Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the country, but in very different ways. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, located in Colorado, is home to a steep and deep canyon that has been carved by the Gunnison River, while Crater Lake, located in Oregon, is home to a stunning lake formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano. Whether you’re a hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a breathtaking view, these two parks offer something for everyone. So, get ready to pack your bags and embark on an adventure to explore the best of what these parks have to offer. With different landscapes, different outdoor activities, and different climates, these two parks are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. However, the trails at these two parks differ in terms of difficulty and the types of experiences they offer.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its challenging and rugged hiking trails. The park’s most popular trails include the Rim Rock Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon from the rim, and the Gunnison Gorge Trail, which takes hikers down into the gorge for a closer look at the canyon’s geology. Some of the hardest hikes at Black Canyon are Warner Point Nature Trail and the Chasm View Nature Trail, both of which are steep and rocky with narrow ledges and drop-offs.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is known for its moderate to strenuous hiking trails. The park’s most popular trails include the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the lake from the rim, and the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which takes hikers down to the lake shore for a swim. Some of the easiest hikes at Crater Lake are the Sun Notch and Discovery Point trails, which offer gentle inclines and great views of the lake, Wizard Island and the surrounding volcanoes.
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park offer visitors a wide range of hiking trails to choose from, but the trails at these two parks differ in terms of difficulty and the types of experiences they offer. Black Canyon is known for its challenging and rugged trails that offer great views of the canyon, while Crater Lake is known for its moderate to strenuous trails that offer great views of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes.
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 Crater Lake National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife and plant life. However, the types of animals and plants that can be seen at each park are quite different due to the vastly different environments and ecosystems.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in the high desert and is home to a variety of desert and mountain animals, such as bighorn sheep, elk, black bears, and mountain lions. The park also has a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and the rare Gunnison sage-grouse. The park’s plant life is also diverse, with species such as pinon pine, juniper, and sagebrush commonly found in the park.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Cascade Mountains and is home to a variety of alpine and subalpine animals, such as deer, black bears, and mountain lions. The park also has a wide variety of bird species, including the common loon, osprey, and bald eagle. The park’s plant life is also diverse, with species such as Douglas fir, western hemlock, and mountain ash commonly found in the park.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a variety of desert and mountain animals, birds, and plants, while Crater Lake National Park is home to a variety of alpine and subalpine animals, birds, and plants. Visitors to the park can expect to see different types of animals, birds, and plants depending on the park they choose to visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Crater Lake 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 | Bald Eagle |
Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
European Starling | European Starling |
Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
American Pipit | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Crater Lake 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 | Mink |
Mule Deer | Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer |
Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
California Myotis | American Badger |
Snowshoe Hare | Ermine |
Fish
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
Long-Nose Sucker | Brown Trout |
Northern Pike | Lake Trout |
Mottled Sculpin | Silver Salmon |
Speckled Dace | Kokanee Salmon |
Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
---|---|
Gophersnake | Western Terestrial Garter Snake |
Terrestrial Gartersnake | Racer |
Common Sagebrush Lizard | Sagebrush Lizard |
Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
Milksnake | Rubber Boa |
Striped Whipsnake | Western Skink |
Tree Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
---|---|
Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
Tiger Salamander |
Insects
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Crater Lake National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Honey Bee | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park both offer visitors a wide variety of stunning landscapes and natural features to explore.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its deep and steep canyon, which is considered one of the most dramatic in North America. The canyon is carved by the Gunnison River and is up to 2,722 feet deep in some areas, providing visitors with breathtaking views from the rim. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rugged and remote wilderness, with trails that lead to the canyon floor, as well as overlooks and viewpoints that provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
On the other hand, Crater Lake National Park is home to one of the most famous natural wonders in the United States, Crater Lake. The lake is formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano and is the deepest lake in the country and the ninth deepest in the world. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning blue color, which is often compared to the Caribbean Sea. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape, with trails that lead to the rim of the caldera, as well as overlooks and viewpoints that provide panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is famous for its deep and steep canyon, rugged and remote wilderness, and breathtaking views from the rim. Crater Lake National Park is famous for its crystal-clear and stunning blue lake, formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano, and the surrounding landscape with trails that lead to the rim of the caldera, as well as overlooks and viewpoints that provide panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both popular tourist destinations, but they offer different types of activities and experiences that may appeal to different interests.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its spectacular canyon views and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. The park offers several short and easy hikes along the rim, such as the Warner Point Nature Trail, which is a half-mile hike to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon. The park also offers several fishing spots along the Gunnison River, as well as rock climbing for experienced climbers. The park also offers scenic drives where visitors can enjoy the views of the canyon from the comfort of their car.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning blue lake, the result of an ancient volcano. The park offers several hiking trails that lead to different viewpoints around the lake, such as the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which descends 700 feet to the water’s edge. The park also offers boat tours of the lake, which give visitors a chance to see the lake from a different perspective. The park also offers fishing and swimming in summer season, as well as ranger-led programs and guided walks that allow visitors to learn more about the geology, natural history, and cultural heritage of the park.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its spectacular canyon views and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and rock climbing, while Crater Lake National Park is known for its stunning blue lake and activities like hiking, boat tours, fishing and swimming in summer season. Both parks offer a range of activities, but Crater Lake National Park has a more variety of activities than Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park are located in different regions of the country and have distinct seasonal weather patterns. The weather at these two parks affects when the best time of year to visit is, and what activities can be enjoyed during a visit.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and experiences four distinct seasons. Summer is the most popular time to visit, as temperatures are generally mild and comfortable, with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s. Winter can be very cold with heavy snowfall, and it’s not the best time to visit if you want to enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. Spring and fall are great seasons to visit, when the weather is mild, and the park is less crowded.
Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon and also experiences four distinct seasons. Summer is the most popular time to visit, as temperatures are generally mild and comfortable, with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s. Winter is also a popular time to visit the park, when the park receives significant snowfall, and the lake is often frozen over. This can be a great time to visit if you want to enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other winter activities. Fall is also a great season to visit, when the park is less crowded and the weather is mild.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best visited in spring and fall when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. Crater Lake National Park is best visited in summer, when the weather is mild and the lake is accessible. However, Winter is also a great time to visit Crater Lake National Park if you want to enjoy winter activities, and the park is less crowded.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Crater Lake National Park are both great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors, but each park offers a unique experience that may be more or less suitable for families with children.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for families to enjoy, such as hiking, fishing, and camping. However, the park can be challenging for families with small children, as some of the trails are steep and difficult, and the high elevation can make the park’s climate harsh and unpredictable. Additionally, the park’s remote location and lack of facilities can make it less convenient for families traveling with children.
Crater Lake National Park, on the other hand, offers a more family-friendly experience. The park is home to Crater Lake, a stunning lake formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano. The park offers several family-friendly hikes that lead to the rim of the lake, providing visitors with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and ranger-led activities, including guided walks, campfire programs and Junior Ranger program, which can be very appealing for children. Additionally, the park has a visitor center with exhibits and a gift shop, picnic areas and campground and a shuttle service, which can make it a more convenient option for families traveling with children.
In summary, Crater Lake National Park may be a more suitable option for families traveling with children, as it offers more family-friendly trails and facilities, as well as educational programs and activities that can appeal to children. While Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can be a great option for families who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure, it may be less suitable for families traveling with small children due to its challenging terrain and remote location.