Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park are two of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders, each offering a unique and unforgettable adventure. From the towering cliffs of Mesa Verde to the lush rainforests of Olympic, these parks are a testament to the diversity of America’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, these parks promise to leave you in awe.
Mesa Verde, located in southwestern Colorado, is home to the largest concentration of ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in the world. Visitors can explore the fascinating ruins of these homes, built into the cliffs by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago. Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State and is famous for its diverse landscape, including rugged coastline, glaciers, and old-growth forests.
In this article, we’ll explore these two parks in depth, comparing and contrasting the unique features that make each one so special. From the history of the Ancestral Puebloans to the breathtaking beauty of Olympic’s coastline, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes these parks truly one of a kind. So pack your bags, grab your hiking shoes, and join us on an adventure through Mesa Verde and Olympic National Parks!
Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park both offer visitors a variety of hiking trails to choose from, but they each have unique features that set them apart.
At Mesa Verde, visitors can take self-guided walks to see ancient cliff dwellings, like the Spruce Tree House, or go on guided tours of Balcony House. The Petroglyph Point Trail is a moderate 3-mile hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while the Prater Ridge Trail is a challenging 8.5-mile hike that takes you to the top of a mesa for stunning views of the park.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is a destination for those seeking a true backcountry experience. The Hoh Rain Forest Valley Trail is a popular, easy hike that takes you through one of the wettest rainforests in the country. The more strenuous Hurricane Ridge Trail is a 5-mile hike to the top of a mountain for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The demanding 18-mile trek to the summit of Mount Olympus is a bucket-list hike for experienced backpackers.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you are looking for a scenic picnic spot or a true wilderness adventure, Mesa Verde and Olympic National Parks have something for everyone.
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 Olympic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge | 4988.954 | 242.9256 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Storm King | 6276.426 | 638.8608 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail | 2574.944 | 77.724 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss | 1609.34 | 23.7744 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Marymere Falls Trail | 2735.878 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh River Trail | 52786.352 | 1558.7472 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop | 30577.46 | 1617.8784 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ruby Beach | 2253.076 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Staircase Rapids Loop | 3379.614 | 64.9224 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent | 18024.608 | 131.9784 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and each offers a unique wildlife experience.
At Mesa Verde National Park, visitors will see a diversity of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and various species of birds such as the American Kestrel and the Common Raven. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and lizards. One of the most unique species found in Mesa Verde is the black-tailed prairie dog, a type of ground squirrel that forms colonies throughout the park. Additionally, the park has a diverse plant community, with species ranging from piñon pine and juniper trees to sagebrush and cactus.
At Olympic National Park, visitors can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and elk. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Bald Eagle and the Western Tanager. The park’s temperate rainforest provides a habitat for a number of unique plant species, including Sitka Spruce, Douglas Fir, and Western Red Cedar. Additionally, the park has several species of salmon that can be seen in the rivers and streams that run through the park.
In conclusion, both Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park offer visitors a chance to see a diverse array of wildlife and plant species. Whether you’re interested in birds, mammals, or plant life, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Mesa Verde National Park | Olympic 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 | 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 | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| 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 | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Wolf |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mink | California Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Gray Fox | North American River Otter |
| Wolf | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Masked Shrew |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Water Shrew |
| Badger | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Ermine | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Reptiles
| Mesa Verde National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Racer | Rubber Boa |
| Western Rattlesnake | Western Fence Lizard |
| 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 | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Mesa Verde National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Salish Sucker | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Mesa Verde National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, USA is known for its unique and ancient Native American cliff dwellings. The park offers visitors the chance to see structures built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago. The Cliff Palace, which is the largest cliff dwelling in North America, is a must-see for anyone visiting the park. The park also offers scenic drives and hikes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mesas and canyons.
Olympic National Park in Washington, USA is a diverse park with a range of landscapes, from the rugged Pacific coastline to the lush temperate rainforest to the alpine meadows. The park is home to a number of famous waterfalls, including Sol Duc Falls, which is one of the most popular destinations in the park. The Hoh Rainforest, which receives over 140 inches of rainfall each year, is also a must-see for anyone visiting the park. The park is also home to the Olympic Mountains, which offer challenging hikes and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a unique experience for visitors, with a variety of activities to choose from.
At Mesa Verde, visitors can explore the ancient ruins of the Ancestral Puebloan civilization, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is one of the largest cliff dwellings in the world. Guided tours and ranger-led programs are available to enhance the visitor experience. In addition, the park offers scenic drives and picnicking opportunities.
On the other hand, Olympic National Park is known for its diverse landscapes, which range from forested coastal areas to high mountain ranges. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the beach, go fishing, or kayaking in the park’s many waterways. The park also features hot springs, which are popular for soaking and relaxing.
For those looking for a more strenuous activity, Olympic National Park has a number of challenging backcountry trails, including the popular Seven Lakes Basin hike, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscape.
Both parks offer unique opportunities for visitors to explore and connect with nature, but depending on your interests, one park may be a better fit than the other. Whether you prefer exploring ancient ruins, relaxing in hot springs, or hiking challenging trails, Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park have something to offer for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique landscapes, scenic views, and diverse wildlife, but the seasonal weather at each park can greatly affect the best time to visit.
Mesa Verde is located in southwestern Colorado and typically experiences warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making it too hot for some visitors to explore the park comfortably. Winter temperatures can plummet below freezing, making it difficult to explore the park’s trails and roads.
Olympic National Park, located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, is known for its diverse ecosystem, ranging from coastal rainforests to high alpine meadows. The park experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. The best time to visit Olympic National Park is during the summer when the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the park’s trails. Winter can be wet and stormy, with heavy rains and high winds making it less desirable for outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and Olympic National Park in Washington both offer unique and beautiful landscapes for families to explore. However, when considering family-friendliness, there are some key differences between the two parks.
Mesa Verde is a more family-friendly option due to its many ranger-led activities, including guided tours of the park’s famous cliff dwellings. These tours are a great way for children to learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans who once lived there. The park also has several picnic areas and easy hiking trails, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring the park with the kids.
On the other hand, Olympic National Park offers a more rugged and remote experience for families. While the park does have a few ranger-led programs, it is mostly about exploring the wilderness on your own. Olympic National Park has several trails that are perfect for families, including the Hall of Mosses trail, which is a short and easy hike through a lush forest. However, some of the park’s most popular attractions, such as the Hurricane Ridge or the Hoh Rainforest, require a longer hike and may not be the best option for families with young children.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children and are looking for a park with more structured activities and easier trails, Mesa Verde National Park may be the better option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more rugged and remote wilderness experience, Olympic National Park may be the right choice for your family.