Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are both situated in the western United States, and are known for their breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. These two parks offer vastly different experiences, but both are worth visiting for nature enthusiasts. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a unique perspective of the Gunnison River, which has carved its way through the black Precambrian rock, creating one of the deepest canyons in North America. Denali National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), and offers visitors the chance to spot wild Alaskan animals such as grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou. Whether you’re looking for a rugged canyon hike or a chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat, these two parks are sure to impress. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime, as we take you on a journey through Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve both offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels and interests.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a range of hiking trails that take visitors into the heart of the canyon. The park’s South Rim is the most popular destination for hikers, offering a variety of trails that vary in difficulty. Some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Rock Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that offers breathtaking views of the canyon, and the Warner Point Nature Trail, a 0.5-mile round trip hike that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon. More challenging hikes include the Gunnison Route, a strenuous hike that descends 2,250 feet into the canyon and requires a permit.
Denali National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, offers a variety of hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s diverse wilderness. Some of the easiest hikes include the McKinley Station Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip hike that offers views of the park’s wildlife and the surrounding mountain ranges, and the Horseshoe Lake Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip hike that leads to a lake surrounded by stunning mountain views. More challenging hikes include the Mount Healy Overlook Trail, a strenuous hike that climbs 3,000 feet and offers panoramic views of the park’s landscape and the surrounding mountain ranges, and the Thorofare Ridge Trail, a strenuous hike that takes visitors through the park’s backcountry and offers views of the park’s wildlife and the surrounding mountain ranges.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that vary in difficulty and offer spectacular views of the canyon, while Denali National Park & Preserve offers a variety of hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s diverse wilderness, including easier hikes for families and more challenging hikes for experienced hikers. Both parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking in beautiful and unique landscapes.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are both home to a diverse range of wildlife. However, they are located in different parts of the country and have different ecosystems, so the types of animals, birds, and plants that you can see in each park will vary.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in the southwestern United States and is home to a variety of animals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and elk. Birds such as the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and great horned owl can also be seen in the park. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including aspen, piñon pine, and Douglas fir.
Denali National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is home to a variety of animals, including Dall sheep, grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Birds such as the golden eagle, gyrfalcon, and rough-legged hawk can also be seen in the park. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including willow, birch, and spruce.
Both parks offer a great opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that you can see in each park will vary depending on the location and ecosystem.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
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 |
Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
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 | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
American Beaver | American Beaver |
Muskrat | Muskrat |
Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
Bobcat | Black Bear |
Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
Deer Mouse | Mink |
Raccoon | Wolf |
Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
Porcupine | Snowshoe Hare |
Silver-Haired Bat | River Otter |
Hoary Bat | Common Shrew |
Red Fox | Water Shrew |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
House Mouse | Montane Shrew |
Mountain Lion | Lynx |
American Mink | Wolverine |
Mule Deer | American Marten |
Common Gray Fox | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Long-Legged Myotis | Grizzly Bear |
Long-Eared Myotis | Meadow Vole |
American Badger | Moose |
California Myotis | Least Weasel |
Snowshoe Hare | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
Long-Nose Sucker | Northern Pike |
Northern Pike | Burbot |
Mottled Sculpin | Coho Salmon |
Speckled Dace | Chinook Salmon |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Gophersnake | |
Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
Milksnake | |
Striped Whipsnake | |
Tree Lizard | |
Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its dramatic, steep-walled canyon that has been carved out by the Gunnison River. The canyon is one of the deepest in North America, and offers visitors the opportunity to see a unique geological feature. The park also features a number of overlooks that offer stunning views of the canyon, such as the Painted Wall Overlook, which is the highest sheer cliff in North America. Additionally, the park offers hiking trails, such as the North Vista Trail, which provides a great view of the canyon.
Denali National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), and offers visitors a chance to see the mountain in all its glory. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou. The park is also home to a diverse range of landscapes, from tundra to taiga forests, and offers visitors the chance to see the Northern Lights and glaciers. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and backpacking in the park, and can even take guided tours to see the mountain and surrounding wilderness.
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Denali National Park offer unique and stunning landscapes, but differ in terms of the type of landscape and activities that are offered. The Black Canyon offers a unique perspective of the Gunnison River and the deep canyon it has carved, while Denali offers visitors the chance to see North America’s highest peak, the diversity of Alaskan wildlife, and the Northern lights.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are both popular national parks that offer a wide range of activities for visitors. However, the types of activities that you can do in each park will vary depending on the location and ecosystem.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in the southwestern United States and is known for its hiking and camping opportunities. Visitors can hike to the bottom of the canyon to see the beautiful Gunnison River or take a scenic drive along the rim of the canyon for breathtaking views. The park also offers fishing, rock climbing, and backpacking for the more adventurous visitors.
Denali National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities, as well as its wildlife viewing. Visitors can hike on one of the many trails in the park to see the beautiful Alaskan wilderness and the chance to see wild animals such as grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. The park also offers camping, fishing, and backpacking. Denali National Park & Preserve also offers visitors a chance to take bus tours into the park to see the wildlife and the beauty of the park.
Both parks offer a great opportunity to see unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, but the types of activities that you can do in each park will vary depending on the location and ecosystem.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are both known for their rugged and remote wilderness, but the weather at these two parks can be quite different. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is located in western Colorado and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park is open year-round, but the summer months are the best time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities as the temperatures are milder.
Denali National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in central Alaska and has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The park is also open year-round, but the best time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities is between late May and early September, when the snow has melted and the temperatures are warmer. Denali National Park & Preserve is known for its dramatic landscapes, including the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), which is only accessible by park bus tour during the summer months. Due to the colder temperatures, visitors should be prepared with warm clothing and equipment as well as familiarize themselves with the park’s safety guidelines.
In terms of hiking, Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy rim walks to strenuous backcountry routes. The park’s main attraction is the Black Canyon itself, which features steep, narrow canyon walls that drop 2,500 feet to the Gunnison River. The park also offers several overlooks that offer stunning views of the canyon.
Denali National Park & Preserve also offers a wide variety of hiking trails, but most are more strenuous than those at Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The park’s main attraction is Denali, which can be climbed by experienced mountaineers with proper permits. The park also offers several other challenging hikes, such as the Kantishna Hills, which offer stunning views of the park’s rugged wilderness.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve both offer a variety of activities that are suitable for families with children, but they differ in terms of accessibility and the type of activities that are offered.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a variety of easy to moderate hikes that are suitable for families with children. There are also several overlooks that offer stunning views of the canyon and that can be accessed by car. The park also has a visitor center with exhibits and ranger programs that can be enjoyed by children.
Denali National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a more remote and wilderness-like park, and may not be as easily accessible for families with children. The park is known for its backcountry hiking and camping, as well as its wildlife viewing opportunities. However, the park also offers a variety of guided bus tours that are suitable for families, and the park’s visitor center has exhibits and ranger programs that can be enjoyed by children.
Both parks offer unique experiences and landscapes, but Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park may be a more suitable option for families with young children because of the accessibility of the park and the easy hikes, while Denali is better suited for families with older children and who are looking for a more adventurous experience.