Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty of the American West in a way that is both breathtaking and unforgettable. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a deep and narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River, while Bryce Canyon is a natural amphitheater filled with hoodoos and other spectacular rock formations. If you’re looking for an adventure that will leave you feeling invigorated and inspired, then a visit to these two parks is a must. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor, you’ll find something to love at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the beauty and wonder of the American West!
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are both known for their scenic hiking trails, but they offer different types of experiences.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to some of the most challenging hikes in the country, with steep and narrow trails that offer incredible views of the deep and dramatic canyon. The park’s most popular hike is the South Rim Trail, which is a strenuous 8.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the bottom of the canyon. Along the way, hikers will be able to see the Gunnison River and the unique rock formations that make up the canyon walls. Other challenging hikes in the park include the North Rim Trail and the Inner Canyon Trail.
Bryce Canyon National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful hoodoos, which are tall and thin rock formations that are shaped like spires. The park has a variety of easy to moderate hikes that allow visitors to explore the hoodoos up close. The most popular hike in the park is the Queens Garden Trail, which is a 1.8-mile round trip hike that takes you into the heart of the hoodoos. Other easy hikes in the park include the Navajo Loop and the Peekaboo Loop.
In conclusion, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great destination for hikers who are looking for a challenging and strenuous hike, while Bryce Canyon National Park is better for visitors who want to explore the unique and colorful hoodoos at a more leisurely pace.
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 Bryce Canyon National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail | 4184.284 | 189.8904 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Fairyland Loop Trail | 11909.116 | 469.6968 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Peekaboo Loop Trail | 8368.568 | 442.8744 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Navajo Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 139.9032 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 175.8696 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Sunset Point to Sunrise Point | 1770.274 | 24.9936 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail | 1609.34 | 35.9664 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Queen Victoria via Queen’s Garden Loop | 3379.614 | 123.7488 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tower Bridge Trail | 5471.756 | 251.7648 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail) | 10138.842 | 456.8952 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are both known for their unique and diverse wildlife.
At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears. The park is also home to a wide range of birds including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. The park is also home to a diverse array of plants, including pinyon pine, juniper, and Douglas fir.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, visitors can see a variety of animals such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and elk. The park is also home to a wide range of birds including the California Condor, Peregrine Falcon, and the American Kestrel. The park is also known for its unique hoodoo rock formations which are formed by erosion, the Hoodoos are a spectacular sight to behold. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, and Aspen trees.
Overall, both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including animals, birds, and plants. Whether you’re interested in seeing majestic birds of prey or want to spot a herd of mule deer, both Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Bryce Canyon National Park offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Bryce Canyon 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 | Bryce Canyon 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 |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| American Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Common Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | American Badger |
| American Badger | Ermine |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Bryce Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | |
| Long-Nose Sucker | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Bryce Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Milksnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Striped Whipsnake |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Bryce Canyon National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its deep and narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River. The park’s most famous landscape is the Black Canyon itself, which is a 2,250-foot deep and only 40 feet wide at its narrowest point. The steep walls of the canyon are made of dark Precambrian rock, which gives the canyon its name. The park also features Painted Wall, which is the tallest sheer cliff in Colorado and the second-tallest in the United States. The Painted Wall offers a stunning view of the red and orange hues of the rock formations.
Bryce Canyon National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique hoodoos, which are tall and thin spires of rock that have been sculpted by erosion. The park’s most famous landscape is the Bryce Amphitheater, which is a natural amphitheater filled with thousands of hoodoos. The park also features the Wall of Windows, a natural rock formation that features a number of large, colorful windows. The park also features The Grand Staircase, which is a series of plateaus that are visible from the park’s main road. The park’s highest point is Rainbow Point, which offers a panoramic view of the park and the surrounding area.
Both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison and Bryce Canyon National Park offers many scenic drives, hiking trails and lookout points that offer visitors the chance to see these natural wonders up close.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are both known for their unique and spectacular geologic features. However, the types of activities that are popular at each park differ.
At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon and take in the stunning views of the steep, dark walls. There are several hiking trails that range in difficulty, including the easy Rim Rock Nature Trail and the challenging Warner Point Nature Trail. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the South Rim Road, which offers several pull-offs with excellent views of the canyon. Camping and fishing are also popular activities at the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park, on the other hand, is known for its hoodoos, which are tall spires of rock that have been shaped by erosion. The park’s main attraction is the Bryce Amphitheater, which is a natural amphitheater filled with thousands of hoodoos. Hiking is a popular activity at Bryce Canyon, with several trails that range in difficulty, including the easy Rim Trail and the challenging Peekaboo Loop. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the 18-mile road that runs through the park, which offers several pull-offs with excellent views of the hoodoos. Ranger-led programs and stargazing are also popular activities at the park.
In terms of wildlife, both parks host a variety of species. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a variety of animals like bighorn sheep, elk, black bears and mountain lions. Birds such as the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and the American dipper can also be found there. Bryce Canyon National Park is also home to a variety of animals such as mule deer, elk, and black bears. The park is also known for its diverse bird population, including the American dipper, the white-throated swift, and the violet-green swallow.
In terms of family friendliness, both parks offer a range of activities that are suitable for children. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives that are suitable for families. Bryce Canyon National Park also offers a range of hiking trails, ranger-led programs and scenic drives that are suitable for families.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park are two very different national parks in terms of their seasonal weather and the best time to visit. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 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 best time to visit is in the spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be very hot, with temperatures often reaching over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it less comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. Winter can be cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night, and snowfall is common, making some park roads and trails impassable.
Bryce Canyon National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Utah and has a milder climate with warm summers and cool winters. The park is also open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be warm, with temperatures reaching over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it’s still comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. Winter is also a great time to visit, as the park is less crowded, and the snowfall creates a beautiful winter wonderland. The park can be cold at night, with temperatures dropping below freezing, but it’s a great time for winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
In terms of hiking trails, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy rim walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. The park’s most popular hike is the South Rim Road, which offers several viewpoints of the canyon. The park’s more challenging hikes include the steep and strenuous Warner Point Nature Trail, and the steep and strenuous Inner Canyon hike.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique hoodoos and spires, and offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy rim walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. The park’s most popular hike is the Rim Trail, which offers several viewpoints of the hoodoos. The park’s more challenging hikes include the strenuous and steep Peekaboo Loop, and the strenuous and steep Fairyland Loop.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park offer a variety of activities that are suitable for families with children. However, the level of difficulty of the activities and the accessibility of the park may vary.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a number of easy hiking trails that are suitable for families with children. The park’s South Rim Drive offers a scenic drive with overlooks that offer views of the canyon. The park also offers ranger-led programs during the summer that are designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. The park also has a visitors center that has interactive exhibits and educational displays.
Bryce Canyon National Park, on the other hand, offers a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails that are suitable for families with children. The park’s main road, the 18-mile long Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, offers several viewpoints and pullouts that offer views of the hoodoos. The park also offers ranger-led programs during the summer that are designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. The park also has a visitors center that has interactive exhibits and educational displays.
Both parks have picnic areas, restroom facilities and visitor centers that can cater to families with children. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is considered to be more family-friendly because of its easy accessibility of the park and its wide range of easy and moderate hikes that can cater to different fitness levels.