Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park may seem vastly different on the surface, but they both offer unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The Black Canyon is a narrow gorge that is over 2,000 feet deep and is home to some of the most dramatic and sheer cliffs in North America. On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park boasts one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea, which offers visitors the opportunity to witness the raw power of nature up close. Whether you’re interested in exploring deep canyons or witnessing volcanic eruptions, these two parks offer a chance to see some of the most spectacular natural phenomena on the planet. Both are unique and have their own specialties, and it will be a great opportunity for nature lovers to explore both of these parks.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and challenging trails that offer breathtaking views of the canyon and the Gunnison River. Some of the most popular and difficult hikes in the park include the South Rim Road, the North Rim Road, and the Warner Point Nature Trail. These trails are not recommended for inexperienced hikers or those with limited mobility.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, offers a mix of easy and challenging hikes, with many trails leading visitors through lush rainforests, past volcanic craters, and to the summit of active volcanoes. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes visitors to the crater of the 1959 eruption, and the Crater Rim Trail, which circles the summit caldera of Kilauea volcano. These trails can be challenging and strenuous, but they offer stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscapes.
Overall, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is better suited for experienced hikers looking for a challenging and rugged outdoor experience, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is more suitable for families and visitors looking for a mix of easy and moderate hikes with a variety of natural features such as rainforests, volcanic craters and active 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both home to a diverse range of wildlife. At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison, visitors may see animals such as bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, and black bears. The park also has a variety of bird species, including the golden eagle and peregrine falcon. The park is also home to a number of plant species, including the western columbine, dwarf iris, and the Penstemon.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to a variety of unique and endangered wildlife species. Visitors may see animals such as nēnē (Hawaiian goose), hawksbill and green sea turtles, and Hawaiian hoary bats. The park also has a diverse range of bird species, including the ʻapapane, ʻi’iwi, and the pueo (Hawaiian owl). The park is also home to a number of plant species, including the ōhiʻa lehua, kīpuka nene (ferns), and the silversword.
Both parks are great for those interested in wildlife, but the wildlife one can see at each park is quite different. Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers more traditional wildlife seen in the American west, while Hawaii Volcanoes offers a more tropical and unique experience with many endangered species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Canada Goose |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Great Blue Heron |
| Osprey | Rock Pigeon |
| Tree Swallow | House Sparrow |
| Mallard | Northern Mockingbird |
| Canada Goose | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Wild Turkey |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Barn Owl |
| American Robin | Cattle Egret |
| Great Horned Owl | Sanderling |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| Northern Flicker | Chukar |
| Merlin | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Barn Swallow | Northern Cardinal |
| Great Blue Heron | California Quail |
| 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | ‘Iole |
| 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Long-Nose Sucker | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are both known for their striking and unique landscapes. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a deep and steep gorge carved by the Gunnison River. Visitors can see the dramatic and steep walls of the canyon from several overlooks, including the popular Painted Wall View. The park also features a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, deep canyons, and alpine forests.
On the other hand, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which offer visitors the opportunity to see the power of nature at work. The park features a diverse landscape of volcanic landscapes, including lava fields, craters, and steam vents. The park also has a beautiful rainforest, which is home to many native plants and animals. Visitors can also see the beautiful and dramatic volcanic landscapes from several overlooks. Both of these parks are great for those who love to explore and appreciate nature.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two very different national parks, offering unique experiences for visitors.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty and offer stunning views of the canyon. Rock climbers will find challenging routes on the steep walls of the canyon. The park also offers a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the canyon, providing views of the steep walls and the Gunnison River.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is known for its volcanic activity and offers a range of activities for visitors. The park is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, and visitors can take guided tours to see the volcanic activity up close. The park also offers hiking trails that lead to the summit of the volcanoes, as well as through the surrounding rainforest. Other popular activities include bird watching, picnicking, and stargazing.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a perfect place for those who are interested in volcanic activity, hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and stargazing.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are two vastly different national parks in terms of weather. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in western Colorado, experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and mild summers. The park typically receives a significant amount of snowfall in the winter months, making many of the trails and road inaccessible. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is warmer and the trails are clear.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the big island of Hawaii, has a tropical climate that is generally warm and humid year-round. The park is located on an active volcano, which means that the weather can change rapidly and unpredictably. The park experiences occasional volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide emissions, which can make hiking and other outdoor activities difficult. The best time to visit the park is during the drier months of April to September when the weather is more stable and the volcano is less active.
In terms of wildlife, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a diverse array of animals such as black bears, mountain lions, elk, and bighorn sheep. The park is also known for its abundance of bird species including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and the Gunnison sage-grouse. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to many unique and endangered species such as the Hawaiian goose, the Hawaiian hawk, and the Hawaiian petrel. The park is also known for its diverse array of plants including native Hawaiian rainforest, ferns, and the endangered silversword plant.
In terms of family-friendly activities, both parks offer a wide range of options. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a variety of easy hikes, ranger-led programs and educational activities, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers ranger-led hikes, as well as the chance to see an active volcano, which can be a unique and exciting experience for children.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer unique natural wonders and opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. However, they have different levels of accessibility and amenities for families traveling with children.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is relatively remote and rugged, with steep cliffs and narrow canyons. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs, but some of the trails and overlooks may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues. There are also limited amenities within the park, such as picnic areas and restrooms.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is more accessible and family-friendly. It offers a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails, including a paved trail to the volcano’s steam vents, and the park also offers ranger-led tours and educational programs for children. There are also many amenities in the park, such as picnic areas, campgrounds, and visitor centers.
In summary, if you are looking for a relatively easy and family-friendly outdoor experience, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park may be a better choice for you and your children. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is more rugged and remote, and may be more suited for older children and adventurous families.