Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. They are both known for their stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a wide range of recreational activities. However, they are also very different in terms of climate, geology, and the types of experiences they offer. Imagine standing at the rim of a 2,000-foot deep canyon, and then the next day, you are surrounded by unique and twisted Joshua Trees. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines the best of both worlds, these two parks are a must-visit. From rugged canyons to twisted Joshua Trees, these two parks are a nature lover’s paradise. Get ready for an unforgettable experience and discover the beauty, history and culture of these two spectacular parks.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular destinations for hiking, but the types of hiking trails that can be found at each park are quite different due to the distinct ecosystems and habitats of each park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers visitors a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Rim Rock Nature Trail and the South Rim Road Nature Trail. These trails are relatively short and are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. They offer great views of the canyon and the Gunnison River. The park also has more challenging hikes like the Warner Point Nature Trail, which is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the top of a mesa and offers panoramic views of the canyon.
Joshua Tree National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique landscapes and diverse array of hiking trails. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail and the Barker Dam Nature Trail. These trails are relatively short and offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s unique desert landscapes and see the park’s famous Joshua Trees. The park also has more challenging hikes like the Ryan Mountain Trail and the Lost Horse Mine Trail. These hikes are steep and strenuous and offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s rugged backcountry and see panoramic views of the park.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes, and some of the hikes offer great views of the canyon and the Gunnison River. Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique landscapes and diverse array of hiking trails, with some of the hikes being relatively short and easy, and others being steep and strenuous, and offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s unique desert landscapes and see the park’s famous Joshua Trees, and panoramic views of the park. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area and engage in outdoor activities.
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 Joshua Tree National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Mountain Trail | 4828.02 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Barker Dam Nature Trail | 2896.812 | 19.812 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Valley Nature Trail | 1609.34 | 34.7472 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lost Palms Oasis | 11587.248 | 312.7248 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Arch Rock Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail | 4506.152 | 188.976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Lost Horse Mine Loop Trail | 11104.446 | 277.9776 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Skull Rock Nature Trail | 2735.878 | 48.768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Willow Hole Trail | 10943.512 | 74.9808 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bears, and coyotes. Birds such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and great horned owls can also be spotted in the park. The park is also home to many different species of plants, including the canyon grape, yucca, and prickly pear cactus.
In contrast, Joshua Tree National Park is known for its namesake Joshua trees, as well as other desert plants such as the cholla cactus, creosote bush, and Joshua tree yucca. Visitors to Joshua Tree can also see a variety of animals including desert bighorn sheep, rock squirrels, black-tailed jackrabbits, and roadrunners. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds, including the Greater Roadrunner, Gambel’s Quail, and the Western Bluebird. Overall, Joshua Tree is known more for its desert wildlife and vegetation, while Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its diverse wildlife in the canyon and its surrounding area.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Joshua Tree 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 |
| Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Hoary Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Deer Mouse | House Mouse |
| Raccoon | Cougar |
| Black Bear | Mule Deer |
| Porcupine | Gray Fox |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Hoary Bat | American Badger |
| Red Fox | Californian Myotis |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowhsoe Hare |
| House Mouse | Fringed Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| American Mink | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Pallid Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | Ringtail |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Desert Cottontail |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| American Badger | Black-Tailed Jackrabbit |
| California Myotis | Brush Deermouse |
| Snowshoe Hare | Western Spotted Skunk |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Goldfish |
| Brown Trout | |
| Long-Nose Sucker | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Milksnake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Glossy Snake |
| Tree Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Canyon Treefrog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Joshua Tree National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its deep and steep canyon which is created by the Gunnison River. The park offers several viewpoints that provide stunning views of the canyon, including the Painted Wall, the deepest and tallest sheer cliff in North America. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails that provide access to the bottom of the canyon, as well as to the rim. Some of the most popular hikes include the South Rim Road, the Gunnison Point Trail, and the Warner Point Nature Trail.
Joshua Tree National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique and twisted Joshua Trees, as well as its rock formations. The park offers several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park’s unique geology, including the Barker Dam Nature Trail, the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, and the Ryan Mountain Trail. Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing and bouldering on the park’s granite formations. The park also offers several scenic drives, including the Park Boulevard, which provides access to several of the park’s most popular attractions, including the Cholla Cactus Garden and the Joshua Tree Visitor Center.
Both parks offer beautiful landscapes and natural features that are unique to the area. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its deep and steep canyon, while Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique Joshua Trees and rock formations. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives, and other outdoor activities that allow visitors to explore and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both popular outdoor destinations that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, some of the most popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. The park is known for its rugged and steep terrain, and it offers a number of challenging hiking trails that lead to stunning views of the canyon. The park also has a number of designated climbing routes, and it is a popular destination for experienced climbers. Fishing is also a popular activity at the park, with visitors able to catch rainbow, brown and brook trout in the Gunnison River.
At Joshua Tree National Park, some of the most popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. The park is home to two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, and it offers a wide variety of hiking trails that take visitors through both. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing, with a number of designated routes and climbing areas. Stargazing is also a popular activity at the park, with visitors able to see an incredible array of stars and planets in the night sky.
Both parks are great for families to visit, but Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park may be better suited to families with older children or teenagers who are able to handle the park’s rugged terrain and challenging activities. Joshua Tree National Park, on the other hand, may be better suited for families with younger children as it has more easy hikes and rock climbing opportunities for beginners.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are located in different regions of the United States and have distinct climates that affect when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and has a semi-arid climate. The park experiences hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures ranging from the mid-90s in the summer to below freezing in the winter. The park receives minimal precipitation throughout the year, with most of it falling in the form of snow during the winter months. The best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the weather is dry. This is also the best time to hike the park’s trails as the weather will be more comfortable and the views of the canyon will be less hazy.
On the other hand, Joshua Tree National Park is located in the desert region of southern California, and has a hot and dry climate. The park experiences very hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures ranging from the low 100s in the summer to the low 60s in the winter. The park receives very little precipitation throughout the year, with most of it falling in the form of light rain during the winter months. The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the weather is comfortable. This is also the best time to hike the park’s trails as the weather will be more pleasant, and the views of the desert landscape will be clearer.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park receives minimal precipitation throughout the year, and the best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the weather is dry. Joshua Tree National Park has a hot and dry climate, with very hot summers and mild winters, and the park receives very little precipitation throughout the year. The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the weather is comfortable. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, but the best time to visit will depend on the weather conditions and the activities you plan to do in the park.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are both great options for families looking to enjoy the outdoors and explore the natural beauty of the area. Both parks offer a variety of activities that are suitable for children of all ages, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great option for families with older children who are able to hike and explore the park’s rugged terrain. The park offers several hiking trails that provide access to the bottom of the canyon, as well as to the rim. These trails can be challenging and require a moderate level of fitness, but they offer stunning views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. The park also offers several picnic areas, where families can enjoy a picnic together and take in the views.
Joshua Tree National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families with younger children. The park offers several shorter and easier hiking trails, such as the Barker Dam Nature Trail, the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, and the Ryan Mountain Trail. These trails are suitable for children of all ages and provide access to the park’s unique geology and wildlife. The park also offers several picnic areas and campgrounds, where families can enjoy a picnic together and take in the views.
Both parks offer unique experiences and are family-friendly, but Joshua Tree National Park might be more suitable for families with younger children as it offers shorter and easier hikes and more picnic areas. On the other hand, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park might be more suitable for families with older children who are able to hike and explore the park’s rugged terrain.