Mesa Verde and Pinnacles National Parks, both located in the Western United States, offer a unique and breathtaking look into the past. But which one is right for you?
Mesa Verde, located in Colorado, is known for its ancient cliff dwellings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a chance to step back in time and explore the homes of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived there over 700 years ago.
On the other hand, Pinnacles, located in California, is a newer addition to the national park system and offers a different type of adventure. It is a hiker’s paradise, with towering spires and dramatic rock formations, created by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Both parks offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. But which one is the better choice for your next adventure? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado and boasts a rich cultural history. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The Cliff Palace Loop Trail is a popular, easy hike that takes visitors through a well-preserved cliff dwelling and offers stunning views of the surrounding canyons. The more challenging Petroglyph Point Trail is a 5.3-mile hike that leads to petroglyphs etched into the rock by the ancient Pueblo people.
Pinnacles National Park is located in central California and offers a unique landscape of towering rock formations and diverse plant and animal life. The park has over 30 miles of hiking trails, including easy hikes like the Balconies Cave Trail and the more strenuous High Peaks Trail. The Balconies Cave Trail is a 1.3-mile hike that takes visitors through a series of caves and offers views of the surrounding rock formations. The High Peaks Trail is a 5-mile hike with steep inclines and rocky terrain, but rewards hikers with panoramic views of the park from the top.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking options for all skill levels, but the hikes at Mesa Verde tend to be shorter and less strenuous than those at Pinnacles. However, Pinnacles’ High Peaks Trail offers a more challenging and rewarding experience for experienced hikers.
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 Pinnacles National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop | 8690.436 | 484.9368 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Pinnacles Trail Loop | 15288.73 | 527.9136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bear Gulch Day Use Area to Reservoir via Rim Trail | 2896.812 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| High Peaks Trail | 10138.842 | 539.8008 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop Trail | 12713.786 | 549.8592 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Reservoir | 1770.274 | 96.9264 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies | 8207.634 | 150.876 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Balconies Trail | 13196.588 | 592.836 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Juniper Canyon Trail to High Peaks | 5793.624 | 383.7432 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Balconies Cave Trail | 4184.284 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Mesa Verde National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and Pinnacles National Park in California are two beautiful national parks that are known for their unique wildlife. Mesa Verde is home to a variety of animals, including coyotes, elk, mule deer, and black bears. The park also has a rich bird population, with species like the red-tailed hawk, golden eagle, and peregrine falcon. In addition to wildlife, visitors to Mesa Verde will also see a diverse range of plants, including pinion pines, junipers, and pinyon pines.
Pinnacles National Park is also known for its diverse wildlife, which includes animals like the California condor, black-tailed deer, and mountain lions. The park is also a popular bird-watching spot, with species like the American kestrel, Anna’s hummingbird, and the acorn woodpecker. Pinnacles is also home to a variety of plants, including chaparral shrubs, oak trees, and madrones.
When comparing the wildlife of Mesa Verde and Pinnacles, it is clear that both parks are rich in a variety of species. However, Mesa Verde is known for its large mammals, like elk and black bears, while Pinnacles is famous for its bird population, including the rare California condor. Both parks are also home to a diverse range of plants, making them great destinations for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mesa Verde National Park and Pinnacles National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Mesa Verde National Park | Pinnacles 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 | 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 | Great Blue Heron |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Swainson’s Thrush |
| European Starling | Killdeer |
| Northern Pintail | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Wigeon | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Green-Winged Teal | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Mesa Verde National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Black Bear | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | House Mouse |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Puma |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Red Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| House Mouse | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | North American Badger |
| Mink | California Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Fringed Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Wolf | Townsends’ Big-Eared Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Small-Footed Bat |
| Badger | Yuma Myotis |
| Ermine | Pallid Bat |
Reptiles
| Mesa Verde National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gophersnake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Yellow-Bellied Racer |
| Racer | Ringneck Snake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Common Gartersnake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | California Kingsnake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Nightsnake | Night Snake |
| Milksnake | Western Whiptail |
| Striped Whipsnake | Glossy Snake |
| Tree Lizard | Western Skink |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Desert Spiny Lizard |
| Glossy Snake | Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Mesa Verde National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Mesa Verde National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Buckeye | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Mesa Verde National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Green Sunfish | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Mosquitofish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Mesa Verde National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings and the breathtaking landscape that surrounds them. This park is located in southwestern Colorado and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area over 700 years ago. The most famous attraction in Mesa Verde is the Cliff Palace, a massive complex of rooms and buildings built into the cliffs. Visitors can take guided tours of the Cliff Palace to learn more about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Pinnacles National Park, located in central California, offers visitors a chance to see unique rock formations and breathtaking views. The park’s most famous landscape is the Pinnacles, a series of steep spires and cliffs that rise up from the valley floor. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including California Condors, and is a popular destination for rock climbing and hiking. Visitors can explore the park on foot, taking in the stunning views from the many overlooks and trails. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike or an adrenaline-fueled climb, Pinnacles National Park has something to offer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Mesa Verde National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Pinnacles National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities that attract visitors from all over the world.
At Mesa Verde, visitors can explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people. The park offers ranger-led tours of the cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace and Balcony House. Visitors can also hike to the top of mesas and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique rock formations and hiking trails. The park offers a variety of trails, including the popular Balconies Cave Trail and High Peaks Trail, that allow visitors to explore the park’s impressive rock formations. Rock climbing and bouldering are also popular activities at Pinnacles.
In addition to hiking and exploring, both parks offer ranger-led programs, picnic areas, and campgrounds for visitors to enjoy. Mesa Verde also has a visitors center with exhibits about the Ancestral Puebloan people, while Pinnacles has a nature center that offers information about the park’s wildlife and geology.
Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient cultures, rock formations, or simply enjoying the outdoors, both Mesa Verde National Park and Pinnacles National Park have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and Pinnacles National Park in California offer vastly different weather conditions, which affects when it is best to visit each park. Mesa Verde has a high desert climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F and higher, while winter temperatures can reach below freezing. The park is open year-round, but visitors should be prepared for winter weather if visiting during that time.
Pinnacles National Park has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Winter temperatures average in the 50s, while summer temperatures can reach into the 90s. The park is also open year-round, but the best time to visit is between March and May, when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Both parks offer unique experiences, and the best time to visit each will depend on what activities you are interested in. If you are interested in hiking and exploring the parks, spring and fall are the best times to visit Mesa Verde and Pinnacles, when temperatures are mild and conditions are optimal for outdoor activities. Summer is a popular time to visit both parks, but be prepared for hot weather, especially in Pinnacles. If you are interested in seeing snow in Mesa Verde or experiencing the wildflowers in Pinnacles, winter and spring are the best times to visit.
Family Friendliness of Mesa Verde National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Pinnacles National Park are both popular destinations for families with children. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking views, but which one is better suited for families with children?
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings. While families can enjoy ranger-led tours of these historic sites, the park also offers a variety of family-friendly activities such as hiking, camping, and ranger programs. However, the park’s remote location and lack of amenities can make it difficult for families with young children.
Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, offers a more manageable experience for families with children. The park features shorter, easier trails and several picnic areas, making it a great place to spend a day with the kids. Pinnacles also has more amenities, such as restrooms and food concessions, making it easier for families to spend a full day in the park without having to leave for basic necessities.
In conclusion, Pinnacles National Park is the better choice for families traveling with children. Its accessibility and amenities make it easier for families with young children to enjoy a day in the great outdoors. While Mesa Verde is certainly a unique and historical destination, its remote location and lack of amenities make it more challenging for families with young children.