails to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park both offer opportunities for adventure and breathtaking views.
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 Yosemite National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail | 10299.776 | 667.8168 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail | 11587.248 | 967.74 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
Half Dome Trail | 23818.232 | 1573.9872 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1609.34 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake | 19794.882 | 948.8424 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Four Mile Trail | 12070.05 | 998.8296 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
Sentinel Dome Trail | 3379.614 | 138.9888 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Glacier Point Trail | 965.604 | 71.9328 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Vernal Falls | 5954.558 | 406.908 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail | 9012.304 | 101.8032 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. They offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and majesty of nature in a unique way. In terms of wildlife, both parks are a haven for a variety of species.
At Great Sand Dunes, visitors can expect to see a range of animals, including mule deer, pronghorns, and elk. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the American kestrel, the mountain bluebird, and the horned lark. In terms of plants, the park is home to a variety of cacti, shrubs, and grasses that are well adapted to the harsh conditions of the dunes.
At Yosemite, visitors can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the Steller’s jay, the mountain bluebird, and the California condor. Yosemite is also home to a rich variety of plant life, including giant sequoias, Douglas firs, and ponderosa pines.
In conclusion, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park offer visitors a unique chance to see a wide range of wildlife and plant life. Whether you are interested in animals, birds, or plants, both parks are sure to have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Yosemite 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 | Yosemite National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Red Fox | House Mouse |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Mountain Lion |
Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
Long-Eared Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
Ermine | Badger |
Snowshoe Hare | Ermine |
Masked Shrew | California Myotis |
Water Shrew | River Otter |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Fringed Myotis |
Reptiles
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
---|---|
Bull Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Sagebrush Lizard |
Western Prairie Rattlesnake | Northern Rubber Boa |
Greater Short-Horned Lizards | Western Skink |
Milksnake | Western Fence Lizard |
Eastern Fence Lizard |
Fish
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
---|---|
Brook Trout | Rainbow Trout |
German Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
Cutthroat Trout | Brown Trout |
Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve | Yosemite National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | |
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Great Sand Dunes is known for its towering sand dunes, which can reach up to 750 feet in height, making them the tallest sand dunes in North America. In addition to its sand dunes, Great Sand Dunes also features unique landscapes such as Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that flows through the park, as well as the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Yosemite National Park is famous for its stunning granite cliffs and waterfalls, including Half Dome and El Capitan, two of the most iconic rock formations in the world. Yosemite is also home to the majestic Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. The park is renowned for its beautiful valleys, including the Merced River and the Yosemite Valley, which are surrounded by towering peaks and cliffs. Additionally, Yosemite is known for its diverse wildlife, including Black Bears, Deer, and Mountain Lions.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and each offers a unique set of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Great Sand Dunes, the main attraction is the towering sand dunes that rise up from the valley floor. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, or they can try sand sledding or sandboarding down the steep slopes. In addition, the park offers a number of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest and along nearby streams.
Yosemite, on the other hand, is known for its towering granite cliffs, including Half Dome and El Capitan, as well as its scenic waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. Visitors can hike to the top of Half Dome or El Capitan, or they can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park’s meadows and valleys. The park also offers a number of scenic drives, including the Tioga Road and the Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 giant sequoias.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and sightseeing to camping and wildlife watching. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a peaceful escape into nature, both Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. The seasonal weather at these two parks is very different, and this affects when is the best time of year to visit each park.
At Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, the weather is warm and dry during the summer months and cold and snowy during the winter months. Summer temperatures can reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great destination for those who enjoy hot weather and outdoor activities such as sand sledding and hiking. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a great destination for those who enjoy winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
At Yosemite National Park, the weather is mild and wet during the spring and fall months, and hot and dry during the summer months. Spring temperatures can range from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great time to visit for those who enjoy mild weather and wildflowers. Fall temperatures can also range from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great time to visit for those who enjoy mild weather and fall foliage. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great destination for those who enjoy hot weather and outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking.
Family Friendliness of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Yosemite National Park are both popular destinations for families. However, there are differences in how family-friendly each park is.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a unique and exciting destination for families, with its towering sand dunes, scenic valleys, and nearby streams. Children will love running and playing in the sand, and the park offers many educational opportunities, such as ranger-led programs and an on-site visitor center. Additionally, there are several easy hikes in the park, making it accessible for families with younger children.
On the other hand, Yosemite National Park is a bit more challenging for families with young children. While the park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, including Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and El Capitan, many of the park’s best sights require a strenuous hike or climb. Additionally, some of the park’s popular attractions can get quite crowded, making it difficult for families with younger children to navigate.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with young children, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve may be a better choice as it offers a more accessible and engaging experience for families. However, if you are up for a challenge and have older children, Yosemite National Park is a must-see destination with its breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor opportunities.