Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most stunning parks in the United States. They are both a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, making them a must-visit for all nature enthusiasts. While Mesa Verde is located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, North Cascades is nestled in the Pacific Northwest of Washington State.
Mesa Verde is known for its ancient cliff dwellings, which were built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago. It is a unique blend of history and nature, and visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the lives of the people who lived there. On the other hand, North Cascades is a wonderland of glaciers, alpine lakes, and jagged peaks. It is a perfect destination for those who love to hike, camp, and enjoy the great outdoors.
In this article, we will compare and contrast these two parks, highlighting their differences and similarities. We will take a closer look at the activities, attractions, and amenities offered by each park and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure. So, whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a weekend getaway, get ready to be transported to two of the most breathtaking parks in the country!
Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is known for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, while North Cascades National Park in Washington features rugged peaks and glaciers. The hiking trails in these parks offer a range of difficulty levels, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks.
At Mesa Verde, the easiest hikes include the Spruce Tree House Trail, a 0.3-mile loop that leads to one of the park’s best-preserved cliff dwellings, and the Petroglyph Point Trail, a 1.2-mile hike to an overlook with views of the surrounding mesas and canyons. For more challenging hikes, try the Knife Edge Trail, a 4.7-mile trek with steep drop-offs and narrow paths, or the Prater Ridge Trail, a 7.2-mile hike to the top of a mesa with panoramic views.
North Cascades National Park features similarly varied trails. The easiest hikes include the Rainy Lake Trail, a 2-mile loop with views of Rainy Lake and the surrounding mountains, and the Ladder Creek Falls Trail, a 1.2-mile hike to a scenic waterfall. For a more strenuous hike, try the Cascade Pass Trail, a 5.5-mile trek to a high mountain pass with views of glaciers and peaks, or the Desolation Peak Trail, a 6-mile hike to a fire lookout with panoramic views of the North Cascades.
Both Mesa Verde and North Cascades offer a variety of hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, these parks have something to offer.
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 North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and North Cascades National Park in Washington are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer unique experiences and a range of wildlife to see.
At Mesa Verde, visitors can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife, including coyotes, pronghorns, and mule deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the colorful painted redstart and the western bluebird. In addition to wildlife, visitors can also see a range of native plants, including wildflowers, cacti, and pinyon pine trees.
North Cascades National Park is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a range of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the majestic bald eagle and the common raven. In addition to wildlife, visitors can also see a range of trees and plants, including Douglas firs, western hemlocks, and huckleberries.
Both parks offer unique experiences, but North Cascades National Park is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re looking to see a range of wildlife, explore unique landscapes, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, both Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park are great places to visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Mesa Verde National Park | North Cascades 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Mesa Verde National Park | North Cascades 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 |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Puma |
| Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Ermine |
| Badger | California Myotis |
| Ermine | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Mesa Verde National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Racer | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Rubber Boa |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Western Fence 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 | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Mesa Verde National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Burbot | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Mesa Verde National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado and is famous for its cliff dwellings, which are ancient apartments carved into sheer sandstone cliffs by the Ancestral Puebloan people. The most famous of these is the Cliff Palace, which is considered the largest and best preserved cliff dwelling in North America. Visitors can tour the cliff dwellings and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Ancestral Puebloans.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Washington and is known for its rugged and beautiful mountain landscapes. The park is home to numerous peaks, including the tallest peak in the park, Goode Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 9,209 feet. Visitors can hike the numerous trails to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape or take a scenic drive along the North Cascades Highway, which offers incredible views of the park’s towering peaks and glaciers.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to experience the beauty of nature and learn about the cultural history of the area. Whether you’re interested in hiking and exploring the rugged mountain landscapes of North Cascades National Park or learning about the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at either of these stunning national parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Mesa Verde is located in southwestern Colorado and is known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. North Cascades National Park is located in northern Washington and is known for its rugged mountains and diverse wilderness areas.
At Mesa Verde, visitors can tour the cliff dwellings, go on ranger-led hikes, and experience the park’s rich cultural and natural history through museum exhibits and educational programs. There are also opportunities for camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
North Cascades National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. The park is also a popular destination for water activities like fishing, kayaking, and rafting. Visitors can explore the park’s wilderness areas on horseback or by car and enjoy scenic drives and wildlife viewing opportunities. There are also several campgrounds and picnic areas available for visitors to enjoy.
Both parks are a great destination for those seeking to connect with nature and experience the great outdoors. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient cultures or tackling rugged mountains, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and North Cascades National Park in Washington are two popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Although both parks have unique weather patterns, seasonal weather can have a significant impact on the best time to visit.
Mesa Verde is known for its hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great time for hiking and exploring the park’s ancient ruins. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it a great time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, as thunderstorms are common in the summer months.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, experiences a more moderate climate with wet, rainy winters and dry, warm summers. Summer temperatures usually range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great time for hiking, camping, and exploring the park’s stunning scenery. Winter temperatures can reach below freezing, and the park is known for receiving heavy snowfall, making it a great time for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
In conclusion, both Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park have unique weather patterns that can greatly affect the best time to visit. Visitors should consider the seasonal weather and plan accordingly for their trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Family Friendliness of Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and North Cascades National Park are two vastly different parks, each offering unique experiences for families. Located in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde is known for its ancient cliff dwellings, built by the Pueblo people over 700 years ago. The park offers ranger-led tours of these dwellings, as well as several self-guided trails and picnic areas. In contrast, North Cascades National Park in Washington state is home to towering peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a variety of trails for hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as ranger-led programs and scenic drives.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Mesa Verde is the better option for families with younger children. The park’s focus on history and cultural heritage, combined with its well-maintained trails and tour offerings, make it an accessible and engaging destination for families. North Cascades, on the other hand, is more suited for families with older children who are interested in hiking and outdoor recreation. The park’s rugged terrain and remote location may not be ideal for families with younger children. Additionally, the park’s facilities and services are more limited compared to Mesa Verde.
In conclusion, both Mesa Verde and North Cascades National Parks offer unique experiences for families, but the choice between them ultimately depends on the age and interests of your children. If you’re traveling with younger children, Mesa Verde is the better choice, offering a more accessible and educational experience. However, if you’re traveling with older children who enjoy outdoor recreation, North Cascades is the perfect destination for a family adventure.