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.