Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most unique, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring natural wonders in America. Both parks offer visitors the chance to explore the beauty of nature, learn about the rich history and culture of the area, and experience the thrill of outdoor adventures. But, which one is the better choice for your next outdoor excursion?
Join us on a journey as we compare and contrast these two magnificent parks. From the towering cliffs at Mesa Verde to the tranquil waters of Voyageurs, you’ll discover what makes each park truly special. We’ll explore the diverse wildlife and plant life, the exciting recreational opportunities, and the rich cultural heritage that make these parks stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, you’ll find something new and exciting to love about Mesa Verde and Voyageurs.
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the beauty and excitement of these two incredible parks. Who knows, you may just find your new favorite outdoor adventure destination.
Hiking Trails in Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning scenery and abundance of outdoor recreational activities. When it comes to hiking, both parks offer a wide range of trails for visitors, but there are some key differences between the two parks.
Mesa Verde National Park is famous for its cliff dwellings, which are ancient homes carved into the rock cliffs by the Pueblo people. The park offers a number of easy hikes that allow visitors to explore these unique structures, including the Cliff Palace Loop Trail and the Spruce Tree House Trail. However, the park also offers some challenging hikes, such as the Prater Ridge Trail and the Knife Edge Trail, which both offer panoramic views of the park.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Minnesota, and is known for its vast network of waterways and serene wilderness areas. The park offers several easy hikes, including the Rainy Lake Trail and the Kettle Falls Trail, both of which offer breathtaking views of the park’s lakes and forests. For more experienced hikers, the park offers challenging hikes, such as the Angleworm Trail and the Little American Island Trail, both of which offer a more strenuous experience and offer opportunities to see wildlife and scenic vistas.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is known for its abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, and coyotes. Birdwatchers can expect to see golden eagles, prairie falcons, and red-tailed hawks. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including yucca, sagebrush, and pine trees.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is known for its diverse array of waterfowl, including loons, swans, and ducks. This park is also a haven for beavers, otters, and mink, as well as moose and black bears. The park’s vegetation includes a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as wetland plants like cattails and bulrushes.
Whether you’re interested in wildlife or the natural beauty of the landscape, both Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique experiences for visitors. However, if you’re specifically interested in seeing a wider variety of bird species, Mesa Verde National Park may be the better choice, while if you’re interested in observing aquatic wildlife, Voyageurs National Park is the place to go.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Mesa Verde National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Common Gray Fox |
| Gray Fox | Plains Wolf |
| Wolf | American Badger |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Ermine |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| Badger | River Otter |
| Ermine | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Mesa Verde National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| 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 | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Mesa Verde National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is famous for its cliff dwellings, which are ancient homes carved into the sides of cliffs. Visitors can hike to the cliff dwellings and view the well-preserved rooms and kivas that were once inhabited by the Pueblo people. The park also offers scenic drives, including the Mesa Top Loop Road, which provides sweeping views of the surrounding mesas and canyons.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is known for its stunning waterways and scenic vistas. Visitors can enjoy boating and canoeing on the park’s many lakes, including Kabetogama Lake, which is surrounded by forests and wetlands. The park also features several scenic overlooks, such as the Kettle Falls Overlook and the Ash River Overlook, which offer breathtaking views of the lakes and forests below. Additionally, the park is home to several waterfalls, including the beautiful Kettle Falls, which is surrounded by dense forests and is a popular spot for picnics and hiking.
Things To-Do and Activities in Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US, attracting visitors from all over the world. Both parks offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure, but they have different focuses.
At Mesa Verde, visitors are drawn to the park’s unique archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings and other structures that were built by the Pueblo people over 700 years ago. Hiking is a popular activity here, with trails that lead visitors to these ancient structures and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to hiking, visitors can take guided tours of the cliff dwellings, attend ranger-led programs, and go camping in the park.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park that lies along the border of Minnesota and Canada. The park is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and kayaking, with over 400 lakes and streams within its boundaries. Visitors can rent boats and equipment, or bring their own, to explore the waterways and take in the stunning scenery. In the winter, the park offers opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
In conclusion, both Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors, with a range of activities to suit a variety of interests. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient history, enjoy water-based recreation, or experience the beauty of the natural world, these two parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota are two of America’s most stunning national parks. Both offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but they differ in their seasonal weather patterns.
Mesa Verde is typically warm in the summer with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s, making it an ideal destination for those seeking warm weather and outdoor activities. Winters are cold, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s, but it is still possible to visit the park and enjoy the unique beauty of the area.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park is known for its harsh winters, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to low 20s. Summer temperatures are more moderate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s, making it a great destination for those seeking a cooler climate.
Due to its warm summer temperatures, Mesa Verde is best visited from May to September, while Voyageurs is best visited from June to August, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities, such as boating and hiking, are more enjoyable. The winter months are best avoided in both parks, as snow and ice can make travel and outdoor activities difficult.
Visitors should keep in mind that the weather can vary greatly in both parks, and it is important to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions, regardless of the time of year.
Family Friendliness of Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Mesa Verde National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two unique and different parks, each with its own set of family-friendly offerings. Mesa Verde is known for its ancient Native American cliff dwellings, which are fascinating for both kids and adults. There are ranger-led tours available that can give visitors a deeper understanding of the culture and history of the area. In addition, there are several hiking trails that are perfect for families, ranging from easy walks to more strenuous hikes.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park with numerous lakes and waterways. It’s a great destination for families who love boating, fishing, and kayaking. There are also several campgrounds surrounding the lakes, which make it easy for families to spend multiple days exploring the park. While there are no ranger-led tours, there are several self-guided tours available that can help visitors learn about the history and natural resources of the park.
In conclusion, both Mesa Verde and Voyageurs National Parks are family-friendly destinations, but they cater to different interests. If your family is interested in history and hiking, Mesa Verde is the better choice. If you’re looking for a water-based adventure, Voyageurs is the way to go. Both parks offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.