Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park vs Lassen Volcanic National Park

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Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park vs Lassen Volcanic National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most unique and stunning national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to experience natural beauty and explore the great outdoors. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its deep and steep gorge, carved by the Gunnison River, while Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to a variety of volcanic features, including fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or just looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks have something to offer for everyone. In this article, we will take a closer look at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park and compare their unique features, popular activities, and the best time to visit. So, get ready to pack your bags and explore the beauty of these two extraordinary national parks!

Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park both offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, hikers can take on the strenuous, steep and narrow Gunnison Route, that takes you to the bottom of the canyon. This hike is not for the faint of heart and requires a permit. On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park features a number of relatively easy hikes such as the Bumpass Hell Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike to a hydrothermal area with bubbling mud pots and fumaroles.

Lassen Volcanic National Park also offers more challenging hikes such as the Lassen Peak Trail, which is a strenuous hike to the summit of Lassen Peak. This hike is a 8.5-mile round-trip hike and requires a permit. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park also has the Chasm View Nature Trail, which is a short hike that provides spectacular views of the canyon. This hike is considered easy and requires no permit. Both parks offer a variety of trails for visitors of all skill levels to enjoy, but hikers looking for a more strenuous hike may prefer Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.

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 Lassen Volcanic National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Lassen Peak 8207.634 599.8464 Hard out and back 5
Kings Creek Falls Trail 4345.218 143.8656 Moderate out and back 4.5
Cinder Cone Nature Trail 7724.832 317.9064 Hard loop 5
Brokeoff Mountain Trail 12230.984 786.9936 Hard out and back 5
Mill Creek Falls Trail 6115.492 237.744 Moderate out and back 4.5
Manzanita Lake Loop 3057.746 13.716 Easy loop 4.5
Devil’s Kitchen Trail 7402.964 187.7568 Moderate out and back 4.5
Chaos Crags Trail 6437.36 301.752 Moderate out and back 4.5
Cluster Lakes Loop Trail 16737.136 451.7136 Moderate loop 4.5
Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail 3701.482 75.8952 Easy loop 4.5

Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife including mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and elk. Visitors may also spot smaller mammals like marmots and rock squirrels, as well as a variety of birds such as golden eagles, hawks, and peregrine falcons. In addition to the wildlife, the park is also home to a variety of plant life including wildflowers, aspen, and pine trees.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and the elusive wolverine. Visitors can also spot a variety of birds such as the Clark’s nutcracker, the mountain bluebird, and the American dipper. The park also has a variety of plant life including conifers, wildflowers, and even a volcanic hot spring.

While both parks offer great opportunities to see wildlife, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a wider variety of animal and plant life, including the unique volcanic landscape. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on the other hand, has a lot more of narrow deep canyons and rugged wilderness which makes it a great place for hiking and backpacking, especially for more experienced hikers.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Lassen Volcanic 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 Lassen Volcanic National Park
Coyote American Beaver
American Beaver Muskrat
Muskrat Bobcat
Big Brown Bat Striped Skunk
Bobcat Raccoon
Striped Skunk Black Bear
Little Brown Bat Silver-Haired Bat
Deer Mouse Hoary Bat
Raccoon Long-Tailed Weasel
Black Bear Mountain Lion
Porcupine Mink
Silver-Haired Bat Mule Deer
Hoary Bat Gray Fox
Red Fox Wolf
Long-Tailed Weasel Long-Eared Myotis
House Mouse Snowshoe Hare
Mountain Lion Fringed Myotis
American Mink Western Harvest Mouse
Mule Deer Yuma Myotis
Common Gray Fox Bighorn Sheep
Long-Legged Myotis Montane Shrew
Long-Eared Myotis Long-Tailed Vole
American Badger Ringtail
California Myotis Virginia Opossum
Snowshoe Hare Wolverine

Fish

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Lassen Volcanic National Park
Rainbow Trout Redband Trout
Brown Trout Brook Trout
Long-Nose Sucker Brown Trout
Northern Pike Fathead Minnow
Mottled Sculpin Golden Shiner
Speckled Dace Silver Salmon
King Salmon
Mottled Sculpin
Speckled Dace
Brown Bullhead

Reptiles

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Lassen Volcanic National Park
Gophersnake Gopher Snake
Terrestrial Gartersnake Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Common Sagebrush Lizard Racer
Greater Short-Horned Lizard Western Rattlesnake
Milksnake Ring-Necked Snake
Striped Whipsnake Sagebrush Lizard
Tree Lizard Common Garter Snake
Eastern Collared Lizard Common Kingsnake
Rubber Boa
Striped Whipsnake
Western Whiptail
Western Skink
Western Fence Lizard

Amphibians

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Lassen Volcanic National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Bullfrog
Tiger Salamander

Insects

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Lassen Volcanic National Park
Orange Sulphur
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Painted Lady
Common Checkered-Skipper
Honey Bee
Buckeye
Anise Swallowtail

Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both home to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the country. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its deep and narrow canyon, carved by the Gunnison River, which offers breathtaking views of the sheer walls that drop over 2,000 feet. The park’s South Rim is the most popular spot for visitors, with a number of scenic overlooks that provide panoramic views of the canyon.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is a wonderland of volcanic activity. The park’s main attraction is Lassen Peak, an active volcano that last erupted in 1915. Visitors can hike to the summit and witness the boiling mud pots, steam vents, and fumaroles that are scattered throughout the park. The park also features over 150 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Bumpass Hell Trail, which takes visitors through an otherworldly landscape of hot springs, fumaroles, and boiling pools.

Both parks are also home to a variety of other natural wonders, including waterfalls, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is home to a variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears. Lassen Volcanic National Park also boasts an array of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and golden eagles.

In short, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both unique and spectacular national parks that offer visitors the chance to experience some of the most incredible landscapes and natural wonders in the United States. Each park has its own unique charm, and both are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both known for their unique and diverse natural landscapes, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, one of the most popular activities is hiking. The park offers a variety of trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Rim Rock Nature Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon, and the Gunnison River Trail, which takes hikers down to the river’s edge. Additionally, the park is popular for rock climbing, and campers can spend the night in the park’s backcountry.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal features and volcanic landscapes. Visitors can see boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and colorful hot springs. The park’s main attraction is the Lassen Peak, which visitors can hike to the summit for a panoramic view of the park. Additionally, visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, go fishing in one of the park’s many lakes, and enjoy camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching.

Both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer great opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The decision of which park to visit may depend on personal interests and the time of the year, with Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park being best to visit in the summertime for hiking and rock climbing, and Lassen Volcanic National Park being best to visit in the summer and fall for hiking and geothermal features.

Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and has a desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park experiences high temperatures during the summer months, with temperatures reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit. The best time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities is in the spring and fall when temperatures are milder.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern California and has a more moderate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park receives significant snowfall during the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. The best time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities is during the summer months when the snow has melted and the weather is mild. However, the park is open year-round, but some facilities and roads may be closed during winter.

Overall, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is better to visit during spring and fall, while Lassen Volcanic National Park is ideal for summer and winter activities.

Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both great options for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Both parks offer a variety of recreational activities and stunning natural landscapes that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its rugged, steep-walled canyons that offer breathtaking views. The park features several easy trails that are perfect for families, including the South Rim Road and the Rim Rock Trail, which both offer stunning vistas of the canyon. In addition, the park offers ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and educational programs, that are a great way for families to learn about the park’s unique geology and wildlife.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its volcanic landscapes, including geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. The park features several easy hikes that are perfect for families, including the Lassen Peak Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park, and the Bumpass Hell Trail, which takes visitors to a large hydrothermal area. In addition, the park offers ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and educational programs, that are a great way for families to learn about the park’s unique volcanic features and geology.

In conclusion, both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are family-friendly and offer a variety of recreational activities and stunning natural landscapes that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Both parks offer easy hikes, ranger-led programs, and educational programs that are perfect for families looking to learn about the park’s unique features and geology.

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