Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park may seem worlds apart, but these two national parks offer visitors a chance to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. While the Black Canyon is known for its steep, narrow gorge and the Guadalupe Mountains for its towering peaks and rugged canyons, both parks offer a chance to explore the great outdoors and discover the natural beauty of the American West. Whether you’re a hiker, a camper, or simply a nature lover, these two parks are a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the rugged beauty of the American West. So pack your bags and get ready to explore two of the most spectacular national parks in the country!
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and challenging hiking trails, with the park’s main attraction being the eponymous Black Canyon. The park’s most popular hike is the Rim Rock Trail, a strenuous 8.5-mile round trip hike that offers breathtaking views of the canyon and the Gunnison River below. Other challenging hikes include the Warner Point Nature Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes you to the edge of the canyon for panoramic views, and the Chasm View Nature Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the edge of the Painted Wall, the highest vertical cliff in Colorado.
On the other hand, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. The park’s most popular hike is the Guadalupe Peak Trail, an 8.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. The hike is considered strenuous and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Other popular hikes include the Devil’s Hall Trail, a 3-mile round trip hike that takes you through a narrow canyon, and the McKittrick Canyon Trail, a 3-mile round trip hike that takes you through a beautiful canyon with a stream and waterfall.
Both parks offer challenging and rewarding hikes, but Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and strenuous trails that offer breathtaking views of the canyon, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a variety of hikes that cater to different skill levels, with the Guadalupe Peak Trail being the most popular and challenging hike.
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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both home to a diverse range of wildlife. At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, visitors may see animals such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, and elk. The park also offers the opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant life, including the endangered plant species Unita beardtongue and Gunnison prairie-clover.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also known for its diverse wildlife. Visitors may see animals such as mule deer, mountain lions, and black bears. The park also offers the opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including the golden eagle and peregrine falcon. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant life, including agave, yucca, and cactus.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Guadalupe Mountains 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 | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Deer Mouse |
| Striped Skunk | Raccoon |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Deer Mouse | Porcupine |
| Raccoon | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Black Bear | Hoary Bat |
| Porcupine | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Red Fox | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Gray Wolf |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | American Badger |
| American Mink | California Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Fringed Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| American Badger | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
| California Myotis | Bighorn Sheep |
| Snowshoe Hare | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Long-Nose Sucker | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Eastern Racer |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Prairie Ring-Necked Snake |
| Milksnake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Desert Kingsnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Texas Night Snake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Desert 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 | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | American Bullfrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Ladies | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two spectacular national parks that showcase the natural beauty of the American Southwest. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience breathtaking landscapes, unique geology, and diverse wildlife.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is famous for its towering cliffs and steep canyons that plunge into the depths of the Gunnison River. The park’s namesake, the Black Canyon, is a stunning sight to behold, with its sheer walls of dark rock that drop more than 2,000 feet to the river below. Visitors can also explore the park’s rugged backcountry on hiking trails that wind through the canyon and up to the rim for breathtaking views.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, at 8,749 feet above sea level. The park is also known for its towering limestone cliffs, including the iconic El Capitan, which rises more than 3,000 feet above the desert floor. The park’s backcountry is also a hiker’s paradise, with trails that wind through the mountains, past groves of aspens, and along the banks of the Rio Grande.
Both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are must-see destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Each park offers a unique and unforgettable experience, but both are sure to leave visitors in awe of the natural beauty of the American Southwest.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both known for their beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreational activities. However, the types of activities and experiences offered at each park differ.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its deep, steep canyon and challenging hiking trails. Visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon, take a scenic drive, or go rock climbing. The park also offers ranger-led programs and ranger-led backcountry hikes.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities. The park features the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which is a popular destination for hikers. The park also features a variety of other trails, including the McKittrick Canyon Trail, which offers stunning views of the fall foliage. The park also features backcountry campsites for overnight trips.
Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors, but Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is generally considered a more challenging destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its hiking and backpacking opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park both have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can greatly affect the best time of year to visit.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is located in Colorado and has an arid, semi-desert climate. The park experiences hot summers, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s, and cold winters, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night. The park also receives very little precipitation, with most of it falling in the form of snow in the winter. The best time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Texas, has a similar climate to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, but with more precipitation. The park experiences hot summers, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s, and mild winters, with temperatures usually remaining above freezing. The park also receives more precipitation, with most of it falling in the form of thunderstorms during the summer months. The best time to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Overall, both parks offer a great outdoor experience, with beautiful landscapes and natural features, but the best time to visit will depend on the weather and what you are looking for. If you want to avoid the heat and enjoy milder temperatures, the spring and fall months are the best time to visit both parks. If you don’t mind the heat and want to see wildflowers, the summer months are also a great time to visit.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both beautiful and unique national parks that offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Both parks feature breathtaking landscapes, including deep canyons and towering mountain ranges, that are sure to impress visitors of all ages.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer a variety of activities that are suitable for children. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park features several easy hiking trails that offer stunning views of the canyon. The park also has a visitor center that offers educational programs for children. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the other hand, features a number of hiking trails that are suitable for families, including the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which is the highest peak in Texas. The park also has a visitor center that offers educational programs and ranger-led activities.
Overall, both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors. The choice between the two parks will likely come down to personal preference and the specific activities that interest your family. Both parks offer a variety of family-friendly activities, so it’s worth considering both when planning your next national park vacation.