Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park are two of the most breathtaking and rugged national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of recreational activities, from hiking and camping to sightseeing and wildlife viewing, but each park has its own unique set of natural features that make them truly special. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and narrow canyon that offers spectacular views of the Gunnison River, while Glacier National Park is known for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor, these two parks have something to offer for everyone. So, pack your bags, get your cameras ready and let’s dive in and discover what makes these two parks so special.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park are both known for their beautiful and rugged hiking trails, but the terrain and difficulty of the hikes can vary greatly between the two parks.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. The South Rim Road offers an easy hike with beautiful views of the canyon. The Gunnison Point Trail is a moderate hike that offers great views of the canyon, and the North Rim Road is a strenuous hike that leads to the bottom of the canyon. The trails in the park are steep, narrow, and rocky, making them challenging hikes for visitors.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, has a wide range of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. The Hidden Lake Trail is a moderate hike that offers great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The Highline Trail is a strenuous hike that offers spectacular views of the park’s alpine meadows, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail is a strenuous hike that leads to the base of a glacier. The trails in the park are steep, rocky, and can be challenging for visitors.
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park offer a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, but visitors should be prepared for a challenging hike in both parks. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and rugged trails while Glacier National Park is known for its alpine meadows, glaciers, and spectacular views.
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 Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the animals and plants that can be seen at each park differ quite significantly.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife including mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and black bears. The park is also home to many bird species such as the American dipper, the common raven, and the golden eagle. The park’s canyon environment also supports a variety of plant life, including pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
In contrast, Glacier National Park is home to a much wider range of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, mountain goats, and wolverines. Visitors can also see large herds of bighorn sheep and elk. The park is also known for its diverse bird population, including the common loon, the great gray owl, and the golden eagle. Glacier National Park is also home to many plants such as the western red cedar, the Douglas fir and the western hemlock.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plants, but the variety of species found in Glacier National Park is much wider. Visitors to Glacier National Park can expect to see a greater variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, and wolverines. Additionally, Glacier National Park is home to many more bird and plant species than Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Glacier 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 | Glacier 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| American Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Wolf |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Legged Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| American Badger | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Northern Pike | Fathead Minnow |
| Mottled Sculpin | Lake Trout |
| Speckled Dace | Northern Pike |
| Burbot | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its deep and narrow gorge, carved by the Gunnison River. The canyon is over 2,000 feet deep in some places and only 40 feet wide at its narrowest point, providing a spectacular view of the river and the surrounding landscape. The park also features a variety of hiking trails, including the Rim Rock Trail, which offers a breathtaking view of the canyon from the rim.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. The park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the Highline Trail, which offers a scenic view of the park’s famous glaciers and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can also take a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers a panoramic view of the park’s natural wonders, including glaciers, waterfalls, and wildflowers. Additionally, the park also features a number of lakes and rivers, such as Lake McDonald and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which provide opportunities for fishing and boating.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park both offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, but the most popular activities at each park are quite different.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The park is home to several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the canyon and the Gunnison River. The park’s rock climbing routes are considered to be some of the most challenging in the country, making it a popular destination for experienced climbers. The park’s scenic drives, such as the South Rim Road, offer breathtaking views of the canyon and its unique geology.
In contrast, the most popular activities at Glacier National Park include hiking, camping, and boat tours. The park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park’s campground offers visitors the opportunity to experience the park’s natural beauty in a more immersive way. The park’s boat tours take visitors on a journey through the park’s beautiful glaciers, lakes, and rivers, providing an excellent opportunity to see the park’s wildlife and landscapes.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is a great destination for visitors who are interested in hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is ideal for visitors who want to experience the park’s natural beauty through hiking, camping and boat tours. Both parks offer a wide range of activities, but they have different popular activities that are unique to each park.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park
The seasonal weather at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park can vary greatly, making the best time to visit each park dependent on the type of weather you prefer.
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 typically open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when the temperatures are milder. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it too hot for some visitors to enjoy the park. The winter months can be extremely cold with temperatures well below freezing, and snow and ice can make the park’s trails and roads impassable.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, is located in Montana and has a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold winters. The park is also typically open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the summer when the weather is milder and the snow has melted, making the trails and roads accessible. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy the park’s glaciers, wildflowers, and wildlife. The park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is the only road that traverses the park, is typically closed from October to June due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park offer visitors different weather experiences, but the best time to visit each park depends on the type of weather you prefer. Visitors looking for milder temperatures and easy access to the park’s trails and roads should visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in the spring and fall, and Glacier National Park in the summer.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Glacier National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but each park offers a different type of experience for families with children.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a number of easy hiking trails that are suitable for families with children. The park has a number of picnic areas and scenic overlooks, where families can enjoy a picnic and take in the beautiful views of the canyon. The park also has a visitor center and a campground where families can learn about the park’s natural and cultural history, as well as book ranger-led activities.
Glacier National Park, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and wilderness-oriented experience for families. While the park has a variety of easy hiking trails and scenic drives, it also offers more challenging trails that may not be suitable for young children. The park also has a number of campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers, where families can learn about the park’s natural and cultural history. The park also offers ranger-led activities and programs, including campfire talks and guided hikes, that are suitable for families with children.
It depends on what type of experience your family is looking for, but both parks offer a lot of opportunities for families to enjoy outdoor recreation and learning about nature. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park may be more suitable for families with young children, while Glacier National Park is more suitable for families looking for a more wilderness-oriented experience.