Mesa Verde National Park vs New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

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Mesa Verde National Park vs New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most iconic and breathtaking national parks in the US. Both parks offer a unique and awe-inspiring experience for visitors. In this article, we will take a closer look at these two parks, comparing and contrasting their natural beauty, history, and activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a fun and educational adventure, Mesa Verde and New River Gorge have something to offer.

Mesa Verde is home to the largest archaeological preserve in the country, with thousands of ancient cliff dwellings that will leave you in awe. The park provides a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the area over 700 years ago. On the other hand, New River Gorge is a modern-day playground for adventure seekers, with breathtaking views, world-class rock climbing, and white-water rafting opportunities.

So, join us on this exciting journey as we explore the wonders of Mesa Verde and New River Gorge, comparing and contrasting their natural beauty, rich history, and thrilling activities. Get ready for a wild ride as we take you on a journey through two of America’s most beautiful and diverse national parks.

Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering its own unique set of hiking trails.

Mesa Verde is known for its well-preserved cliff dwellings, which can be viewed on several easy hikes, such as the Spruce Tree House and Cliff Palace trails. The park also offers a strenuous hike to the Sun Temple, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

New River Gorge, on the other hand, is famous for its rugged topography and challenging hikes. The Kaymoor Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, offering scenic views of the New River and its surrounding cliffs. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Endless Wall Trail provides a challenging climb to the top of the New River Gorge Bridge.

Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to strenuous climbs. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, both Mesa Verde and New River Gorge have trails that will suit your needs and provide you with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

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

Most Popular Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Tolmie Peak Trail 8851.37 463.9056 Moderate out and back 4.5
Skyline Trail 8529.502 535.8384 Moderate loop 5
Comet and Christine Falls 6920.162 610.8192 Moderate out and back 4.5
Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail 13518.456 1403.9088 Very Hard out and back 5
Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail 15127.796 780.8976 Moderate loop 5
Naches Peak Loop Trail 5310.822 193.8528 Easy loop 4.5
Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant 11104.446 635.8128 Moderate out and back 4.5
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail 9012.304 348.996 Moderate out and back 5
Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail 3862.416 321.8688 Moderate out and back 4.5
Summerland Trail 13196.588 655.9296 Moderate out and back 4.6

Wildlife in Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two iconic national parks in the United States, each with its own unique wildlife. At Mesa Verde, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including coyotes, pronghorns, and mule deer, as well as a diverse array of birds, including hawks, eagles, and the endangered peregrine falcon. Additionally, Mesa Verde is home to a wide range of plant species, including junipers, pinyon pines, and sagebrush.

On the other hand, New River Gorge is known for its abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and elk, as well as a variety of bird species, such as the turkey vulture, great blue heron, and the pileated woodpecker. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildflowers and other plants, including mountain laurel, rhododendron, and hemlock.

Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the natural world, but each has its own unique wildlife that sets it apart. Whether you’re interested in seeing majestic birds of prey or observing the behavior of large mammals, both Mesa Verde and New River Gorge have something to offer.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Mesa Verde National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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 Great Horned Owl
American Robin Red-Tailed Hawk
Great Horned Owl Barn Swallow
Red-Tailed Hawk Savannah Sparrow
Northern Flicker Great Blue Heron
Merlin Hermit Thrush
Barn Swallow European Starling
Savannah Sparrow Northern Pintail
Great Blue Heron American Wigeon
Hermit Thrush Green-Winged Teal
American Kestrel American Pipit
Bald Eagle Killdeer
Song Sparrow Brown-Headed Cowbird
European Starling Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Pintail Red-Breasted Nuthatch
American Wigeon White-Crowned Sparrow
Green-Winged Teal Northern Shoveler

Mammals

Mesa Verde National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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
Porcupine Porcupine
Silver-Haired Bat Silver-Haired Bat
Hoary Bat Hoary Bat
Red Fox Long-Tailed Weasel
Long-Tailed Weasel House Mouse
House Mouse Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion Black-Tailed Deer
Mink Wolf
Mule Deer Long-Legged Myotis
Gray Fox Long-Eared Myotis
Wolf Ermine
Long-Legged Myotis California Myotis
Long-Eared Myotis Snowshoe Hare
Badger North American River Otter
Ermine Masked Shrew

Reptiles

Mesa Verde National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Gopher Snake Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Common Garter Snake
Racer Rubber Boa
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

Amphibians

Mesa Verde National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Northern Leopard Frog Tiger Salamander
Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Fish

Mesa Verde National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Rainbow Trout
Eastern Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Coho Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Mottled Sculpin
Slimy Sculpin
Threespine Stickleback
Kokanee
Pink Salmon
Dolly Varden
Cutthroat Trout

Insects

Mesa Verde National Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Mourning Cloak
Cabbage White
Silvery Blue
Purplish Copper
Anise Swallowtail

Beautiful Landscapes in Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in southwestern Colorado. The park is best known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace. Visitors can tour several of these dwellings, including the Balcony House and the Long House, which offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the ancient Puebloans.

On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Appalachian Mountains. The park is best known for the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the third highest steel arch bridge in the world. Visitors can hike the trails that lead to breathtaking overlooks, including the Endless Wall Trail, which offers views of the New River Gorge and the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including the Kaymoor Falls and the Fayette Station Falls, which are popular destinations for visitors.

Things To-Do and Activities in Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Mesa Verde, located in Colorado, is best known for its ancient cliff dwellings, built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago. Visitors can explore these dwellings through ranger-led tours and self-guided walks. In addition, the park offers scenic drives, picnic areas, and camping facilities.

New River Gorge, located in West Virginia, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is home to the New River, which is popular for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Rock climbing and ziplining also draw visitors to the park. The park also offers scenic drives, picnic areas, and camping facilities, as well as hiking trails that take visitors to breathtaking overlooks of the New River Gorge Bridge.

Both parks offer visitors the chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the American landscape. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient ruins, rafting down a river, or simply taking in the scenery, Mesa Verde and New River Gorge have something to offer for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, is known for its prehistoric cliff dwellings. On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is famous for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The seasonal weather in these parks can greatly impact when is the best time of year to visit.

Mesa Verde has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The summer months (June-August) can get quite hot, with average temperatures in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow is a common occurrence in the park. The best time to visit is in the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October), when temperatures are mild and the park’s vegetation is in full bloom.

New River Gorge, on the other hand, has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are warm, with average temperatures in the 80s, while winters can be cold with temperatures in the 30s. The park is known for its beautiful fall foliage, making autumn (October-November) the best time to visit. In the winter, the park is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Snow and ice are common in the park during this time, making it a great time to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities in the snow.

In conclusion, the seasonal weather in both Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve greatly affects when is the best time to visit. While Mesa Verde is best visited in spring or fall, New River Gorge is best experienced during the autumn or winter. Regardless of when you choose to visit, both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences.

Family Friendliness of Mesa Verde National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Mesa Verde National Park is a great option for families who want to explore ancient Native American culture. The park offers guided tours of cliff dwellings, as well as educational programs for children. The park also has picnic areas, campgrounds, and easy hiking trails. Parents can bring their children to learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is better suited for families that enjoy outdoor recreation. The park has rock climbing, rafting, hiking, and fishing opportunities. The park also offers ranger-led programs and a visitors center with interactive displays. Younger children may enjoy the park’s Junior Ranger program.

Overall, both parks offer unique opportunities for families to experience history, culture, and nature. However, if you are traveling with young children and want a more educational experience, Mesa Verde may be the better choice. If your family enjoys outdoor recreation, New River Gorge is a great option for your next adventure.

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