Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two vastly different national parks, each offering unique landscapes, activities, and experiences for visitors. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, located in Colorado, is known for its steep, narrow canyon and dramatic rock formations carved by the Gunnison River. Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, is an island wilderness known for its rugged beauty, remote location, and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a rugged backcountry adventure or a peaceful retreat in nature, both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two parks, including the popular activities, hiking trails, and seasonal weather, to help you decide which park is the best fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has a range of hiking trails that are suitable for different skill levels. The South Rim Road is an easy trail that offers spectacular views of the canyon, and is accessible by car. The Rim Rock Nature Trail is a moderate hike that offers views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. The Gunnison River Trail is a more challenging hike that takes visitors to the bottom of the canyon and along the river.
Isle Royale National Park has a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. The Minong Ridge Trail is an easy hike that offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding lake. The Greenstone Ridge Trail is a moderate hike that takes visitors through the island’s interior. The Feldtmann Ridge Trail is a more challenging hike that takes visitors to the highest point on the island.
In terms of hiking trails, both parks offer a variety of options for visitors of different skill levels. However, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is more famous for its canyon views and rugged nature while Isle Royale National Park is known for its unique island scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and the opportunity to explore an isolated wilderness area.
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 Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park both offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife during their visit. However, the types of wildlife that can be seen at each park are quite different due to the distinct ecosystems and habitats of each park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in the high desert and is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, mountain lions, elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and many species of birds such as golden eagles, and red-tailed hawks. The park is also home to several species of reptiles, including rattlesnakes, and a variety of fish that can be found in the Gunnison River. Visitors may also see various types of plants such as the Pinyon Pine, juniper, sagebrush and cactus.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is an island located in the middle of Lake Superior and is known for its diverse array of wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals, including wolves, moose, beavers, and many species of birds such as bald eagles, common loons, and great blue herons. The park also has a variety of fish and aquatic life, including lake trout and herring, and visitors may also see various types of plants such as the Balsam Fir, and the Canada Yew.
In summary, both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife during their visit. While Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a variety of animals and plants that are adapted to the high desert, Isle Royale National Park is known for its diverse array of wildlife on the island, including wolves and moose, and also a variety of fish and aquatic life.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Black Bear | Red Fox |
| Porcupine | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mink |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Red Fox | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| House Mouse | North American River Otter |
| Mountain Lion | Canada Lynx |
| American Mink | Marten |
| Mule Deer | Moose |
| Common Gray Fox | Red Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Norway Rat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Southern Red-Backed Vole |
| American Badger | Northern Long-Eared Bat |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brown Trout | Coaster Brook Trout |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Longnose Sucker |
| Mottled Sculpin | Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow |
| Speckled Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two vastly different parks that offer unique natural wonders to visitors. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is known for its deep and narrow canyons, formed by the Gunnison River, that offer breathtaking views of steep rock walls and dramatic cliffs. The park also boasts of several hiking trails that take visitors to the rim of the canyon and offer views of the Gunnison River far below. On the other hand, Isle Royale National Park is an island located in the middle of Lake Superior, known for its pristine wilderness and natural beauty. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including wolves, moose, and beavers, as well as a variety of plants and trees. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to explore its many lakes, rivers, and hiking trails, which offer great views of the surrounding wilderness. Both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences, with Black Canyon of the Gunnison offering a unique geologic wonder while Isle Royale offers a chance to explore a truly wild island.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but the types of activities that are most popular at each park can vary due to the distinct ecosystems and habitats of each park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. The park has a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Rock climbing is also popular in the park, with several routes that are suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. The park is also home to the Gunnison River, which is known for its excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking. The park has a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. The park is also home to several campgrounds where visitors can set up camp and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Backpacking is also popular in the park, with several backcountry campsites that are accessible only by boat or foot. Visitors also enjoy kayaking and canoeing on the lake, and fishing for lake trout, herring and more.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and fishing, while Isle Royale National Park is known for its camping, hiking, and backpacking opportunities, and also kayaking, canoeing and fishing on the lake. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area and engage in outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park have different weather patterns that affect the best time of year to visit.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and has a semi-arid climate. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to below freezing. Spring and fall are mild with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit for hiking and other outdoor activities is from late spring to early fall.
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior, Michigan and the weather is heavily influenced by the lake. Summers are mild and pleasant, with temperatures reaching up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to below freezing. Spring and fall are mild with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit for hiking and other outdoor activities is from late spring to early fall. However, many of the services and facilities on the island are closed in the winter.
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Isle Royale National Parks have cold and snowy winters, so it is not ideal for outdoor activities, but they both have mild and pleasant weather in the spring, summer and fall. However, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is more arid and dry while Isle Royale is more humid and influenced by the lake. Therefore, the best time to visit might differ based on the type of activities you want to do and the kind of weather you prefer.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both beautiful and unique, but they offer very different experiences for visitors. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and is known for its deep and narrow gorge that was carved by the Gunnison River. The park offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. It also features several overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the canyon.
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse array of wildlife. The park is home to moose, wolves, foxes, and many other animals. It also features several hiking trails, as well as opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. The park is also known for its beautiful scenery and secluded beaches.
If you’re traveling with children, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park would be a better choice as it offers a variety of recreational activities that are suitable for children and families. Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, offers a more rugged wilderness experience and may not be as suitable for young children.