Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking destinations in the United States. Both parks offer a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural history. But which one is the ultimate destination for your next adventure? In this article, we will compare these two parks and help you choose the best one for your next vacation.
Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado and is home to some of the most well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the world. This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural history. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, hike through breathtaking landscapes, and learn about the lives of the ancestral Pueblo people who once lived there.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located in the stunning U.S. Virgin Islands and is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters. This park offers a tropical escape from the mainland and is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and soak up some sun. Whether you want to snorkel, hike, or simply relax on the beach, Virgin Islands National Park has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park both offer unique hiking experiences. Mesa Verde, located in Colorado, is known for its cliff dwellings and offers several hiking trails that wind through the park’s canyons and mesas. The Petroglyph Point Trail is considered one of the easiest hikes, featuring a flat path and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Knife Edge Trail is a challenging hike that takes you to the top of a mesa for panoramic views of the park.
Virgin Islands National Park, located in the Virgin Islands, offers a tropical hiking experience with lush vegetation and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The Reef Bay Trail is a popular and easy hike that takes you through a tropical forest and past petroglyphs to the stunning Reef Bay Beach. For a more challenging hike, the Ram Head Trail is a difficult hike that takes you to the top of a hill for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding Caribbean Sea.
Both Mesa Verde and Virgin Islands National Parks offer a variety of hiking experiences, from easy walks to challenging ascents. Whether you’re looking for stunning views or a chance to explore unique landscapes, these 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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two unique parks with different ecosystems and wildlife. At Mesa Verde, visitors may observe diverse species of birds, including the Peregrine Falcon, the Raven, and the Wild Turkey. Additionally, common mammals in the park include the Black-tailed Deer, the Coyote, and the Gray Fox. The park’s vegetation includes Pinyon Pine, Juniper, and Sagebrush, along with various types of cacti and wildflowers.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park offers a subtropical environment with a rich array of wildlife. Visitors may spot a variety of birds, including the Bananaquit, the Brown Pelican, and the Frigatebird. The park is also home to numerous species of reptiles, such as the Green Sea Turtle and the Iguana, as well as mammals such as the Mongoose and the Bat. The park is covered in lush tropical vegetation, including Mangrove forests, Coconut Palms, and Sea Grape.
In conclusion, both Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer visitors a chance to see diverse and unique wildlife. Whether you’re interested in bird watching, mammal observing, or simply enjoy exploring different types of vegetation, these two parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Mesa Verde National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | 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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Mesa Verde National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | 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 |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Wolf |
| Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Wolf | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| Badger | North American River Otter |
| Ermine | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Mesa Verde National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Bullsnake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Racer |
| Racer | Rattlesnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned 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 | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Mesa Verde National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Flathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Carp/European Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Burbot | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, is famous for its cliff dwellings, built by ancestral Puebloan people over 700 years ago. The most famous is the Cliff Palace, with 150 rooms and 23 kivas, or ceremonial structures. Visitors can see the dwellings up close, or take a ranger-led tour to learn more about the history of the park.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, boasts beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and lush tropical landscapes. The park is also home to several historic sugar plantation ruins, offering a glimpse into the island’s colonial past. Visitors can hike the Reef Bay Trail to see the petroglyphs left by the Taino people and the Reef Bay Sugar Mill and Estate ruins.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and history, whether it’s through exploring ancient ruins or soaking up the beauty of a pristine beach. Regardless of the park you choose, a visit to either Mesa Verde or Virgin Islands National Park is sure to be a memorable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and Virgin Islands National Park in the US Virgin Islands offer visitors a unique experience in each location. While both parks are centered around preserving and showcasing the cultural history of the area, the activities available are vastly different.
At Mesa Verde, visitors can explore the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, hike through the stunning landscape, and attend ranger-led tours to learn more about the history of the area. In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park offers more water-based activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming at Trunk Bay, widely considered one of the best beaches in the world. The park also offers scenic hikes, including the Lind Point Trail, which provides breathtaking views of the Caribbean.
Whether you prefer to explore history on land or relax in the tropical waters, both Mesa Verde and Virgin Islands National Parks offer unique and memorable experiences. With a focus on preserving cultural heritage and showcasing the beauty of the surrounding areas, both parks are must-visits for any outdoor enthusiast.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado, offers a unique blend of cultural and natural history. The park features stunning cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people and breathtaking views of the southwestern landscape. The park’s weather is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with average summer temperatures ranging from 70-80°F and winter temperatures dropping to 20-30°F. Winter can bring snow and icy conditions, making some park roads and walking trails impassable. The best time to visit Mesa Verde is between May and September when temperatures are mild and there is little chance of snow or ice.
Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands, is a tropical paradise with lush vegetation, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The park’s weather is characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 75-85°F. The park can experience occasional rain showers, especially during the rainy season from September to November. The best time to visit Virgin Islands National Park is between December and May, when the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Family Friendliness of Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two popular tourist destinations that are known for their breathtaking beauty, rich history, and diverse wildlife. Both parks are great choices for families looking to spend time outdoors, but there are some key differences that make one park more family-friendly than the other.
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwestern Colorado, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural history. Visitors can take guided tours of ancient cliff dwellings, hike the nearby trails, and explore the park’s scenic canyons. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and foxes. However, the park can be challenging for young children, as many of the trails are steep and rocky, and the park’s high altitude can cause altitude sickness.
In contrast, Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a tropical paradise that offers a more relaxed, laid-back family vacation experience. Visitors can lounge on the beautiful beaches, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or take a guided hike through the lush rainforest. The island’s warm, sunny climate and abundance of water activities make it a great destination for families with young children. However, travelers should be aware that the park’s remote location can make it difficult to access, and the cost of getting there can be high.
In conclusion, both Mesa Verde National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer unique experiences for families looking to spend time outdoors, but Virgin Islands National Park is the better choice for families with young children looking for a more relaxed, tropical vacation experience.