Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two of the most amazing natural wonders in the United States. If you’re an adventure seeker or nature lover, these two parks are must-visits. Both parks are unique in their own way, offering visitors a chance to explore the wonders of nature, admire the beauty of volcanic landscapes, and discover the rich cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, is home to one of the largest volcanic systems in the world. The park features a diverse landscape with steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and explosive geysers. If you’re lucky, you might even witness an eruption!
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is a cultural gem nestled in the southwestern corner of Colorado. The park is home to more than 4,000 archeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace, one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ancestral Puebloan dwellings and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous people who lived there for 700 years.
Both parks offer a unique adventure for visitors, but which one is right for you? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Lassen Volcanic National Park has over 150 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The park is known for its active volcanic activity and geothermal features, making for a unique hiking experience. Some of the easier trails include the Lassen Peak Trail and the Bumpass Hell Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s geothermal features. Meanwhile, the more strenuous trails include the Mill Creek Falls Trail and the Summit Lake North Trail, which offer challenging terrain and breathtaking views of the park’s volcanic landscape.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is a unique park that offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the area over 700 years ago. The park has over 20 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest trails include the Petroglyph Point Trail and the Spruce Tree House Trail, which offer a chance to see the ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. The more strenuous trails include the Knife Edge Trail and the Prater Ridge Trail, which offer challenging terrain and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a strenuous hike, these parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 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 Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two unique destinations for nature lovers. When it comes to wildlife, both parks offer a range of species, but they are quite different.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is known for its abundance of wildlife species that thrive in volcanic landscapes. Visitors can expect to see animals like black bears, mountain lions, and deer, as well as a variety of bird species, such as the spotted owl, the red-tailed hawk, and the American kestrel. The park also has a diverse plant life, including forests of pine, fir, and larch, as well as meadows filled with wildflowers.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, is famous for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, but it also offers a unique wildlife experience. Visitors can expect to see animals like the black-tailed deer, the coyote, and the elk, as well as a variety of bird species, such as the peregrine falcon, the western bluebird, and the common raven. The park is also home to a range of plant species, including pinyon and juniper forests, and sagebrush and piñon-juniper woodlands.
Both parks offer a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, but Lassen Volcanic National Park is more focused on the volcanic landscapes and the animals that thrive in those environments, while Mesa Verde National Park is more focused on the ancient history and the animals that inhabit the surrounding areas.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lassen Volcanic 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
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| American Beaver | Coyote |
| Muskrat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Striped Skunk | Big Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Bobcat |
| Black Bear | Striped Skunk |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Mountain Lion | Black Bear |
| Mink | Porcupine |
| Mule Deer | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Wolf | Red Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | House Mouse |
| Fringed Myotis | Mountain Lion |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Mink |
| Yuma Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Bighorn Sheep | Gray Fox |
| Montane Shrew | Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Ringtail | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Badger |
| Wolverine | Ermine |
Fish
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Reptiles
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Racer | Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Kingsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Nightsnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Milksnake |
| Western Whiptail | Striped Whipsnake |
| Western Skink | Tree Lizard |
| Western Fence Lizard | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Mesa Verde National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northeastern California and is known for its geothermal wonders, including boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs, as well as the Lassen Peak, the largest lava dome in the world. The park offers a unique landscape that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park’s many scenic drives, including the Lassen Volcanic Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s volcanic peaks and valleys.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, is famous for its cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America. The park is also home to a number of trails, including the Petroglyph Point Trail, which offers a unique perspective on the park’s indigenous history and culture. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mesa and canyon lands from the many overlooks in the park, including the Sun Temple Overlook and the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are two unique destinations in the United States that offer diverse landscapes and a range of activities for visitors. Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California and is known for its volcanic features, including geysers, mud pots, and fumaroles. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic drives, such as the Lassen Peak Highway, where they can admire the stunning views of the surrounding area. Additionally, the park offers a variety of ranger-led educational programs, such as guided walks and talks, that help visitors understand the park’s volcanic history and geology.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Colorado and is home to some of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Visitors to the park can take guided tours of the cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace, and learn about the ancestral Pueblo people who lived there over 700 years ago. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the Mesa Top Loop Road, where visitors can admire the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In addition, Mesa Verde National Park offers a range of ranger-led educational programs, including guided walks and talks, that provide insight into the cultural and historical significance of the park’s cliff dwellings.
Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are both unique and beautiful destinations, but they differ greatly in terms of weather and climate. Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California, and is known for its active geothermal features and volcanic landscapes. The park experiences a typical high desert climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach the mid-80s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Snow and ice are common in the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Mesa Verde National Park, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Colorado, and is known for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park experiences a more mild climate, with warm summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to low 80s, while winter temperatures can drop into the 30s and 40s. The park is also known for its monsoon season, which brings heavy rain and thunderstorms from July to September.
When choosing when to visit either park, it’s important to consider the weather and what you hope to experience. For those seeking adventure and outdoor recreational activities, the best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is during the summer months, when the snow has melted and the parks trails and roads are accessible. The winter months are best for winter sports enthusiasts, as the snow and ice provide ideal conditions for skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities.
At Mesa Verde National Park, the best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and comfortable. The monsoon season can make it challenging to explore the park’s cliff dwellings, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time.
Family Friendliness of Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are among the most popular destinations for families who love to explore the great outdoors. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for families with children. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, each park has its own unique strengths.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great place for families who enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring volcanic landscapes. The park has a number of easy to moderate hikes, including the popular Bumpass Hell trail, which features stunning views of the park’s volcanic features. The park also offers a variety of camping options, from backcountry camping to RV sites, making it a great place for families to spend a few days.
On the other hand, Mesa Verde National Park is a great destination for families interested in learning about Native American culture and history. The park is home to a number of well-preserved cliff dwellings, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who built them. The park also has a number of easy and short hikes, making it a great place for families with children of all ages to explore.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mesa Verde National Park are great destinations for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. If your family loves hiking and exploring volcanic landscapes, then Lassen Volcanic National Park may be the best choice. However, if you’re interested in learning about Native American culture and history, then Mesa Verde National Park is the way to go.