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#8 on this list
Channel Islands National Park
California
Calm seas return; island hiking without summer crowds.
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#9 on this list
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Colorado
Quiet dunes under snowcapped Sangre de Cristos.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Channel Islands National Park | Great Sand Dunes National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway Port | Ventura Harbor, California | — |
| Primary Transport | Island Packers Catamaran Ferry | — |
| November Temps | 50°F to 68°F | — |
| Potable Water | Available only on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa | — |
| Camp Permits | Required via Recreation.gov before arrival | — |
| Top First-Time Base | Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island | — |
| Elevation | — | 8,200 to 13,604 feet |
| Location | — | San Luis Valley, Southern Colorado |
| November Highs | — | 45°F to 52°F |
| November Lows | — | 15°F to 22°F |
| Total Area | — | 149,028 acres |
| Backcountry Permits | — | Required via Recreation.gov |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Channel Islands National Park
- Clearest ocean water and peak diving visibility of the entire year
- Significantly reduced ferry and campground crowds compared to summer
- Mild, comfortable hiking temperatures across completely unshaded bluffs
- Frequent encounters with endemic island foxes and abundant marine life
- Ferry cancellations can occur abruptly when winter swells or winds kick up
- No potable water on Anacapa, San Miguel, or Santa Barbara islands
- Exposed campsites require total self-reliance and strict food-storage discipline
Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Cool sand temperatures eliminate the blistering heat of summer treks
- Virtually crowd-free ridges and unobstructed viewpoints
- Striking visual contrast between golden dunes and snow-capped peaks
- Exceptional clarity for night skies and cold-weather astrophotography
- Freezing overnight temperatures regularly drop into the teens
- High winds can cause intense sandblasting and damage delicate electronics
- Medano Creek is often dry or frozen, eliminating easy base-level water
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