Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a unique and diverse outdoor experience, but in very different ways. Big Bend is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, while Black Canyon of the Gunnison is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The two parks offer vastly different landscapes and a wide range of recreational activities. If you’re looking for a rugged desert adventure or a picturesque mountain escape, then Big Bend and Black Canyon of the Gunnison are the perfect destinations for you. Both parks offer breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. So, whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or a photographer, these two parks will not disappoint. Get ready to be amazed by the natural beauty of Big Bend and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are both known for their rugged terrain and offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors. However, the types of hikes and the difficulty level of the trails at each park are quite different.
Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, offers over 150 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, which is a 0.5-mile loop trail that provides an introduction to the park’s desert ecosystem, and the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, which is a 1.4-mile round trip trail that offers spectacular views of the Rio Grande and the surrounding mountains. Other popular hikes in the park include the Lost Mine Trail, which is a 4.8-mile round trip hike that offers great views of the Chisos Mountains, and the South Rim Trail, which is a 14-mile round trip hike that offers panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in Colorado, offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the South Rim Trail, which is a 2.8-mile round trip trail that offers great views of the canyon, and the Chasm View Nature Trail, which is a 0.5-mile round trip trail that provides an introduction to the park’s geology. Other popular hikes in the park include the North Rim Road, which is a 13-mile round trip hike that offers panoramic views of the canyon, and the Gunnison Route, which is a strenuous hike that descends over 2,000 feet into the canyon.
Overall, Big Bend National Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, while Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park also offers a diverse range of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Both parks offer unique and diverse hiking experiences, so it’s best to evaluate your fitness level and what type of hike you’re looking for before deciding on which park to visit.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warner Point Nature Trail | 2414.01 | 123.7488 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Oak Flat Loop Trail | 2092.142 | 94.7928 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Gunnison Route Trail | 2896.812 | 542.8488 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Painted Wall View Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chasm View Nature Trail | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 5 |
| Exclamation Point | 4667.086 | 110.9472 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Green Mountain Summit Via North Vista Trail | 10460.71 | 373.9896 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gunnison Point Overlook | 321.868 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim Rock Nature Trail | 2414.01 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Warner Route | 6759.228 | 924.7632 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of animals, birds, and plants that are native to the area. However, the types of wildlife you’ll see at each park can vary depending on the time of year and the specific area of the park you’re visiting.
Big Bend National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including over 450 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, and 56 species of reptiles and amphibians. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include deer, raccoons, skunks, and coyotes. The park is also home to the only population of the desert bighorn sheep found in Texas. Visitors may also be able to spot rarer animals such as the black bear, mountain lion, and the ringtail cat. The park is also an important birdwatching spot, with species such as the roadrunner, peregrine falcon, and golden eagle.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including several species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The park is home to animals such as the black bear, mountain lion, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors may also be able to spot the river otter, beaver, and mink, which are commonly found along the Gunnison River. The park is also a great spot for birdwatching, with species such as the American dipper, the common merganser, and the peregrine falcon.
Both Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park are home to a wide variety of plants, including cacti, wildflowers, and evergreen trees. Big Bend National Park is home to over 1,200 species of plants, and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is home to over 800 species of plants. The park’s unique geography and climate make it an ideal spot for a variety of plants to thrive.
In conclusion, Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park both offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife and plants, but the specific animals, birds and plants will vary depending on the park and the time of the year you visit. Both parks are great for birdwatching, and both are home to a wide variety of mammals, reptiles and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | Black Canyon Of The Gunnison 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Big Bend National Park | Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | House Mouse |
| Common Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Wolf | American Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| American Badger | Common Gray Fox |
| California Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Fringed Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | American Badger |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | California Myotis |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Desert Kingsnake | Milksnake |
| Texas Nightsnake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Mexican Milksnake | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Northern Leopard Frog |
| American Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brown Trout |
| Bluegill | Long-Nose Sucker |
| Fathead Minnow | Northern Pike |
| Common Carp | Mottled Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | Speckled Dace |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Mosquitofish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are both known for their unique and diverse landscapes.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and is known for its vast desert landscapes and rugged terrain. The park is home to three distinct ecosystems: desert, mountain, and river. Visitors can explore the Chisos Mountains, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding desert and the Rio Grande. The park also features several notable landmarks including the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River and the Santa Elena Canyon, a 1,500-foot-deep gorge that was carved by the Rio Grande.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and is known for its deep and steep canyon. The park’s main feature is the Black Canyon, which is known for its steep cliffs and dramatic drops. The park also features several notable landmarks including the Painted Wall, which is the highest cliff in Colorado and the Gunnison River, which is known for its challenging rapids and beautiful scenery. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and scenic drives to enjoy the panoramic views of the canyon.
In summary, Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert landscapes and diverse ecosystems, while Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its deep and steep canyon and the panoramic views of the canyon. Both parks offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of the parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park are both popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the types of activities offered at each park can vary, depending on the specific area of the park you’re visiting.
Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, with over 150 miles of trails that wind through the park’s rugged terrain. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll on a short, easy trail or tackle a challenging backpacking trip into the park’s backcountry. The park also offers several scenic drives, including the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which takes visitors through the park’s desert landscape. The park also offers guided horseback rides, and river trips on the Rio Grande river. The park is also a great destination for birdwatching, stargazing, and photography.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its fishing, hiking, and rock climbing opportunities. Visitors can fish for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout in the Gunnison River, which runs through the park. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the North Vista Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the canyon, and the Chasm View Nature Trail, which takes visitors along the rim of the canyon. The park also offers several rock climbing routes for experienced climbers, and visitors can also take ranger-led rock climbing program. The park also offers guided ranger programs, including stargazing programs, and visitors can also enjoy scenic drives.
In conclusion, both Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park offer visitors a wide variety of activities, but the specific activities will vary depending on the park and the time of the year you visit. Big Bend National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, while Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its fishing, hiking and rock climbing opportunities. Both parks also offer guided ranger programs, scenic drives and opportunities for birdwatching and stargazing.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are both located in the western United States, and both have distinct seasons and weather patterns that can affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The summer months of June through September can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall months of March through May and October through November when the weather is mild and comfortable for hiking and other outdoor activities. Winter months can also be a good time to visit, but temperatures can drop below freezing and the park can be closed during snowstorms.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in Colorado, has a semi-arid climate with cool summers and cold winters. The summer months of June through September can be comfortable for hiking and other outdoor activities, but the park can be crowded during this time. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall months of April through May and September through October when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. Winter months can also be a good time to visit, but temperatures can drop below freezing and the park can be closed during snowstorms.
Overall, the weather at Big Bend National Park is best during the spring and fall, while the weather at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best during the spring and fall. However, both parks can be visited during the winter months but, it depends on the weather conditions, so it’s best to check the forecast before planning your trip. The heat can be intense during the summer months in Big Bend National Park, making it less ideal for outdoor activities, while Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is less crowded during the summer, making it a good time to visit.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Big Bend National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are both family-friendly national parks, but they have different features that make them better suited for different types of families.
Big Bend National Park offers a wide range of activities that are suitable for families with children of all ages. The park has several short and easy hikes that are great for families with young children. The park also has a campground that is suitable for families with RVs or tents. The park also offers ranger-led programs, which are a great way to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas, which are perfect for families to have a picnic together.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, on the other hand, is more suited for families with older children who are able to handle more strenuous hikes and enjoy spectacular views. The park has several challenging hikes, and the trails can be steep and rocky, which might not be suitable for younger children. The park also has a campground, but it does not have RV hookups or showers, which might not be suitable for some families. The park also offers ranger-led programs, but the park’s main attraction is the canyon itself, which is best enjoyed from overlooks and scenic drives.
In summary, while both parks are family-friendly, Big Bend National Park is more suitable for families with children of all ages, while Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is more suited for families with older children who can handle more challenging hikes and enjoy panoramic views. Both parks are perfect destinations for families who are looking to explore the natural beauty of the national parks and enjoy time together.