Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore and discover some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country. But these parks couldn’t be more different – one is a deep and narrow gorge with steep and precipitous cliffs, while the other is a sprawling desert with towering cacti. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and grandeur of nature, but in entirely different ways. Imagine standing at the rim of the Black Canyon and looking down into the depths of the gorge, where the Gunnison River has carved a path through the rock over millions of years. Now, imagine hiking through the Saguaro National Park, surrounded by thousands of giant cacti that have stood for hundreds of years. Both are truly a sight to behold, and both are worth a visit. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime, as we take you on a journey to discover the unique and wonderful Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park both offer visitors a diverse range of hiking trails that showcase the unique landscapes of the American West.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has several hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Rim Rock Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that offers great views of the canyon and the Gunnison River, and the Warner Point Nature Trail, which is a 1-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a variety of desert landscapes. On the other hand, the park’s most strenuous hike is the South Rim Trail, which is a 7.5-mile round trip hike that leads to some of the best views of the canyon, but the hike is steep and rocky. Another challenging hike is the Inner Canyon Trail, which is a strenuous hike that requires a backcountry permit and takes visitors deep into the canyon.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, offers visitors a wide range of hiking trails that showcase the unique landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Freeman Homestead Trail, which is a 2.2-mile round trip hike that takes visitors through a variety of desert landscapes, and the Desert Discovery Trail, which is a 0.5-mile round trip hike that offers great views of the park’s iconic saguaro cacti. The most strenuous hike in the park is the Douglas Spring Trail, which is a 9.8-mile round trip hike that leads to the summit of Wasson Peak, the highest point in the park. The hike is steep, rocky, and involves an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet.
Overall, both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park offer visitors a wide range of hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the American West. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely nature walk or a challenging backcountry trek, these two parks have something for every level of hiker.
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 Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park:
-Mammals: The park is home to a variety of mammals, including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and mountain lions.
-Birds: The park is also a great place for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds. Some of the most commonly seen birds include the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and the common raven.
-Plants: The park is home to a variety of plant species, including Pinyon pine, juniper, and Gambel oak. There are also a variety of wildflowers that can be seen in the spring and summer.
Saguaro National Park:
-Mammals: The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including black bears, mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, and javelina.
-Birds: The park is also a great place for birdwatching, with over 150 species of birds. Some of the most commonly seen birds include the Gilded Flicker, Gila Woodpecker and the Cactus Wren
-Plants: Saguaro National Park is known for its iconic Saguaro cacti, which can grow up to 50 feet tall. The park also has a variety of other cacti, such as the cholla and the prickly pear. There are also a variety of wildflowers that can be seen in the spring and summer.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its variety of mammals, bird species, and plant species including Pinyon pine, juniper, Gambel oak and wildflowers. Saguaro National Park is known for its iconic Saguaro cacti and other cacti species like the cholla and the prickly pear, a variety of mammals, and bird species. Both parks offer unique opportunities to see wildlife, with different fauna and flora that can be seen during a visit to the park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Saguaro 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 | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Killdeer |
| American Wigeon | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hairy Woodpecker |
| American Pipit | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Red Fox | Mule Deer |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Common Gray Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Mink | Badger |
| Mule Deer | Californis Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| American Badger | Yuma Myotis |
| California Myotis | Bighorn Sheep |
| Snowshoe Hare | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Long-Nose Sucker | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Milksnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Tree Lizard | Night Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Leopard Lizard |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is famous for its deep and narrow gorge, created by the Gunnison River. The canyon’s steep and precipitous cliffs are some of the most dramatic in North America, and offer visitors stunning views from the rim. The park features several popular overlooks, including Painted Wall, which is the highest sheer cliff in North America and the Gunnison Point which offers a great panoramic view of the Canyon.
Saguaro National Park is famous for its towering cacti, which are unique to the American Southwest. The park is home to the largest cacti in the United States, and visitors can see these giant plants in all their glory. The park is divided into two districts: the Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain District, both offer beautiful landscapes, hiking trails and scenic drives. The park also offers visitors the chance to see other desert wildlife such as Gila monster, tarantulas, and rattlesnakes, as well as the opportunity to experience the night sky at the park’s observatory on clear nights.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is famous for its deep and narrow gorge and its steep and precipitous cliffs, while Saguaro National Park is famous for its towering cacti, and the unique desert landscapes of the American Southwest.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park:
-Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry trails. The Rim Rock Trail and Chasm View Nature Trail are popular options for visitors.
-Scenic drives: The park also has a scenic drive along the South Rim Road that offers great views of the canyon and the Gunnison River.
-Ranger-led programs: The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and campfire talks, which can be a great way to learn about the park’s history and geology.
Saguaro National Park:
-Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry trails. Some popular hikes include the Douglas Spring Trail and the Mica View Trail.
-Scenic drives: The park also has scenic drives on both the East and West side of the park that offer great views of the Saguaro cacti and the surrounding desert landscape.
-Ranger-led programs: The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and campfire talks, which can be a great way to learn about the park’s history and geology.
-Camping: Saguaro National Park offers backcountry and front-country camping opportunities for visitors.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park both offer popular activities such as hiking, scenic drives and ranger-led programs. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its spectacular hiking trails that offers great views of the canyon, while Saguaro National Park is known for its iconic Saguaro cacti and the surrounding desert landscape. Saguaro National Park also offers camping opportunities for visitors. Both parks offer unique opportunities to explore and enjoy nature.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park are both located in the American West and have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can affect when is 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’s summer months, from June to August, can be quite hot, with average temperatures ranging from the low 90s Fahrenheit during the day to the low 60s Fahrenheit at night. Winter, on the other hand, can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing and heavy snowfall. The park’s best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park’s wildflowers and fall foliage are at their peak.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern Arizona and has a hot desert climate. The park’s summer months, from June to September, can be extremely hot, with average temperatures ranging from the low 100s Fahrenheit during the day to the low 70s Fahrenheit at night. The park’s winter months, from December to February, are the coolest, with average temperatures ranging from the low 60s Fahrenheit during the day to the low 40s Fahrenheit at night. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park’s cacti are in bloom.
In conclusion, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park have distinct seasonal weather patterns that can affect when is the best time of year to visit each park. While Black Canyon’s best time is spring and fall, Saguaro’s best time is spring and fall as well. Visitors should consider the weather conditions when planning their trip and pack accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Saguaro National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but each park offers a different experience for families.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best for families with older children who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. The park offers several hiking trails that are suitable for families, including the South Rim Road which offers scenic views of the canyon and the Gunnison Point Trail which is a short hike to an overlook with great views of the canyon. However, the park’s rugged terrain and deep canyon may be challenging for younger children and strollers are not recommended on the trails.
Saguaro National Park is a better option for families with young children, as the park offers several easy and well-maintained trails that are perfect for families. The park’s Bajada Loop Drive is a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park and provides excellent views of the giant cacti. There are also several picnic areas and ranger-led activities for children, making it a great option for a family day trip.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is more suitable for families with older children who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, while Saguaro National Park is better for families with young children, as it offers a variety of easy and well-maintained trails, picnic areas, and ranger-led activities.