Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and the chance to immerse yourself in nature, but they each have their own unique character and charm. In this article, we will take a closer look at these two magnificent parks and help you decide which one is best for your next adventure.
Mesa Verde is a cultural treasure, showcasing the rich history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. With over 4,000 known archeological sites, including cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde offers a unique insight into the lives of the people who once lived there. On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is a visual feast, with soaring peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re seeking a rugged adventure or a peaceful escape, Rocky Mountain has something for everyone.
So, are you ready to embark on a journey to discover the beauty of these two national parks? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, this comparison of Mesa Verde and Rocky Mountain will inspire you to pack your bags and hit the road.
Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient Puebloan culture and history through its hiking trails. On the easier side, the Cliff Palace Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile walk that leads visitors to the iconic Cliff Palace, one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. For a slightly more challenging hike, the Petroglyph Point Trail is a 2.4-mile trek that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and offers a chance to see ancient petroglyphs.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts some of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in the country. The park is known for its high peaks, alpine lakes and diverse wildlife. For an easier hike, the Bear Lake Loop is a 0.6-mile walk that takes visitors around the stunning Bear Lake, surrounded by towering mountains. The park’s hardest hike is the 12.4-mile round trip to the summit of Longs Peak, which is only recommended for experienced hikers. The trail provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and takes hikers to an elevation of 14,255 feet above sea level.
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 Rocky Mountain National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 215.7984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail | 13035.654 | 537.972 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Gem Lake Trail | 4988.954 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail | 8690.436 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Alberta Falls Trail | 2574.944 | 76.8096 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm Lake | 15127.796 | 792.7848 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Dream Lake Trail | 3218.68 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bear Lake Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 12.8016 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Twin Sisters Peak Trail | 12070.05 | 766.8768 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake | 11909.116 | 361.7976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, but there are some notable differences between the two.
At Mesa Verde, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as deer, coyotes, and various species of squirrels and rabbits. Additionally, the park is home to a large population of bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon, the Golden Eagle, and the Western Bluebird. Visitors may also be able to spot a variety of plant species, including sagebrush, pinion pines, and junipers.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a wider range of wildlife, including larger mammals such as elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. The park is also a good place to see birds such as the White-tailed Ptarmigan, the American Dipper, and the Broad-tailed Hummingbird. The park is also home to a wide variety of plant species, including wildflowers, aspens, and spruces.
Overall, both Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, but visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park are likely to see a wider range of animals and birds than they would at Mesa Verde. Regardless of which park you choose to visit, be sure to bring binoculars and a camera to capture your wildlife sightings.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Mesa Verde National Park | Rocky Mountain 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
| Mesa Verde National Park | Rocky Mountain 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Gray Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| Badger | Ermine |
| Ermine | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Mesa Verde National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Racer | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| 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 | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Wood Frog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Mesa Verde National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Western Longnose Sucker | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Mesa Verde National Park | Rocky Mountain National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado and is famous for its cliff dwellings. The park contains more than 4,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, built by the Pueblo people during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Visitors can take guided tours to see the well-preserved cliff dwellings and learn about the history of the Pueblo people.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Colorado and is famous for its majestic mountain scenery. The park contains more than 400 square miles of wilderness and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. Visitors can hike on over 300 miles of trails to see the stunning mountain landscapes, including Longs Peak, which stands at 14,259 feet. The park also offers scenic drives, such as Trail Ridge Road, which crosses the Continental Divide and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Things To-Do and Activities in Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient dwellings of the Pueblo people, who lived there from 600-1300 AD. Visitors can tour cliff dwellings, hike to remote mesa top sites, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Pueblo people through museum exhibitions and ranger-led programs.
Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, offers a different type of experience, with its stunning mountain landscape and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Popular activities include hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, fishing, and scenic drives. The park is also home to several scenic drives, such as the Trail Ridge Road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Both parks offer opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in nature and learn about the unique landscapes, flora, and fauna of their respective regions. However, what sets Mesa Verde and Rocky Mountain National Park apart is the type of experience they offer. While Mesa Verde provides a glimpse into the past, Rocky Mountain National Park affords visitors the chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Rockies. Whether you prefer to explore ancient ruins or hike in the mountains, both parks offer unforgettable experiences for nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks boast diverse landscapes, rich history, and plenty of opportunities for adventure. However, the seasonal weather at each park is vastly different, affecting when is the best time to visit.
Mesa Verde, located in southwestern Colorado, has a warm, dry climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and there is little rain. Summer can be quite hot, so visitors should be prepared for high temperatures and bring plenty of water. Winter can be cold, but the park is still accessible, and visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, has a much colder climate with harsh winters and cool summers. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer when temperatures are mild and there are ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. Winter can be extremely cold, with heavy snow and icy roads, making it less accessible for visitors. However, winter sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the abundant snow and enjoy activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather at Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park greatly affects when is the best time to visit each park. Visitors should consider the climate and seasonal conditions when planning their trip to ensure they have the best experience possible.
Family Friendliness of Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their natural beauty, but they are also family-friendly destinations. However, they differ in terms of the activities they offer for families.
Mesa Verde National Park is a great choice for families who are interested in history and culture. The park is home to the largest concentration of ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in the country. There are also several ranger-led tours available for families, which provide a great opportunity to learn about the park’s history and culture. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas, making it a great place for families to relax and enjoy a meal together.
On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities. The park has over 300 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy hikes to challenging backcountry treks. There are also several lakes and streams for fishing, as well as opportunities for horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Additionally, the park is home to several campgrounds, making it a great choice for families who enjoy camping.
Overall, both Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a range of activities for families, but the type of activities will depend on what the family is interested in. If you’re traveling with children and are interested in history and culture, Mesa Verde National Park is a great choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more outdoor-focused trip, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great choice.