Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two of the most spectacular and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders you’ll ever see, but they each offer a very different experience. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its deep and narrow canyons, rugged cliffs and steep drop-offs, while Haleakalā is famous for its towering volcano, lush rainforests and unique Hawaiian culture. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a new adventure, both of these parks will leave you in awe and wanting more. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Haleakalā, two of America’s most beloved national parks.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The hiking trails at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park are known for their rugged and steep terrain, with some of the most popular trails including the Gunnison Gorge Trail, the South Rim Road, and the North Rim Road. These trails offer stunning views of the canyon, but can be challenging for hikers of all skill levels.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, offers a more diverse range of hiking trails, with options ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes at Haleakalā include the Sliding Sands Trail, which takes visitors through a unique volcanic landscape, and the Halemau’u Trail, which leads to a stunning overlook of the crater. For more experienced hikers, the park also offers the strenuous Keonehe’ehe’e (Sliding Sands) Trail, which leads to the summit of the volcano.
In terms of difficulty, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park has a more challenging set of hikes, while Haleakalā National Park offers a wider range of options that can cater to different skill levels. Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, and are great places to explore on foot.
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 Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, visitors may spot animals such as bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, and black bears. The park also has a variety of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. Plant life at the park includes Pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is home to a unique collection of animals and plants. Visitors may spot the nēnē goose, the state bird of Hawaii, as well as mouflon sheep, axis deer, and black-tailed deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species such as the Hawaiian honeycreeper, the Hawaiian goose, and the Hawaiian petrel. The park is also home to a variety of unique plant species, including the silversword, a plant found only in Hawaii.
Overall, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park offers a diverse array of wildlife and plant species, while Haleakalā National Park offers a unique collection of animals and plants found only in Hawaii. Both parks offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, but the specific species that can be seen will vary depending on the park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Rock Pigeon |
| Osprey | House Sparrow |
| Tree Swallow | Northern Mockingbird |
| Mallard | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Canada Goose | Barn Owl |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Cattle Egret |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| American Robin | Chukar |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Cardinal |
| Northern Flicker | California Quail |
| Merlin | |
| Barn Swallow | |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit |
Mammals
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | Black Rat |
| Big Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
| Bobcat | Feral Hog |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| American Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| American Badger | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Long-Nose Sucker | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two incredibly unique and beautiful national parks that offer vastly different landscapes and natural wonders. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its deep, steep-walled canyons that offer breathtaking views and an otherworldly experience. The park is home to the Black Canyon, which is a narrow and steep-walled canyon that is over 2,700 feet deep. The canyon is considered one of the most dramatic and spectacular examples of a canyon in North America. The park is also home to the Gunnison River, which has carved the canyon over millions of years.
On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park is known for its towering volcano and diverse landscapes. The park is home to Haleakalā, which is a massive volcano that rises 10,023 feet above sea level. The volcano is considered one of the most sacred places in Hawaii and is a popular destination for hiking, stargazing, and sunrise viewing. The park also offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts, and offers an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and bird watching.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is an ideal destination for those looking for an otherworldly canyon experience while Haleakalā National Park offers a diverse range of landscapes and a sacred volcano experience. Both parks are must-see destinations that offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both known for their unique and diverse landscapes, offering visitors a wide range of activities to choose from. Both parks are popular for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, but each park offers different experiences.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon, where they will be treated to breathtaking views of the steep, sheer cliffs and the Gunnison River below. The park also offers several backcountry hiking trails that take visitors deep into the canyon. Some of the most popular trails include the North Rim Trail and the South Rim Trail. The North Rim Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the top of the canyon, while the South Rim Trail is a more moderate hike that takes visitors along the rim of the canyon.
Haleakalā National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique volcanic landscapes, including cinder cones, volcanic craters, and other volcanic features. Visitors to the park can hike the famous Sliding Sands Trail, which takes visitors through the park’s volcanic landscape and offers views of the crater and the surrounding area. The park also offers a variety of other hiking trails, including the Halemau’u Trail, which takes visitors through the park’s lush rainforest.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and elk at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, and the Nene goose, the Hawaiian hawk, and the Hawaiian hoary bat at Haleakalā National Park.
Both parks are also popular for camping, with several campgrounds available at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and backcountry camping permit at Haleakalā National Park. The best time to visit these parks is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the trails are open, but the park is also open year-round, visitors should be prepared for snow in the winter months at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and for hot and dry weather at Haleakalā National Park during the summer months.
Overall, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park offers a more rugged, wilderness experience with its deep canyon and backcountry trails, while Haleakalā National Park offers a more unique volcanic experience with its cinder cones and volcanic craters. Both parks are family-friendly, with a variety of activities and trails suitable for visitors of all ages and skill levels.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park
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 best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild and the wildflowers are in bloom. The park’s hiking trails offer a range of difficulty levels, with the strenuous Inner Canyon trail being the most challenging.
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park’s summit, which offers hiking trails, is cooler and can be chilly in the morning and evening, so it’s important to bring warm clothing. The park’s most popular hike is the Sliding Sands trail which leads to the crater floor. The park’s trails offer a range of difficulty levels with the Sliding Sands trail being considered strenuous. The park is a great place to visit all year round, but the best time to visit is during the winter months when the trade winds are less prevalent.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park are both great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities that are suitable for all ages.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its steep, rugged terrain and deep canyon. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, making it a great option for families with children of different ages and abilities. The park also offers ranger-led programs, ranger talks, and other educational activities that can help children learn about the park’s unique geology, wildlife, and cultural history.
Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui, Hawaii and is known for its unique volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, making it a great option for families with children of different ages and abilities. The park also offers ranger-led programs, ranger talks, and other educational activities that can help children learn about the park’s unique geology, wildlife, and cultural history.
Both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Haleakalā National Park have a lot to offer families, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on your specific interests and what you’re looking for in a national park experience. If you’re looking for a more rugged and remote wilderness experience, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more tropical and diverse ecosystem experience, Haleakalā National Park might be the better choice.