Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park vs Petrified Forest National Park

Feel Free To Share:

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park vs Petrified Forest National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both unique and fascinating national parks that offer visitors a wide range of experiences. While Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and narrow gorge that is carved by the Gunnison River, Petrified Forest National Park is known for its colorful and otherworldly landscapes of petrified wood and ancient ruins. Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the United States, but in very different ways. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines natural beauty, geological wonders, and a touch of history, then these two parks are must-see destinations that you won’t want to miss!

Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer very different hiking experiences. Black Canyon is known for its steep, rugged terrain, with narrow canyons and steep cliffs that offer a challenging hike for experienced hikers. The park has a variety of trails, including the Gunnison Route, which is considered one of the most difficult hikes in the park, and the South Rim Trail, which offers a more moderate hike with breathtaking views of the canyon.

Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its vast expanses of colorful badlands, with trails that offer a more leisurely hike. The park has a variety of trails, including the Crystal Forest Trail, which takes visitors through a forest of petrified wood and ends at a viewpoint overlooking the colorful badlands. The park also offers the Long Logs Trail, which is an easy hike that takes visitors through a field of colorful petrified logs.

In terms of difficulty, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park has more challenging hikes, while Petrified Forest National Park offers a more moderate hiking experience. Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but Black Canyon is better suited for experienced hikers looking for a challenge, while Petrified Forest is a great option for families and visitors looking for a more relaxed hike.

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 Petrified Forest National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Blue Mesa Trail 1448.406 32.9184 Easy loop 4.5
Crystal Forest Trail 1448.406 10.9728 Easy loop 4.5
Painted Desert Rim Trail 1770.274 11.8872 Easy out and back 4
Petrified Forest Scenic Drive 46027.124 297.7896 Moderate point to point 4.5
Giant Logs Trail 965.604 10.9728 Easy loop 4
Onyx Bridge Trail 7402.964 134.7216 Moderate loop 4
Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail 3379.614 24.9936 Easy loop 4
Puerco Pueblo Trail 482.802 2.7432 Easy loop 4
Devil’s Playground Loop 12070.05 144.78 Moderate loop 4.5
Old Jasper Forest Road 4184.284 53.9496 Easy loop 4.5

Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. Visitors may also spot black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. The park is home to several species of reptiles and amphibians, including the western terrestrial garter snake and the northern leopard frog. The park’s vegetation is primarily made up of piñon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush, and Gambel oak.

Petrified Forest National Park is known for its abundant fossilized wood, as well as the colorful badlands. Wildlife in the park includes pronghorn, mule deer, elk, and coyotes. The park is also home to a diverse array of birds, including the greater roadrunner, golden eagle, and peregrine falcon. The park’s vegetation is primarily made up of desert shrubs, such as creosote bush, Mormon tea, and yucca. Visitors may also see a wide variety of cacti, including cholla, prickly pear, and saguaro.

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

Birds

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Petrified Forest 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 Petrified Forest National Park
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver Big Brown Bat
Muskrat Bobcat
Big Brown Bat Striped Skunk
Bobcat Little Brown Bat
Striped Skunk Deer Mouse
Little Brown Bat Raccoon
Deer Mouse Black Bear
Raccoon Porcupine
Black Bear Silver-Haired Bat
Porcupine Hoary Bat
Silver-Haired Bat Red Fox
Hoary Bat Long-Tailed Weasel
Red Fox Mountain Lion
Long-Tailed Weasel Mule Deer
House Mouse Gray Fox
Mountain Lion Wolf
American Mink Long-Legged Myotis
Mule Deer Badger
Common Gray Fox California Myotis
Long-Legged Myotis Fringed Myotis
Long-Eared Myotis Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat
American Badger Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat
California Myotis Bushy-Tailed Woodrat
Snowshoe Hare Western Harvest Mouse

Fish

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Petrified Forest National Park
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Long-Nose Sucker
Northern Pike
Mottled Sculpin
Speckled Dace

Reptiles

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Petrified Forest National Park
Gophersnake Gopher Snake
Terrestrial Gartersnake Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Common Sagebrush Lizard Western Rattlesnake
Greater Short-Horned Lizard Sagebrush Lizard
Milksnake Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard
Striped Whipsnake Side-Blotched Lizard
Tree Lizard Common Kingsnake
Eastern Collared Lizard Nightsnake
Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard
Milksnake
Striped Whipsnake
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake
Eastern Collared Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard
Glossy Snake

Amphibians

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Petrified Forest National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander Tiger Salamander
Woodhouse’s Toad
Red-Spotted Toad
Plains Spadefoot

Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both known for their unique and beautiful landscapes that offer visitors a wide range of natural wonders to explore.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and narrow gorge that is carved by the Gunnison River. The park’s most famous landscape is the Black Canyon itself, which offers visitors the opportunity to see the dramatic and awe-inspiring cliffs that rise up to 2,700 feet from the river below. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the canyon, including the Rim Rock Trail and the North Vista Trail.

Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful and otherworldly landscapes of petrified wood and ancient ruins. The park’s most famous landscape is the Petrified Forest, which is made up of colorful petrified logs that have been preserved for millions of years. Visitors can also explore the park’s Painted Desert, which features colorful badlands, and the Blue Mesa, which is known for its striking blue and purple hues. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, including the Puebloan village of Puerco Pueblo.

Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer visitors a wide range of natural wonders to explore, from awe-inspiring canyons to otherworldly landscapes of petrified wood and ancient ruins. Whether you’re looking for a rugged outdoor adventure or a more leisurely exploration of nature’s beauty, these two parks have something for everyone.

Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both popular national parks in the United States, but they offer different experiences and activities for visitors.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its steep, narrow canyon and challenging hiking trails. Visitors can hike along the Rim Rock Trail, the North Vista Trail, or the South Rim Road for breathtaking views of the canyon. The park also offers rock climbing, fishing, and camping opportunities.

Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful badlands and petrified wood. Visitors can hike along the Crystal Forest Trail, the Giant Logs Trail, or the Long Logs Trail to see the petrified wood up close. The park also offers scenic drives, ranger-led tours, and backcountry camping opportunities. The park also offers a glimpse into the ancient civilization who lived in the area many years ago.

Both parks are great for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, but the activities available and the type of scenery offered are quite different. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best for those who enjoy hiking and climbing, while Petrified Forest National Park is best for those who want to see ancient history and colorful badlands.

Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park have vastly different weather patterns, which affects the best time of year to visit each park. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park receives very little precipitation and is generally dry, with the best time to visit being during the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate. The park is open year-round, but some roads and trails may be closed due to snow in the winter.

Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, is located in northeastern Arizona and has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park receives very little precipitation and is generally dry, with the best time to visit being during the fall and spring when temperatures are more moderate. The park is open year-round, but some roads and trails may be closed due to snow in the winter. The summer months can be quite hot, with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it less ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Overall, the best time to visit Petrified Forest National Park is between September and November, when the weather is mild and the fall colors are at their peak.

Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are both family-friendly, but in different ways. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, that are suitable for families with older children. The park’s challenging hiking trails and steep drop-offs may not be suitable for very young children. Petrified Forest National Park, on the other hand, offers a more leisurely experience, with many short and easy hikes, as well as a scenic drive through the park. The park’s main attraction is the petrified wood, which can be seen along the hiking trails and in the park’s museum. This makes it a great option for families with younger children. Both parks also offer educational programs, making them great options for families who want to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.

Leave a Comment