When it comes to national parks, Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park couldn’t be more different. One is a vast expanse of rolling hills, deep canyons, and rugged terrain, while the other is a narrow gorge with towering cliffs that drop straight down into the depths below. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes in the country, but each in its own way. If you’re looking for a rugged and adventurous hiking experience, Badlands National Park is the place to be. But if you’re searching for a more contemplative and awe-inspiring experience, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the park for you.
Badlands National Park is a land of contrasts, with its colorful rock formations, towering spires, and deep canyons. It’s a place where ancient and modern worlds collide, with paleontological wonders and wildlife sightings around every corner. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, on the other hand, is a place of deep mystery and hidden treasures. The park’s narrow, winding canyon is a geological masterpiece that tells a story of ancient rivers, volcanic eruptions, and tectonic activity. With its sheer cliffs, steep descents, and rushing water, the park offers visitors a chance to explore a natural wonder that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Both Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are must-see destinations for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure. Each park offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you with a new appreciation of nature’s beauty and power. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore two of America’s most breathtaking and awe-inspiring national parks.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are both known for their rugged and unique landscapes, but the types of hiking trails and experiences offered at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy boardwalks to strenuous backcountry routes. Some popular trails include the Badlands Loop Road, which takes visitors on a scenic drive through the park and offers several short, easy hikes to overlooks and formations. The Castle Trail is a moderate hike that takes visitors through a rugged landscape of layered rock formations, while the Notch Trail is a strenuous hike that descends into a narrow canyon and requires climbing up and down ladders.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, on the other hand, offers a more limited selection of hiking trails, but they are generally considered to be more challenging. The South Rim Road is a scenic drive that offers several overlooks and short, easy hikes. The North Rim Road is a more strenuous hike that offers a more rugged and remote experience. The most difficult hike in the park is the Gunnison Route, which is a strenuous hike that requires a permit and takes visitors down into the canyon.
Both parks offer unique and challenging hiking experiences, but for those looking for more variety and easier options, Badlands National Park might be a better choice. On the other hand, those looking for a more strenuous and remote experience may prefer Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
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 Badlands National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are both home to a wide variety of wildlife, but each park has its own unique set of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen.
At Badlands National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of large mammals such as bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and bison. The park is also home to a number of smaller mammals like prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, and coyotes. Birds such as bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and turkey vultures are also commonly seen in the park. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians such as the western painted turtle, and the Great Plains toad.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including large mammals such as elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a number of smaller mammals such as the rock squirrel, and the golden-mantled ground squirrel. Birds such as the peregrine falcon, the golden eagle, and the American dipper are commonly seen in the park. The park also has a variety of reptiles and amphibians such as the western terrestrial garter snake, and the canyon tree frog.
In terms of plant life, Badlands National Park is characterized by its expansive grasslands and prairies, as well as its rugged badlands formations. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a diverse array of vegetation, including pinion pine, juniper, and Douglas fir, which can be found in the higher elevations and along the rim of the canyon. The park also has a variety of cacti and wildflowers, which are commonly seen in the park.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are home to a wide variety of wildlife, and both parks offer unique opportunities for visitors to see a diverse array of animals, birds, and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands 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
| Badlands 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
| Badlands 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 |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | American Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mule Deer |
| Northern Myotis | Common Gray Fox |
| Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| North American River Otter | American Badger |
| Common Shrew | California Myotis |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Gophersnake |
| Racer | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Milksnake |
| Milksnake | Striped Whipsnake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Tree Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Morning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brown Trout |
| European Carp | Long-Nose Sucker |
| Longnose Dace | Northern Pike |
| Yellow Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Channel Catfish | Speckled Dace |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Badlands National Park is home to some of the most unique and diverse landscapes in the country. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Badlands formations, which are a series of layered rock formations that have been sculpted by erosion over millions of years. The formations consist of layered rock layers of different colors, including red, orange, yellow, and gray. These formations can be seen from the Badlands Loop Road and are particularly beautiful during sunset.
Another famous landscape in Badlands National Park is the Pinnacles Overlook. This viewpoint offers visitors a panoramic view of the park’s rugged terrain, including the Badlands formations, rolling hills, and deep canyons. The Pinnacles Overlook is a popular spot for sunset and sunrise views, as well as stargazing.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. The park’s most famous landscapes include the Black Canyon, which is a narrow gorge that has been carved by the Gunnison River over millions of years. The canyon is known for its sheer cliffs that drop straight down into the depths below. The cliffs are made of Precambrian gneiss and schist, that are some of the oldest rocks in North America.
Another famous landscape in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the Painted Wall. This is the tallest cliff in Colorado, rising 2,250 feet above the Gunnison River. The Painted Wall is a popular spot for rock climbing and offers visitors a chance to see the park’s geology up close. The rock layers are visible and the colors are spectacular.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are home to some of the most unique and diverse landscapes in the country. Visitors to these parks can expect to see beautiful formations, rugged terrain, and breathtaking views that will leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are both known for their unique landscapes and outdoor activities. Visitors to these parks can enjoy a wide range of activities, each park has its own set of popular activities.
At Badlands National Park, one of the most popular activities is hiking. Visitors can explore the park’s rugged badlands formations on a variety of trails, ranging from easy, paved trails to more challenging, backcountry hikes. The Badlands Loop Road is also a popular activity, which takes visitors on a scenic drive through the park, providing access to several key viewpoints and overlooks. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, camping and ranger-led programs which are offered seasonally.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing. Visitors can explore the park’s steep, rugged canyon walls on a variety of trails, ranging from easy, paved trails to more challenging, backcountry hikes. The park’s North Rim Road is also a popular activity, which takes visitors on a scenic drive along the rim of the canyon, providing access to several key viewpoints and overlooks. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy fishing, camping, and ranger-led programs which are offered seasonally.
Both parks also have campground facilities, picnic areas and visitor centers which can be enjoyed by the visitors.
In conclusion, both Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offer visitors a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, camp, or take a scenic drive, these parks have something for everyone to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are both unique in their own ways, and the seasonal weather at these two parks can greatly affect when is the best time to visit.
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild, and the wildflowers and other vegetation are in bloom. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it too hot for most visitors. Winters can be harsh with snow and sub-zero temperatures, making it difficult to access the park’s hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in Colorado, has a similar climate to the Badlands, but with slightly milder winters. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild and the wildflowers are in bloom. The summer months can be hot, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The park is also known for its extreme temperature changes, with the canyon floor staying much cooler than the rim. Winter can be extremely cold with snow, making it difficult to access the park’s hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
Overall, both parks have a similar climate, but the best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a little more flexible than Badlands National Park, where the summer months can be too hot for most visitors.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Both Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are great options for families looking to experience the great outdoors. However, depending on your family’s interests and activity level, one park may be a better fit than the other.
Badlands National Park is considered to be more family-friendly than Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The park has a variety of easy and short hiking trails, such as the Badlands Loop Road, that offer families the opportunity to see the park’s unique landscapes and wildlife. The park also offers ranger-led activities, such as guided walks and talks, that are designed for families and children. Additionally, the park has a visitors center with exhibits, films and a bookstore, that will provide families with information about the park’s geology, ecology, and history.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, on the other hand, is known for its steep terrain and challenging hiking trails, which may not be suitable for young children or those with limited mobility. The park is also more remote than Badlands National Park, which may be less appealing to families with young children.
That being said, If your family is looking for a challenging and adventurous experience, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park might be a better fit. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed and family-friendly experience, Badlands National Park is the way to go.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are great options for families looking to experience the great outdoors. However, Badlands National Park is considered to be more family-friendly due to its easy hiking trails, ranger-led activities and visitors center, while Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is more suitable for those looking for a challenging and adventurous experience.