If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve Overview
- 2 Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
- 6 Wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
- 7 Wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve Overview
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a land of stunning beauty. Volcanoes steam, salmon run, bears forage, and craggy mountains reflect in shimmering turquoise lakes. Here, too, local people and culture still depend on the land and water. Venture into the park to become part of the wilderness.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Overview
Open 24/7 year round! There are no limitations or reservations to visit, but there is currently limited capacity in the visitor center. The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience this International Dark Sky Park’s starry skies!
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve Hiking Trails
Lake Clark National Park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, there’s a trail that’s perfect for you.
The easiest trail is the Dun Bike Trail, which is just over two miles long and relatively flat. The trailhead is located near the Lake Clark Visitor Center, making it a popular choice for visitors who are short on time. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the South Fork Hiking Trail is a great option. The trail is four miles long and takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the park. It’s also a great choice for birders, as the South Fork Hanting Trail is known for its abundance of bird life.
Best Hikes At Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 598.932 | 7 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 697.992 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 80.772 | 3 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 1079.9064 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 47.8536 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Trail | 143.8656 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Pinion Flats Campground Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| High Dune Trail | 191.7192 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| High and Star Dune Loop | 403.86 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
Hiking Overview at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. The park offers a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy strolls to challenging treks. The easiest trail is the Dunes View Trail, which is a short, 0.5-mile loop that provides stunning views of the dunes. For a more challenging hike, try the Alkali Flat Trail, a 4-mile loop that takes you through a variety of terrain, including dunes, meadows, and forests. For the most experienced hikers, the Sandwich Peak Trail is a strenuous 11-mile round-trip hike that culminates in stunning views from the summit of Sandwich Peak. No matter what your level of experience, Great Sand Dunes National Park has a hiking trail for you.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail | 598.932 | 7 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medano Lake Trail | 697.992 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Montville Nature Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Sand Ramp Trail | 80.772 | 3 | out and back | 3.5 |
| Little Medano Creek Trail to Medano Lake | 1079.9064 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Wellington Ditch Trail | 47.8536 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Dunes Overlook Trail | 143.8656 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Pinion Flats Campground Trail | 26.8224 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| High Dune Trail | 191.7192 | 5 | out and back | 5 |
| High and Star Dune Loop | 403.86 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Lake Clark National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including several species of fish, birds, and mammals. The most common fish in the park are Arctic char, Lake trout, and Dolly Varden. Among the birds that can be found here are ptarmigans, ravens, and waterfowl. Mammals that call Lake Clark National Park home include caribou, moose, brown bears, and wolves. In addition to its abundant wildlife, Lake Clark National Park also boasts a variety of plant life. Some of the most common plants in the park are willows, birches, and spruce trees. Whether you’re looking for fish or flowers, Lake Clark National Park is sure to have something to catch your eye.
Wildlife at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from small insects to large mammals. The most common animals you’re likely to see in the park are mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. Other smaller mammals include squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and mice. You may also see reptiles such as lizards and snakes, as well as a variety of birds, including hawks, eagles, and quail. In addition to its many animal residents, Great Sand Dunes National Park is also home to a wide variety of plants, including grasses, shrubs, and trees. The park’s diverse ecosystem provides habitat for many different species of wildlife, making it a great place to explore the natural world.
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve Weather Considerations
Lake Clark National Park is located in Alaska and is known for its dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife. The park experiences a wide range of weather conditions, from cold winters to hot summers. The best time to visit the park is during the summer, when temperatures are warm and there is little rain. However, the summer also sees an increase in tourism, so visitors should be prepared for crowds. The worst time to visit the park is during the winter, when temperatures can drop below freezing and snowfall is common. For those who don’t mind braving the cold, though, winter can be a beautiful time to experience the park’s stunning landscapes.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve Weather Considerations
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a great place to visit any time of year, but the best time to go depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to experience the park’s namesake dunes, the best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when the temperatures are cooler and the sand isn’t as hot. However, if you’re more interested in hiking or other outdoor activities, the summer months are generally the best time to go, as there is less chance of rain. Winter can also be a good time to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park, as long as you’re prepared for colder weather and possible snow. So whatever your interests, there’s a perfect time of year for you to explore Great Sand Dunes National Park.