If you’re planning a vacation and would like a quick comparison of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Death Valley 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 Death Valley National Park Overview
- 3 Hiking At National Parks
- 4 Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Hiking Trails
- 5 Hiking Overview at Death Valley National Park
- 6 Wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
- 7 Wildlife at Death Valley 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.
Death Valley National Park Overview
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.
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 Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with a wide variety of trails to suit all levels of experience. For those looking for an easy hike, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes trail is a great option. This trail is only a mile long and is mostly level, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. For those looking for more of a challenge, the hikes to Telescope Peak or Panamint Springs are well worth the effort. Both trails are over 10 miles long and involve significant elevation gain, but the views from the summit are simply breathtaking. No matter what your level of experience, Death Valley National Park has a hiking trail that’s perfect for you.
Top 10 Hiking Trails at Death Valley National Park
| Hike Name | Elevation Gain | Difficulty Rating | Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop | 1710.8424 | 7 | loop | 4.5 |
| Panamint Dunes Trail | 165.8112 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Ubehebe and Little Hebe Crater Trail | 220.98 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Salt Creek Interpretive Trail | 7.9248 | 1 | loop | 4 |
| Grotto Canyon | 204.8256 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Darwin Falls Trail | 251.7648 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Fall Canyon Trail | 656.844 | 3 | out and back | 4 |
| Echo Pass and Inyo Mine OHV Loop | 396.8496 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch Path Loop | 125.8824 | 3 | loop | 4.5 |
| Harmony Borax Works | 6.7056 | 1 | loop | 3.5 |
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 Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. Despite its arid climate, the park is home to more than 800 species of plants, including Joshua trees, creosote bushes, and wildflowers. The park is also home to more than 300 species of animals, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and desert tortoises. In addition, the park is home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Death Valley National Park is an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.
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.
Death Valley National Park Weather Considerations
Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest places on Earth. Temperatures in the summer can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is very little shade or relief from the heat. Death Valley is also extremely dry, with almost no rainfall for months at a time. As a result, the best time to visit Death Valley is in the winter, when temperatures are cooler and there is more chance of rain. However, even in winter, Death Valley can be dangerously hot, so always be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.