Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two of America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. One is a deep, steep-walled canyon carved by the Gunnison River, while the other is home to some of the most active volcanoes in North America and one of the largest protected brown bear populations in the world. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore unique landscapes, encounter diverse wildlife and experience the raw power of nature. In this article, we will compare these two national parks and help you decide which one to visit on your next adventure. From the depths of the Black Canyon to the heights of the Brooks Range, we will guide you through the best of what these parks have to offer. So whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a new place to explore, keep reading to discover the wonders of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve both offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. However, the type of hiking experiences offered at each park are quite different.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and challenging trails that offer breathtaking views of the deep, narrow canyon and its sheer rock walls. The park’s most popular hiking trail is the South Rim Road, which is a strenuous hike that takes visitors along the rim of the canyon and offers panoramic views of the park. Other popular trails include the North Rim Road, which is a more moderate hike, and the Warner Point Nature Trail, which is a short, easy hike.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its rugged wilderness and abundant wildlife. The park’s most popular hiking trail is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which is a strenuous hike that takes visitors through the ash-filled valley created by the eruption of Novarupta in 1912. Other popular trails include the Brooks Camp Trail, which is a moderate hike that offers great wildlife viewing opportunities, and the Katmai Pass Trail, which is a challenging hike that takes visitors through the park’s backcountry.
In terms of hiking trails, both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer unique and challenging experiences, but visitors looking for a more strenuous hike may find Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park more to their liking, while visitors looking for a more wilderness experience may prefer Katmai National Park & Preserve.
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 Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both home to a wide variety of wildlife. However, the types of wildlife you’ll see at each park are quite different due to the vastly different environments of the two parks.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, black bears, and golden eagles. You may also see a variety of smaller mammals such as coyotes, marmots, and chipmunks. The park also supports a diverse variety of bird species, including peregrine falcons, turkey vultures, and red-tailed hawks. The park’s rugged terrain is also home to a variety of plant species, including pinyon pine, Douglas fir, and aspen.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is home to a very different set of wildlife species. The park is known for its large population of brown bears, which can be seen foraging for salmon in Brooks River during the summer months. The park is also home to wolves, moose, and Dall sheep. There are also many bird species that can be seen in the park, such as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and sandhill cranes. The park also offers a variety of plant species, including cottonwood, spruce, and alder.
In summary, while both parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife, the types of animals and plants you’ll see at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are quite different. The park of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a variety of mammals and birds, while the park of Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its large population of brown bears and other species of wildlife that are unique to the area.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Katmai 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 | Katmai 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| 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 |
| American Pipit | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Katmai 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 | Gray Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Varying Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Northern River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Masked Shrew |
| Red Fox | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Montane Shrew |
| House Mouse | Lynx |
| Mountain Lion | Wolverine |
| American Mink | American Marten |
| Mule Deer | Grizzly Bear |
| Common Gray Fox | Meadow Vole |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Moose |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Least Weasel |
| American Badger | Pygmy Shrew |
| California Myotis | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brown Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Mottled Sculpin | Burbot |
| Speckled Dace | Silver Salmon |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Katmai 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 | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Wood Frog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its dramatic and steep-walled canyon, carved by the Gunnison River. The canyon is so deep and narrow that sunlight only reaches the bottom for a short period each day, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape. Some of the most famous viewpoints in the park include Painted Wall View, which offers a panoramic view of the 2,250-foot-tall Painted Wall, the tallest vertical cliff in Colorado, and the North Rim View, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire canyon.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its volcanic landscapes, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic ash-filled valley created by the eruption of Novarupta in 1912. This valley is one of the most unique landscapes in the world and offers visitors a chance to see the power of volcanic activity up close. Additionally, the park is home to Brooks Falls, where visitors can watch brown bears catch fish in the Brooks River. Another famous landscape in the park is the Naknek Lake, which is home to a large population of sockeye salmon, attracting bears, eagles, and other wildlife.
Both parks offer a unique and diverse range of natural features, from deep canyons to volcanic landscapes and wildlife watching opportunities. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a more dramatic and steep-walled canyon, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its volcanic landscapes, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. However, the types of activities available at each park are quite different due to the vastly different environments of the two parks.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its rugged terrain and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. The park has several trails, including the popular Gunnison River Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon and the river below. The park also offers guided rock climbing tours for those who are interested in climbing the park’s steep cliffs.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its wilderness and offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include bear viewing, fishing, and hiking. The park’s Brooks River is one of the best places in the world to view brown bears in their natural habitat. The park also offers guided fishing trips for those who are interested in catching salmon and other fish species. The park also has a variety of hiking trails, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which offers views of the park’s volcanic landscape.
In summary, while both parks offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, the types of activities available at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are quite different. The park of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its rugged terrain and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. The park of Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its wilderness and offers a variety of activities such as bear viewing, fishing, and hiking.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is located in Colorado and is known for its deep and narrow canyons. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild. Summer can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter is also a great time to visit the park, but be prepared for cold temperatures and snow.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged wilderness and abundant wildlife. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (June-September) when the weather is mild and the animals are most active. During the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Winter is also a great time to visit the park, but be prepared for cold temperatures and snow.
The hiking trails at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park range from easy to strenuous, with the most popular being the South Rim Road, which offers a scenic drive along the rim of the canyon and several overlooks. The park also offers several hiking trails that take you down into the canyon, including the Gunnison Route, which is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the park.
Katmai National Park & Preserve offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy to strenuous. The park’s most popular trail is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which is a volcanic ash-filled valley. This hike offers a unique and otherworldly landscape, but it is considered to be quite strenuous. Other popular trails include Brooks Camp, which is an easy hike that offers great opportunities to see bears and other wildlife.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both great places to visit, each with their own unique landscapes and wildlife. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is best visited in the spring and fall for mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Katmai National Park & Preserve is best visited in the summer for mild weather and abundant wildlife. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails, from easy to strenuous, with Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park offering a unique and challenging hike down into the canyon and Katmai National Park & Preserve offering a unique and otherworldly hike through a volcanic ash-filled valley.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are both great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature, but they offer different types of experiences.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great option for families with children who enjoy hiking and exploring the great outdoors. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult, making it easy to find a trail that is suitable for everyone in the family. The park also offers ranger-led programs that are designed to educate and entertain children. The park visitor center also has interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids to learn about the park’s geology, wildlife and the history.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is best suited for families who enjoy wildlife viewing and photography. The park offers a variety of opportunities to see bears, eagles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The park’s Brooks Camp offers a chance to watch bears catch fish in the Brooks River, which is a unique and unforgettable experience for children. Additionally, the park also offers ranger-led programs, such as guided walks, talks, and bear viewing platforms, that are great for families to learn more about the park and its wildlife.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great option for families who enjoy hiking and exploring the great outdoors, while Katmai National Park & Preserve is best suited for families who enjoy wildlife viewing and photography. Both parks have their own unique experiences and both are family-friendly. It depends on what kind of activities your family is interested in.