Are you ready for an adventure? Then pack your bags and get ready to explore two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. These two parks offer a diverse range of experiences, from rugged canyons to wild and scenic rivers. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and deep canyon walls, offering a unique and challenging hiking experience. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its world-renowned rock climbing and white-water rafting opportunities. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and rock climbing to sightseeing and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a first-time visitor, these parks have something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your hiking boots, your climbing gear, and let’s explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve!
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, some of the easiest hikes include the Rim Rock Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon, and the Chasm View Nature Trail, which is a short, wheelchair-accessible trail. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Gunnison Route is a strenuous, backcountry hike that takes hikers deep into the canyon.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve also offers a range of hiking trails for visitors. The Endless Wall Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the New River Gorge, is a popular and relatively easy hike. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Kaymoor Mine Trail is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to an abandoned coal mine. The Long Point Trail is another strenuous hike that takes visitors to a viewpoint overlooking the New River Gorge.
Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, however, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is more suited for experienced hikers and those looking for a challenge. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has more options for visitors of all skill levels.
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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the black bear, mountain lion, elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. Birds such as the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and turkey vulture can also be seen in the park. The park also has a wide variety of plant life including sagebrush, juniper, and piñon pine.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its rich biodiversity, with a diverse array of animals, birds and plants. Some of the animals that can be found in the park include the black bear, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and foxes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species such as the turkey vulture, red-tailed hawk, and the broad-winged hawk. The park also boasts a wide variety of plant life, including hardwood forests, wildflowers, and ferns. Both parks are great for wildlife viewing and offer a unique experience for visitors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Barn Swallow | European Starling |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Pintail |
| Hermit Thrush | American Wigeon |
| American Kestrel | Green-Winged Teal |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Killdeer |
| European Starling | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Northern Pintail | Hairy Woodpecker |
| American Wigeon | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| Green-Winged Teal | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| American Pipit | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Black-Tailed Deer |
| American Mink | Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Ermine |
| Long-Eared Myotis | California Myotis |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | North American River Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Coho Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | Chinook Salmon |
| Speckled Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Tiger Salamander |
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a wide range of natural landscapes and features for visitors to enjoy.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best known for its steep and deep canyon walls, which are some of the steepest and most dramatic in North America. The park offers several overlooks that provide panoramic views of the canyon, including Painted Wall View and Gunnison Point. The park also has a variety of hiking trails that take visitors into the canyon, including the strenuous Inner Canyon Hike, which takes visitors to the bottom of the canyon and offers a unique perspective of the canyon walls.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is best known for its wild and scenic river, the New River, which offers opportunities for white-water rafting and kayaking. The park also offers several overlooks that provide panoramic views of the river and the surrounding landscape, including the Grandview Overlook and the Endless Wall Trail. The park is also known for its world-renowned rock climbing opportunities, with over 1,400 established routes and cliffs that range from beginner to expert level. The park’s most famous rock climbing routes are located in the Endless Wall area and the Bridge Buttress area.
Overall, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a unique and challenging experience for visitors with its steep and deep canyon walls, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from white-water rafting and kayaking to rock climbing, and beautiful landscapes and panoramic views of wild and scenic river and the surrounding mountains.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its rugged beauty and spectacular views of the steep, sheer walls of the Gunnison River gorge. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. The most popular hike in the park is the South Rim Road, which offers breathtaking views of the canyon and the river below. Other popular activities include fishing, camping, and stargazing.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and is known for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and rich cultural and historical resources. The park is a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. The New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, is a popular spot for scenic views, and it also offers the opportunity to bungee jump, zip-line, and rappel down the bridge. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and cave tours.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve both offer a wide range of hiking trails, but the type of terrain and weather conditions at each park are quite different.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is located in Western Colorado and is known for its deep and narrow canyons carved by the Gunnison River. The park has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. Hiking trails in the park range from easy to strenuous, with some of the most popular trails being the Rim Rock Trail, the South Rim Road, and the North Vista Trail. These trails offer incredible views of the canyons and the Gunnison River.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is located in West Virginia and is known for its rugged and wild terrain, with steep cliffs and deep gorges carved by the New River. The park has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is during the fall when the leaves are changing colors and the weather is mild. Hiking trails in the park range from easy to strenuous, with some of the most popular trails being the Endless Wall Trail, the Long Point Trail, and the Fayetteville Trail. These trails offer incredible views of the New River and the surrounding wilderness.
In conclusion, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are both great options for hikers, but the type of terrain and weather conditions are quite different. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore deep and narrow canyons, while New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers rugged and wild terrain with steep cliffs and deep gorges. The best time to visit each park will depend on personal preference, but both parks are beautiful in different seasons.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great destinations for families, but each park offers a slightly different experience for visitors traveling with children.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers several family-friendly hiking trails, such as the South Rim Road Nature Trail, which is a paved and easy trail that offers great views of the canyon. The park also has a visitors center that offers educational exhibits and ranger-led programs that are suitable for children. However, the park’s main attraction, the steep and deep canyon walls, may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, from hiking and rock climbing to white-water rafting and kayaking. The park has several easy hiking trails, such as the Canyon Rim Trail and the Endless Wall Trail, which offer great views of the river and the surrounding landscape, and are suitable for children of all ages. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as the Junior Ranger program, that are designed for children. The park is also known for its world-renowned rock climbing opportunities, with over 1,400 established routes and cliffs that range from beginner to expert level.
Overall, both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are great destinations for families, but New River Gorge National Park and Preserve may be the better option if you’re traveling with children, as it offers a wider range of activities suitable for children of all ages, as well as educational and ranger-led programs that are designed for children.