Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park vs Rocky Mountain National Park

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Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park vs Rocky Mountain National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their breathtaking scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, but each has its own unique set of features that make it a must-see destination. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a true hidden gem, boasting some of the steepest cliffs and oldest rock formations in North America. Its deep and narrow gorge is a sight to behold, and visitors can hike, fish, and even raft along its rugged terrain. On the other hand, Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, with its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re a hiker, a climber, or simply looking to take in the natural beauty, Rocky Mountain National Park has something for everyone. Both of the parks offer a truly awe-inspiring experience that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler. So, pack your bags, grab your cameras and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore these two gems of the American West.

Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park:
-The easiest hike in the park is the Rim Rock Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip hike that offers stunning views of the canyon and the Gunnison River.
-Another easy hike is the Chasm View Nature Trail, a 0.5-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to a viewpoint overlooking the Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado.
-For more experienced hikers, the park offers the Gunnison Route, a strenuous hike that descends into the canyon. This hike is 8.5 miles round trip with a 2,250-foot elevation change.
-The park also offers the Warner Route, which is an even more challenging hike, with a total distance of 13 miles round trip and a 3,500-foot elevation change.

Rocky Mountain National Park:
-The easiest hike in the park is the Bear Lake Loop, a 0.6-mile round trip hike that takes visitors around Bear Lake, a popular spot for wildlife viewing.
-Another easy hike is the Fern Lake Trail, a 3.3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to Fern Lake, a beautiful subalpine lake.
-For more experienced hikers, the park offers the Keyhole Route, a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the summit of Longs Peak, the park’s highest peak. This hike is 15 miles round trip with a 4,850-foot elevation change.
-The park also offers the Sky Pond Trail, which is an even more challenging hike, with a total distance of 8.5 miles round trip and a 2,700-foot elevation change.

In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has easy hikes such as Rim Rock Trail, Chasm View Nature Trail and challenging hikes like Gunnison Route and Warner Route. Rocky Mountain National Park also has easy hikes such as Bear Lake Loop and Fern Lake Trail, as well as challenging hikes like Keyhole Route and Sky Pond Trail.

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 Rocky Mountain National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Emerald Lake Trail 4988.954 215.7984 Moderate out and back 4.5
Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail 13035.654 537.972 Hard out and back 5
Gem Lake Trail 4988.954 301.752 Moderate out and back 4.5
The Loch Lake Trail via Glacier Gorge Trail 8690.436 326.7456 Moderate out and back 5
Alberta Falls Trail 2574.944 76.8096 Easy out and back 4.5
Chasm Lake 15127.796 792.7848 Hard out and back 5
Dream Lake Trail 3218.68 129.8448 Easy out and back 4.5
Bear Lake Nature Trail 1126.538 12.8016 Easy loop 4.5
Twin Sisters Peak Trail 12070.05 766.8768 Hard out and back 4.5
Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail from Sandbeach Lake 11909.116 361.7976 Moderate out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. The animals, birds, and plants that can be found in each park are unique to their specific environments.

At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears. The park is also home to a wide range of bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. The park also has a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the western rattlesnake and the canyon treefrog.

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, moose, black bears, and mountain lions. Visitors may also see coyotes, beavers, marmots, and pikas. The park is also known for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 260 species of birds found in the park, including the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the American dipper.

In terms of plants, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its unique desert landscape, with cacti, yucca, and sagebrush commonly found in the park. The park also has a variety of wildflowers that bloom in the spring and summer, including the desert mariposa lily and the western wallflower.

Rocky Mountain National Park, on the other hand, is known for its alpine tundra, with a variety of wildflowers, such as the columbine, the alpine forget-me-not, and the alpine shooting star. The park also has a variety of conifers and aspens, which are commonly found at higher elevations.

Overall, both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife and plants. Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, hiking, or just taking in the natural beauty, these two parks are sure to leave a lasting impression on any nature lover.

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

Birds

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Rocky Mountain 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 Rocky Mountain 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 Black Bear
Porcupine Porcupine
Silver-Haired Bat Silver-Haired Bat
Hoary Bat Hoary Bat
Red Fox Red Fox
Long-Tailed Weasel Long-Tailed Weasel
House Mouse Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion Mink
American Mink Mule Deer
Mule Deer Gray Fox
Common Gray Fox Gray Wolf
Long-Legged Myotis Long-Legged Myotis
Long-Eared Myotis Long-Eared Myotis
American Badger Badger
California Myotis Ermine
Snowshoe Hare Snowshoe Hare

Fish

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Rocky Mountain National Park
Rainbow Trout Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout Brook Trout
Long-Nose Sucker Brown Trout
Northern Pike Western Longnose Sucker
Mottled Sculpin Mottled Sculpin
Speckled Dace Speckled Dace
Cutthroat Trout

Reptiles

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Rocky Mountain National Park
Gophersnake Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Terrestrial Gartersnake Western Rattlesnake
Common Sagebrush Lizard Eastern Fence Lizard
Greater Short-Horned Lizard
Milksnake
Striped Whipsnake
Tree Lizard
Eastern Collared Lizard

Amphibians

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Rocky Mountain National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog
Tiger Salamander Tiger Salamander
Wood Frog

Insects

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Rocky Mountain National Park
Orange Sulphur
Painted Lady
Monarch
American Lady
Red Admiral
Mourning Cloak
Cabbage White
Silvery Blue
Common Checkered-Skipper
Clouded Sulphur
Variegated Fritillary
Buckeye
Commom Wood Nymph
Purplish Copper
Anise Swallowtail
Gray Hairstreak

Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park:
-The Black Canyon: The park is named after the Black Canyon, a steep and narrow gorge that is 2,722 feet deep and only 40 feet wide at its narrowest point. The canyon is known for its dark and sheer walls, which are made of Precambrian gneiss and schist.
-The Gunnison River: The Gunnison River runs through the Black Canyon, offering visitors the opportunity to see the river’s powerful rapids and deep pools.
-The Painted Wall: The Painted Wall is the tallest cliff in Colorado, standing at 2,250 feet. The wall is made of a type of rock called pegmatite, which is known for its vibrant colors and patterns.
-Rim Rock Trail: The Rim Rock Trail is a short hike that offers views of the Black Canyon and the Gunnison River. The trail is known for its scenic views and is a popular spot for sunset and sunrise photography.

Rocky Mountain National Park:
-The Rocky Mountains: The park is located in the Rocky Mountains, one of the most famous mountain ranges in the United States. Visitors can see peaks that rise to an elevation of over 14,000 feet and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains.
-Trail Ridge Road: Trail Ridge Road is a scenic drive that takes visitors through the park, offering views of the mountains, valleys, and alpine tundra.
-Bear Lake: Bear Lake is a popular spot for visitors to the park, known for its beautiful setting and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
-The Continental Divide: The park is home to the Continental Divide, the line that separates the waters flowing to the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can hike to the divide and see some of the highest peaks in the park.

In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its Black Canyon, Gunnison River, Painted Wall, and Rim Rock Trail. Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its Rocky Mountains, Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, and the Continental Divide. Both parks offer a variety of natural wonders, including beautiful landscapes and unique natural features that visitors can experience during their visit.

Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the most popular activities include hiking and camping. The park has several hiking trails that range in difficulty, including the strenuous South Rim Trail and the more moderate North Rim Trail. The park also offers backcountry camping, allowing visitors to experience the park’s rugged terrain and stunning views in a more immersive way. In addition to hiking and camping, visitors can also enjoy fishing, rock climbing, and rafting in the park.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 350 miles of trails that offer something for every level of hiker. The park’s most popular hike is the summit of Longs Peak, which is a strenuous 14-mile round trip hike that leads to the 14,259 ft summit, that is a challenging but rewarding hike. Other popular hikes include the scenic Bear Lake and the strenuous Sky Pond. In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers scenic drives, such as the Trail Ridge Road, that offers breathtaking views of the park’s alpine landscapes, and the alpine tundra.

Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the American West in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a peaceful fishing trip, these two parks have something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park have different seasonal weather patterns.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park receives very little precipitation, with most of it falling in the form of snow during the winter months. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder and the park’s unique geology is most visible.

Rocky Mountain National Park has a subalpine climate with cool summers and cold winters. The park receives significant precipitation, mostly in the form of snow, throughout the year. The best time to visit the park is during the summer when the snow has melted and the wildflowers are in bloom, or in the fall when the aspens turn golden.

In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best visited during spring and fall, while Rocky Mountain National Park is best visited during summer and fall.

Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both family-friendly, but they offer different types of experiences for families.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park:
-The park offers several easy hikes and nature trails that are suitable for families with children. The Rim Rock Trail and Chasm View Nature Trail are both short and easy hikes that offer great views of the canyon and the Gunnison River.
-The park also has a visitor center with exhibits and ranger-led programs, which can be a great way for families to learn about the park’s history and geology.
-However, the park is not ideal for families with young children or those who have difficulty hiking, as the park’s trails are steep and can be challenging.

Rocky Mountain National Park:
-The park offers a variety of activities for families, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park’s Bear Lake Loop and Fern Lake trails are great options for families with children, as they are short and easy hikes with great views.
-There are also multiple visitor centers and ranger-led programs that can be great ways for families to learn about the park’s wildlife and natural history.
-The park also offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as camping, fishing, and horseback riding.
-Overall, Rocky Mountain National Park is more family-friendly than Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, as it has more options for activities and easier trails.

In summary, both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are family-friendly, but Rocky Mountain National Park is more suitable for families with children as it has more options for activities and easier trails. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is also a good choice for families that are interested in short nature trails and learning about the park’s history and geology.

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