Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both incredibly unique and offer visitors vastly different experiences. Black Canyon is known for its steep and dramatic cliffs that drop into the Gunnison River, while Mammoth Cave is home to the world’s longest known cave system. Whether you’re looking to explore the depths of a cave or hike through rugged canyons, these parks have something for everyone. Both parks offer visitors the chance to explore nature in a truly unique and awe-inspiring way, making them a must-see destination for any outdoor enthusiast. So, whether you’re an avid hiker, a cave explorer, or simply looking for a new adventure, these two parks are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both well-known for their hiking trails, but the type of hiking experience they offer is quite different.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its steep, rugged terrain and challenging hikes. The park’s most popular hike is the Gunnison River Trail, which offers a strenuous hike along the river with steep descents and climbs. The park also offers several backcountry trails that are more challenging, such as the Chasm View Nature Trail and the South Rim Road Trail. These trails offer breathtaking views of the canyon, but they require some experience and good physical condition.
On the other hand, Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its underground hikes. The park’s most popular hike is the Historic Tour, which takes visitors deep into the cave to explore its many chambers and passageways. This hike is relatively easy and well-maintained, but visitors should be prepared for low light conditions and uneven terrain. The park also offers several other cave tours, ranging from easy to strenuous, that explore different parts of the cave system.
In terms of above-ground hiking, the park offers several trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The park’s most notable above ground trail is the Green River Bluffs Trail, a 3-mile loop that offers scenic views of the Green River and the surrounding landscape.
Overall, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is a great choice for experienced hikers who are looking for a challenging outdoor experience, while Mammoth Cave National Park is a great choice for visitors who are interested in exploring underground caves and above ground trails that are relatively easy.
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 Mammoth Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green River Bluffs Trail | 7242.03 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cedar Sink Trail | 2896.812 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mammoth Cave National Park Scenic Drive | 17541.806 | 173.736 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Sinkhole Trail | 3862.416 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Echo River Spring and Sinkhole Loop | 4988.954 | 122.8344 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Echo River and River Styx Springs Trail | 5471.756 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Sal Hollow and Buffalo Creek Loop Trail | 8690.436 | 100.8888 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Dixon Cave Trail Loop | 2414.01 | 83.82 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| First Creek Lake Trail | 5793.624 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McCoy Hollow Trail | 19794.882 | 434.9496 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both known for their unique wildlife and diverse ecosystems.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and black bears. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including the Peregrine Falcon, the American Dipper, and the Canyon Wren. The park is also home to several species of bats, including the big brown bat and the Mexican free-tailed bat. Visitors may also come across a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the Great Basin rattlesnake, the common garter snake, and the Woodhouse’s toad.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is known for its subterranean wildlife. The park is home to a wide variety of cave-dwelling animals such as bats, cave crickets, and cave fish. Visitors may also come across a variety of mammals, including the white-tailed deer, the gray fox, and the raccoon. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including the great horned owl and the belted kingfisher. In addition, the park is home to several species of reptiles and amphibians, including the green tree frog and the eastern box turtle.
Both of the parks are home to a diverse array of plants. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its rugged and steep terrain, which supports a variety of plant communities, including riparian, pinyon-juniper, and ponderosa pine forests. Mammoth Cave National Park has a diverse array of plants, including the Eastern deciduous forest, the Oak-hickory forest, and the Pine-Oak-Hickory forest.
Overall, while Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer different types of wildlife experiences, both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of unique and diverse wildlife. Visitors to both parks should be sure to bring binoculars and a field guide to make the most of their wildlife viewing experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Mammoth Cave 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 | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mink |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| American Mink | River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | White-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Meadow Vole |
| American Badger | Eastern Red Bat |
| California Myotis | White-Footed Mouse |
| Snowshoe Hare | Norway Rat |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Mottled Sculpin | Golden Shiner |
| Speckled Dace | Common Carp |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Black Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Eastern Garter Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its deep and steep canyon walls that drop over 2,000 feet, creating a stark contrast between the dark rocks and the bright sky. The park is home to the Gunnison River, which carved the canyon over millions of years. The park’s main attraction is the canyon itself, which can be viewed from several overlooks, including the popular Painted Wall View.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is known for its underground cave system, the longest known cave system in the world. The park’s main attraction is the cave system, which can be explored through guided tours. The cave system is home to unique rock formations, underground rivers, and diverse subterranean wildlife. Above ground, the park also offers hiking trails, picnicking and camping areas, and scenic drives.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both incredibly unique national parks that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon to take in the breathtaking views, or even take a guided tour to explore the depths of the canyon itself. Rock climbing and fishing are also popular activities within the park.
On the other hand, Mammoth Cave National Park is known for its namesake, the Mammoth Cave system, which is the longest known cave system in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the cave to explore its intricate passageways and see the various formations within. Additionally, hiking, camping, and horseback riding are also popular activities in the park.
While both parks have their own unique offerings, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is more suitable for outdoor activities and adventure lover, while Mammoth Cave National Park is more suitable for those interested in cave exploration and geological formations. Both parks offer great opportunities to explore nature, but in different ways.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer vastly different experiences when it comes to weather and the best time to visit. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, located in Colorado, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park is best visited in the spring and fall when temperatures are milder and there is less chance of snow or flash flooding in the canyon. During the summer, temperatures can reach well over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the sun can be intense.
On the other hand, Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Kentucky, has a humid continental climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. In the summer, the park can get quite hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The park also has the added benefit of being able to explore the cave year-round, as the temperature inside the cave remains a constant 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors should also be aware that the cave can get crowded during peak seasons.
In terms of hiking, Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers a variety of trails including some of the most strenuous and challenging hikes in the park system, with steep drops and narrow paths along the rim. On the other hand, Mammoth Cave National Park offers a range of hiking trails, but the main attraction is the cave system, offering a variety of guided tours from easy to strenuous, with the longest tour lasting 6 hours. Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, but Black Canyon of the Gunnison is more suited for experienced hikers and Mammoth Cave National Park is more suitable for visitors of all skill levels who want to explore the underground cave system.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park offer vastly different experiences for visitors. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its deep, steep-walled canyon, rugged terrain, and strenuous hikes. The park offers a variety of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, including some that require technical climbing skills. This makes it a great destination for adventurous adults, but may not be the best choice for families with young children or those looking for an easy hike.
Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is known for its underground caves and offers a variety of ranger-led cave tours for visitors of all ages. These tours range from easy, wheelchair-accessible routes to more strenuous options for those looking for a more adventurous experience. The park also offers hiking trails above ground and other outdoor activities such as picnicking, fishing, and camping. This park is more family-friendly because of the variety of activities and accessibility options.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is better for adventurous adults and older children who are capable of strenuous hiking, while Mammoth Cave National Park is better for families with young children and those looking for a more accessible, less strenuous experience.