If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll take a look at what they have to offer in terms of hiking and wildlife, plus what the best time of year to visit might be.
Let’s get started with an overview of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Overview
- 2 Bryce Canyon National Park Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Bryce Canyon National Park
- 6 Wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
- 7 Wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park
- 8 What’s the best time to visit?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Overview
Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. With two million years to work, the Gunnison River, along with the forces of weathering, has sculpted this vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.
Bryce Canyon National Park Overview
Hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) exist on every continent, but here is the largest concentration found anywhere on Earth. Situated along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, the park’s high elevations include numerous life communities, fantastic dark skies, and geological wonders that defy description.
Hiking At National Parks
Most national parks have some of the best hiking trails you’ll find anywhere in the US.
If you’re planning to take along your furry friend, double-check the rules before you go – as many of the parks have different rules about bringing animals along with you.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Hiking Trails
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering something for everyone from easy, scenic walks to challenging multi-day treks. Some of the most popular trails include the Chasm View Nature Trail, which offers stunning views of the Black Canyon; the Warner Point Nature Trail, which leads to a viewing platform overlooking the Gunnison River; and the Soapstone Nature Trail, which winds through a forest of aspen trees. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Black Canyon Trail offers a strenuous 16-mile round trip that takes hikers down into the Black Canyon itself. Regardless of your hiking experience or fitness level, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park has a trail that’s perfect for you.
Best Hikes At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
The ratings below are based on user-submitted data at AllTrails.com
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunnison Point Overlook | 23.7744 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim Rock Nature Trail | 56.9976 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Warner Route | 924.7632 | 7 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cedar Point Nature Trail | 4.8768 | 3 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dragon Point Trail | 17.9832 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
| High Point Trail | 9.7536 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| East Portal Trail | 5.7912 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Pulpit Rock Overlook Trail | 4.8768 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Cross Fissures Trail | 34.7472 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devils Lookout Trail | 19.812 | 1 | out and back | 4.5 |
Hiking Overview at Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails of varying difficulty that wind through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. For those looking for an easy hike, the Rim Trail provides panoramic views of Bryce Canyon without any significant elevation gain. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Fairyland Loop descends nearly 800 feet into the canyon, passing by towering hoodoos and colorful rock formations. And for those looking for an even greater challenge, the Peekaboo Loop climbs to the top of Bryce Point, providing hikers with an breathtaking birds-eye view of Bryce Canyon. No matter what your hiking level, Bryce Canyon National Park has a trail that’s perfect for you.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Bryce Canyon National Park
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peekaboo Loop, Wall Street, and Rim Trails | 572.7192 | 5 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Yovimpa Point | 1.8288 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Paria View | 23.7744 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Rainbow Point, Yovimpa Point, and Bristlecone Loop | 36.8808 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Creek and Swamp Canyon Loop | 243.84 | 3 | loop | 4 |
| Hat Shop via Under the Rim Trail | 294.7416 | 3 | out and back | 4.5 |
| Piracy Point | 17.9832 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
| Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail | 189.8904 | 3 | loop | 5 |
| Under the Rim Trail: Bryce Point to Whiteman Bench | 945.7944 | 7 | point to point | 4 |
| Whiteman Bench to Mud Canyon Spring | 128.9304 | 1 | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife. You can expect to see animals such as bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, coyotes, and red-tailed hawks. Plant life includes scrub oak, pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush. The variety of wildlife and vegetation creates a habitat that is perfect for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife photography. So come on down to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and get up close and personal with the amazing wildlife that calls this place home.
Wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from the small and elusive Pika to the majestic elk. With over 150 species of animals, Bryce Canyon is a veritable paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The park also boasts an impressive variety of plants, with over 1,000 different species. Whether you’re looking for a rare bird sighting or just want to enjoy the beauty of the natural world, Bryce Canyon National Park is sure to offer something for everyone.
What’s the best time to visit?
A lot of times, weather can dictate when it makes the most sense to visit a particular national park.
Plus, depending on the types of activities you’re hoping to take part in, seasonality will be a huge factor in whether those things are even available.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Weather Considerations
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. The canyon is extremely deep and narrow, and the views are simply stunning. However, the weather at Black Canyon can be quite extreme, and it’s important to know what to expect before you visit.
The best time to visit Black Canyon is during the spring or fall. The weather is milder during these months, and there are usually fewer crowds. However, if you’re planning on doing any hiking, be aware that the trails can be very icy in the spring.
The worst time to visit Black Canyon is during the summer. It can be incredibly hot in the canyon, and there is very little shade. If you do decide to visit during the summer, make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Bryce Canyon National Park Weather Considerations
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwestern Utah, and it is known for its hoodoos. Hoodoos are formed when an area of rock is more resistant to erosion than the surrounding rock, and over time, the softer rock is worn away, leaving behind the more resistant rock. Bryce Canyon National Park has an average elevation of 8,000 feet, and as a result, the weather can vary considerably throughout the year. The park experiences cold winters with snowfall, and summers are typically hot and dry. Spring and fall are generally the best times to visit Bryce Canyon National Park because the weather is milder. Late summer and early fall can also be a good time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park because the hoodoos take on a reddish hue as the sun sets.