Are you torn between visiting Lake Clark National Park & Preserve or Mesa Verde National Park? These two national parks are both unique in their own way, offering different landscapes, activities, and experiences. But how do you choose between two of America’s most treasured lands? This article will explore the differences between Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park and help you make the ultimate decision on where to plan your next adventure.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a remote, rugged, and wild land located in Southwest Alaska. From the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Clark to the towering peaks of the Chigmit Mountains, this park is a true wilderness paradise. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in this breathtaking landscape.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Southwest Colorado, offers a completely different experience. Here, visitors can explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, who lived in the region from 600 to 1300 AD. The park is home to over 4,000 archeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is considered one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. This park offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the American Southwest.
Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. On the other hand, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is famous for its Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.
The hiking trails at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve range from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The easy trails include the Silver Salmon Creek Trail, which offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. The hardest trail is the Chinitna Bay Trail, a challenging backcountry hike that takes you through rugged terrain and offers views of glaciers and wildlife.
Mesa Verde National Park also offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous treks. The easy trails include the Spruce Tree House Trail, which leads to a well-preserved cliff dwelling. The hardest trail is the Knife Edge Trail, which takes you to the top of a mesa for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Overall, both parks offer a variety of hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely nature walk or a challenging backcountry trek, you’ll find it at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve or Mesa Verde National Park.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.7 |
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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is known for its abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. Visitors to the park may see brown bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. In addition, birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and puffins. The park also boasts a diverse range of plants, including tundra, spruce, and birch forests.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is famous for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, but it is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors may see mule deer, elk, coyotes, and bobcats. The park is a great place for birdwatching, as well, with species such as turkey vultures, ravens, and red-tailed hawks commonly seen. The park also has a rich plant diversity, including piñon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to see a range of fascinating wildlife, from large mammals to birds and plants. However, the specific species that can be seen at each park are unique to their respective habitats and climates. Whether you’re interested in observing majestic brown bears or exploring the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, these two parks offer a wealth of opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | 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 |
Northern Pintail | European Starling |
American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
Black Bear | Bobcat |
Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
Mink | Deer Mouse |
Gray Wolf | Raccoon |
Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
Snowshoe Hare | Porcupine |
Northern River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
Masked Shrew | Hoary Bat |
Water Shrew | Red Fox |
Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
Lynx | Mountain Lion |
Wolverine | Mink |
American Marten | Mule Deer |
Brown Bear | Gray Fox |
Meadow Vole | Wolf |
Moose | Long-Legged Myotis |
Least Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
Pygmy Shrew | Badger |
Meadow Jumping Mouse | Ermine |
Fish
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Steelhead | |
Longnose Sucker | |
Lake Trout | |
Northern Pike | |
Burbot | |
Silver Salmon | |
King Salmon | |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Threespine Stickleback | |
Sockeye Salmon | |
Pink Salmon | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | Mesa Verde National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve | 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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is known for its stunning landscapes, including the volcano-lined Chigmit Mountains, glaciers, and the turquoise waters of Lake Clark itself. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse wilderness by foot, boat, or air and observe the wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and caribou. The park is also famous for its remote backcountry and opportunities for adventure, such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is known for its Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, which are some of the best-preserved examples of ancient Native American architecture. The park also offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the mesas, canyons, and plateaus. Visitors can explore the park’s ancient ruins and learn about the lives of the people who lived there over 700 years ago.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, making them popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in exploring the rugged wilderness of Lake Clark or learning about the rich cultural history of Mesa Verde, both parks offer a wealth of opportunities to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While Lake Clark offers scenic views of glaciers and wildlife, Mesa Verde is known for its ancient Native American ruins.
At Lake Clark, visitors can indulge in various activities such as fishing, kayaking, and bear viewing. The park is famous for its trophy-sized rainbow trout and salmon fishing in the many rivers and lakes. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can take a scenic boat tour to see glaciers and wildlife, including brown bears.
Mesa Verde, on the other hand, offers a unique blend of history and nature. The park is home to more than 4,000 archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. Visitors can take guided tours to see the cliff dwellings, learn about the ancestral Puebloan culture, and explore the park’s hiking trails. The park also offers ranger-led walks and talks, and special programs during the summer months.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled trip or a peaceful escape in nature, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are two popular tourist destinations in the United States that offer unique experiences. The seasonal weather in these parks differs greatly, which affects the best time of year to visit each park.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Winter temperatures average below freezing and snowfall is common. Summer temperatures are mild, with occasional rain showers. The best time of year to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, with low humidity and clear skies. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall. The best time of year to visit is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities, such as hiking and exploring the ancient ruins.
In conclusion, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique and contrasting experiences to visitors, with different weather patterns affecting the best time of year to visit. Visitors should consider the seasonal weather when planning their trip to either park to ensure the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park are both beautiful places to visit, but their family-friendliness varies. Lake Clark is more rugged and remote than Mesa Verde, and is better suited for families with older children or a more adventurous spirit. The park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, but the lack of developed infrastructure means that visitors must be self-sufficient.
Mesa Verde, on the other hand, is more accessible and has more facilities for families. The park features well-maintained trails and ranger-led programs that educate visitors about the Ancestral Puebloan culture. There are also picnic areas, campgrounds, and a visitor center with interactive exhibits. Additionally, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde provide a unique and fascinating look into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans, making it a great choice for families with younger children.
In conclusion, both Lake Clark National Park & Preserve and Mesa Verde National Park offer unique experiences, but the former is better suited for adventurous families and the latter is more family-friendly. Visitors should consider the age and interests of their children when deciding which park to choose.