Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are both natural wonders that offer visitors a chance to explore unique landscapes and experience the beauty of the great outdoors. At Black Canyon of the Gunnison, visitors are drawn to the steep and dramatic cliffs that drop 2,000 feet to the Gunnison River below. Meanwhile, Carlsbad Caverns is a labyrinth of underground caves that showcase stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and sightseeing to wildlife watching and stargazing. Whether you’re looking for an adventure above ground or below, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe. Get ready to explore two of the most incredible natural places in America and find out which one is perfect for you!
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are both known for their spectacular hiking trails, but the nature of the trails is quite different.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and challenging hikes that offer incredible views of the deep and narrow canyon. The park’s most popular trail is the South Rim Road, a 7-mile hike that takes you along the rim of the canyon, offering breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and the Gunnison River below. The park also offers several other challenging trails, including the North Rim Road and the Gunnison Point Trail, which offer similarly stunning views.
On the other hand, Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails that range from easy and accessible to challenging and strenuous. The park’s most popular trail is the Natural Entrance Trail, a paved and accessible trail that takes visitors into the caverns, where they can see stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The park also offers several other trails, including the Big Room Trail and the Left Hand Tunnel Trail, which offer more challenging hikes and even more incredible cave formations.
In terms of difficulty, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park offers more challenging hikes compared to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. However, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has something for all fitness level and ages, the park’s natural entrance trail and the Big Room trail are some of the most famous and easy trail.
So, if you’re looking for a challenging hike with breathtaking views, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is the place to go. But if you’re looking for a more diverse hiking experience with easy and accessible trails for all ages, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the better option.
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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 1287.472 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 5 |
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 17863.674 | 469.6968 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 23657.298 | 309.9816 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 3057.746 | 140.8176 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 443.7888 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 1609.34 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 8690.436 | 207.8736 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 482.802 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 2.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are both known for their unique and diverse wildlife.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, visitors can spot a variety of animals including mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, and mountain lions. The park also has a diverse bird population, with species such as the golden eagle, prairie falcon, and great horned owl commonly seen. Plants in the park include juniper, piñon pine, and sagebrush.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, on the other hand, is home to a wide variety of bats, including the famous Mexican free-tailed bats that can be seen emerging from the caverns in the evening during the summer months. The park also has a diverse array of other animals such as ring-tailed cats, rattlesnakes, and desert cottontails. The park’s desert environment also supports a wide variety of plants, including creosote bush, ocotillo, and yucca.
Both of the parks provide unique and unique experiences, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is best for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, while Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great destination for those interested in exploring underground caves and seeing bats.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Carlsbad Caverns 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 | Carlsbad Caverns 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 | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Raccoon |
| Raccoon | Black Bear |
| Black Bear | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mountain Lion |
| House Mouse | Mule Deer |
| Mountain Lion | Common Gray Fox |
| American Mink | Gray Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | California Myotis |
| American Badger | Fringed Myotis |
| California Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Mosquitofish |
| Northern Pike | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Eastern Racer |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Green Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Milksnake | Common Gartersnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Desert Kingsnake |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| New Mexico Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Barred Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | American Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its deep, steep and narrow canyons that showcase the power of erosion. The park features the Black Canyon, which is considered one of the most dramatic and spectacular canyons in North America. The canyon’s walls are as steep as 40 degrees in some places and reach a depth of 2,722 feet. Visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon or take a guided tour to the bottom. The park also offers several scenic drives, including the South Rim Road, which offers breathtaking views of the canyon and the Gunnison River.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its limestone caves. The park features over 119 known caves, the most famous of which is the Carlsbad Cavern. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cave and explore the beautiful underground formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. The park also offers several ranger-guided tours, including the “Big Room” tour, which is the most popular. The Big Room is the largest chamber in the cavern and offers a variety of formations and a bat flight program. There are also several hiking trails on the surface of the park that offer scenic views of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, but they offer very different experiences.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, located in western Colorado, is known for its steep, narrow gorge and rugged beauty. Visitors to the park can hike or bike along the rim of the canyon, fish in the Gunnison River, or take a scenic drive along the South Rim Road. The park also offers a number of backcountry camping and hiking opportunities for those looking for a more immersive experience.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located in southern New Mexico, is known for its underground limestone caves. Visitors can take an elevator or walk down to the Big Room, one of the largest underground chambers in North America, and explore the various cave formations and underground lakes. The park also offers guided tours of other caves in the park, such as the Left Hand Tunnel and Slaughter Canyon Cave. In addition to the caves, the park features hiking trails and a visitor center with exhibits about the geology and history of the area.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park offers outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing and scenic drives for visitors who love to explore nature and rugged beauty, while Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers underground cave exploration, guided tours, hiking trails and visitor center for visitors who are interested in geology and history.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and is known for its dramatic and steep cliffs that drop 2,700 feet down to the Gunnison River. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is warmer and drier. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great spot for hiking and camping. Winters in the park can be very cold and snowy, with average temperatures in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit, making it a good destination for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southern New Mexico and is known for its limestone caverns that were formed by the dissolution of the surrounding rock. The park is also open year-round, but the best time to visit is between April and October, when the weather is mild and comfortable. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great spot for exploring the caverns. Winters in the park can be chilly, with average temperatures in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, making it a good time to explore the caverns and take ranger-led tours.
In terms of landscapes, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its deep and steep canyons, while Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its limestone caverns, including the famous Big Room, which is the largest chamber in the caverns and one of the largest underground chambers in North America. The park also has a wide variety of wildlife such as bats, mule deer, and desert bighorn sheep.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are both great places to visit with children, but they offer different experiences. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its deep and steep canyon walls, while Carlsbad Caverns is known for its limestone caves.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking. The park offers several easy and short hikes that are suitable for children, such as the Rim Rock Trail and the Warner Point Nature Trail. The park also has a campground for families who want to spend the night.
On the other hand, Carlsbad Caverns is a great option for families who are interested in exploring caves. The park offers several ranger-guided tours of the caves that are suitable for children, such as the Big Room Tour and the King’s Palace Tour. The park also has an elevator that takes visitors down to the caves, so it’s not as physically demanding as Black Canyon.
In general, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is more family-friendly, with less strenuous activities and ample ranger-led tours, while Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is more suitable for families who like outdoor activities and prefer a more rugged experience.