Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of America’s most iconic national parks. Both are must-see destinations for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. But what sets these two parks apart from one another? In this article, we will be comparing Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park to help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, offers visitors a chance to relax and rejuvenate in the naturally warm waters of hot springs. The park is home to over 40 hot springs, some of which are open for public use. It’s a perfect place to unwind, soak in the natural beauty, and experience the thermal waters.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is located in Colorado and is a history lover’s dream. The park is home to ancient Native American cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is considered one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. Visitors can take guided tours to see the structures, learn about the culture and history of the ancestral Puebloans, and explore the stunning natural landscape of the park.
Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two popular U.S. national parks that offer unique and diverse hiking experiences.
Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and offers 26 miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. The easiest hike is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, a 0.6-mile round trip hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. On the other hand, the most challenging hike is the Sunset Trail, a 7.2-mile round trip hike that takes you through dense forests and rugged terrain.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is known for its ancient Native American cliff dwellings. The park offers over 20 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The easiest hike is the Spruce Tree House Trail, a 0.3-mile round trip hike to one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the park. The hardest hike is the Wetherill Mesa Loop, a 5.3-mile round trip hike that takes you to several cliff dwellings and offers stunning views of the surrounding mesas.
Both parks offer breathtaking views and unique hiking experiences, but Hot Springs National Park is recommended for those looking for an easier, more relaxed hike, while Mesa Verde National Park is better for those looking for a more challenging hike with a historical twist.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroglyph Point Trail | 4184.284 | 131.9784 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cliff Palace Loop Trail | 643.736 | 25.908 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Balcony House Loop Trail | 643.736 | 27.7368 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail | 3379.614 | 161.8488 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Soda Canyon Overlook Trail | 1931.208 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | 24140.1 | 797.9664 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Long House Trail | 3379.614 | 86.868 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Step House Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Knife Edge Trail | 3218.68 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Prater Ridge Trail | 11748.182 | 311.8104 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer unique experiences for visitors and are home to a variety of wildlife. Hot Springs National Park is known for its hot springs and its diverse array of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and raccoons. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including woodpeckers, blue jays, and cardinals. In addition, the park has a variety of plants, including oak and hickory trees, wildflowers, and ferns.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is known for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and the diverse array of wildlife that can be found in the park. Visitors to Mesa Verde can expect to see a variety of mammals, including coyotes, elk, and deer. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including hawks, eagles, and owls. In addition to its wildlife, Mesa Verde National Park is also home to a variety of plants, including pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
Both Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique experiences and are great places to see wildlife. Whether you are interested in observing hot springs, ancient cliff dwellings, or a variety of wildlife and plants, both parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hot Springs National Park | Mesa Verde 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
| Hot Springs National Park | Mesa Verde 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 |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mink | House Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| North American River Otter | Mink |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Mule Deer |
| White-Tailed Deer | Gray Fox |
| Virginia Opossum | Wolf |
| Eastern Red Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| White-Footed Mouse | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Norway Rat | Badger |
| Eastern Cottontail | Ermine |
Amphibians
| Hot Springs National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Hot Springs National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Hot Springs National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park both offer unique and breathtaking landscapes to visitors. In Hot Springs National Park, visitors can see hot springs that are considered the park’s main attraction. The hot springs flow from the Ouachita Mountain range, and the park’s bathhouse row is lined with historic bathhouses that harness the healing power of these hot springs. The park also has scenic drives, hiking trails, and picnic areas that offer views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains.
In Mesa Verde National Park, visitors can see the ancient cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people. The park’s main attraction is the Cliff Palace, which is one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. Visitors can also see other ancient dwellings such as the Balcony House, Long House, and Spruce Tree House. The park’s landscape is characterized by mesas, canyons, and valleys. Visitors can take guided tours of the cliff dwellings, hike in the backcountry, or explore the park’s scenic drives to see the breathtaking views. The park also offers campgrounds and picnic areas surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two popular national parks that are widely known for their unique features, breathtaking landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities on offer.
Hot Springs National Park is famous for its natural hot springs, and visitors love to bathe in the thermal waters and relax in the scenic surroundings. The park also offers a range of other activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and ranger-led programs. In addition, visitors can explore the historic bathhouses and grand architecture of the early 20th century.
Mesa Verde National Park is a special place for those who love archaeology, history and outdoor adventures. The park features a large number of ancient cliff dwellings and visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the lives of the Pueblo people who lived there. In addition to the cliff dwellings, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and camping.
Both parks offer breathtaking views, unique landscapes and a chance to connect with nature. Whether it’s soaking in the hot springs of Hot Springs National Park or exploring the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two unique and popular national parks located in different regions of the United States. The seasonal weather at each park greatly affects when is the best time of year to visit.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park experiences high temperatures during the summer months, with average temperatures ranging from the high 80s to the low 90s. Winter temperatures are mild, with average temperatures ranging from the high 40s to the low 50s. Spring and fall are pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to the low 70s. The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park experiences high temperatures during the summer months, with average temperatures ranging from the high 70s to the low 80s. Winter temperatures are cold, with average temperatures ranging from the high 20s to the low 30s. The best time to visit Mesa Verde National Park is during the summer months when temperatures are warm and comfortable.
Family Friendliness of Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Hot Springs National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are family-friendly and offer unique experiences for families traveling with children.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its geothermal hot springs and historic bathhouses. The park offers a range of activities for families, including scenic drives, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs. The park is also home to the historic Fordyce Bathhouse, which now serves as a museum and offers educational programs for visitors.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique look into the history and culture of the ancient Puebloan people. The park is home to numerous cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, and offers ranger-led tours and educational programs. The park also offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking trails and scenic drives.
When it comes to traveling with children, both parks offer a great experience. However, Mesa Verde National Park may be a better option for families with younger children, as the park’s ranger-led tours and educational programs are specifically designed for families and children. Hot Springs National Park may be a better option for families with older children, as the park offers more challenging hikes and outdoor activities. Overall, both parks are great options for families looking for a unique and educational outdoor experience.