Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both hidden gems in the western United States, offering visitors an unforgettable experience of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Both parks offer unique landscapes and features that are sure to leave you in awe. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park boasts a dramatic and steep-walled canyon that is one of the most spectacular in North America, carved by the Gunnison River. On the other hand, Capitol Reef National Park is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, winding canyons, and stunning vistas. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or a photographer, both of these parks are sure to offer something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to explore two of the most stunning national parks in the United States.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both known for their rugged, natural beauty, but the hiking trails at these two parks are quite different. At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, the main attraction is the steep, narrow gorge of the Gunnison River, which is over 2,000 feet deep in some places. The park offers several hiking trails that take visitors to the rim of the canyon, including the South Rim Road, which is a scenic drive that offers several overlooks and short trails. The park also has a challenging hike to the bottom of the canyon, the Gunnison Route, which is considered one of the most difficult trails in the park. This hike is not recommended for children or those with a fear of heights.
On the other hand, Capitol Reef National Park is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, rugged canyons, and unique geologic formations. The park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, including easy trails that take visitors to the park’s famous “Waterpocket Fold” and more challenging trails that lead to remote canyons and scenic overlooks. Some of the most popular hikes at Capitol Reef include the Cassidy Arch Trail, which is a moderate hike to a scenic arch, and the Grand Wash Trail, which is an easy hike through a narrow canyon. Families with children will find many easy and family-friendly trails to explore at Capitol Reef National Park. Overall, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is better for those who are looking for a challenging hike and an awe-inspiring view of the steep, narrow canyon, while Capitol Reef National Park is more family-friendly and offers a wider variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
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 Capitol Reef National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hickman Bridge Trail | 2735.878 | 129.8448 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cassidy Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 213.9696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Grand Wash Trail via Northeast Trailhead | 7081.096 | 121.92 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chimney Rock Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 241.7064 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cohab Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 241.7064 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Navajo Knobs Trail | 14001.258 | 650.748 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Goosenecks & Sunset Point | 4023.35 | 165.8112 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Capitol Gorge Trail | 7242.03 | 113.9952 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sulphur Creek Route | 18507.41 | 427.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rim Overlook Trail | 6598.294 | 320.9544 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. Visitors may also spot golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and other birds of prey in the park. The park’s rugged terrain and deep canyons provide a unique habitat for a variety of plant species, including pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
Capitol Reef National Park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and desert bighorn sheep. Visitors may also spot golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and other birds of prey in the park. The park’s unique geology and desert climate also provide a habitat for a variety of plant species, including Joshua trees, yucca, and cacti. Visitors may also see reptiles such as lizards, and snake species like the rattlesnake.
Both parks are great places to spot wildlife, but the Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is more known for the diversity of its wildlife. However, Capitol Reef National Park is a great place to spot desert wildlife, specifically bighorn sheep, and desert bighorn sheep.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Capitol Reef 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 | Capitol Reef 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 | 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 |
| California Myotis | Ermine |
| Snowshoe Hare | California Myotis |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Bluegill |
| Northern Pike | Mottled Sculpin |
| Mottled Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Speckled Dace | Black Bullhead |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Capitol Reef 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 | Common Kingsnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Capitol Reef National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both known for their awe-inspiring landscapes and natural wonders. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park boasts a 2,250-foot deep gorge carved by the Gunnison River, with towering cliffs and dramatic vistas. Visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon for a bird’s eye view of the rugged terrain below. On the other hand, Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its colorful sandstone cliffs, which stretch for over 100 miles through the park. The park is also home to the Waterpocket Fold, a massive wrinkle in the earth’s crust that has created a diverse array of landscapes, including canyons, mesas, and natural bridges. Both parks offer a unique and stunning natural setting for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both known for their unique and stunning landscapes, but the activities and wildlife found in each park are quite different.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and narrow canyon walls, which offer visitors a variety of hiking and backpacking opportunities. The park offers a range of trails, from easy rim walks to more strenuous backcountry hikes. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing and camping. Wildlife in the park includes mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, canyons, and domes. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Capitol Gorge Trail and the Grand Wash Trail. Additionally, the park is known for its scenic drives, such as the Cathedral Valley Scenic Drive and the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. The park is also a popular destination for camping, picnicking, and backpacking. Wildlife commonly seen in the park include mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer a variety of activities and trails that are suitable for families with children. However, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park may be more challenging for young children due to the steep and narrow canyon walls. On the other hand, Capitol Reef National Park may be more suitable for families with children as it has a wider variety of family-friendly activities and trails.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both located in the Western United States, but they have distinct weather patterns and climates. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, located in western Colorado, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park receives very little precipitation, making it a great destination for outdoor activities in the summer. The best time to visit is between April and October, when the temperatures are mild and the park’s hiking trails and scenic drives are accessible.
Capitol Reef National Park, located in southern Utah, also has a semi-arid climate, but it is generally a little warmer than Black Canyon Of The Gunnison. Summer temperatures can be quite hot, with highs often reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter can bring snow and ice, making some of the park’s roads and trails inaccessible.
Both parks offer great experiences, but the best time to visit would depend on what kind of weather you prefer and what activities you want to do. If you want to hike, camp and enjoy the outdoors during mild temperatures and less crowds, Spring and Fall would be the best time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison and Capitol Reef National Park.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both known for their awe-inspiring landscapes and natural wonders, but when it comes to family-friendliness, the two parks offer different experiences.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a more challenging park for families to visit, as it is known for its steep and narrow canyon walls that drop 2,700 feet to the Gunnison River. The park is also home to a number of strenuous hiking trails and offers limited amenities for families. While the park is not ideal for young children, it is perfect for families with older kids who are excited about a more rugged outdoor experience.
Capitol Reef National Park, on the other hand, is a more family-friendly option, as it offers a variety of activities that are suitable for all ages. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic drives, hike on well-maintained trails, or take guided tours to learn more about the park’s history and geology. The park also offers a number of campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great option for families who want to spend a few days exploring.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is perfect for families with older children who enjoy a rugged and adventurous outdoor experience, while Capitol Reef National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a more relaxed and family-friendly experience.