Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both natural wonders located in the American West, but they offer vastly different experiences for visitors. Black Canyon is known for its deep and narrow gorge that has been carved by the Gunnison River, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon is home to some of the world’s largest trees, including the giant sequoias. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and sightseeing, but the landscapes and wildlife are vastly different. If you’re looking for a rugged and remote canyon adventure, Black Canyon is the place for you. But if you want to be in awe of towering trees, Sequoia & Kings Canyon is the place to be. Both parks are unique and offer something different, it’s a matter of what type of natural wonder you’re looking for. So, whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have something to offer for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park:
-Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry trails. Some of the most popular trails include the Rim Rock Trail, which offers great views of the canyon and the Gunnison River, and the Chasm View Nature Trail, which is an easy hike that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon.
-Backpacking: Backcountry hiking and backpacking is also possible in the park, with a permit. The park’s remote wilderness offers challenging and strenuous trails for experienced hikers.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks:
-Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry trails. Some of the most popular trails include the General Sherman Tree Trail, which is an easy hike that leads to the largest tree in the world, and the Mist Trail, which is a strenuous hike that leads to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls.
-Backpacking: Backcountry hiking and backpacking is also possible in the park, with a permit. The park’s remote wilderness offers challenging and strenuous trails for experienced hikers.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks both offer a variety of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry trails. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its spectacular hiking trails that offers great views of the canyon, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is known for its iconic giant sequoias and the surrounding mountain landscape. Both parks offer backcountry hiking and backpacking opportunities for visitors with a permit. Both parks offer unique opportunities to explore and enjoy nature.
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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer visitors the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife. Each park has its own unique ecosystem and is home to different animals, birds, and plants.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The park’s rugged terrain and deep canyon provide habitat for a variety of mammals such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, black bears, and many more. Visitors may also see a variety of birds, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians such as the collared lizard and the western toad.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and many more. Visitors may also see a variety of birds such as the American dipper, the mountain bluebird, and the western tanager. The park’s forested areas are also home to a variety of plants such as giant sequoias, incense cedars, and white firs.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers visitors the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, black bears and many more, as well as a variety of birds and reptiles. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offers visitors the chance to see black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and many more, as well as a variety of birds and plants such as giant sequoias, incense cedars, and white firs.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Wolf |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Badger | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | Badger |
| Snowshoe Hare | Ermine |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Green Sunfish |
| Mottled Sculpin | Golden Shiner |
| Speckled Dace | European Carp |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gopher Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Racer |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Milksnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Tree Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Nightsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are both home to some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the American West.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its deep and narrow gorge that has been carved by the Gunnison River. Visitors can see the steep and sheer walls of the canyon that rise over 2,000 feet above the river, offering breathtaking views of the rugged terrain. The park also offers several overlooks that provide panoramic views of the canyon, including Painted Wall Overlook, which offers a spectacular view of the park’s highest cliff face. Other natural features in the park include the Gunnison River that flows through the canyon, offering opportunities for fishing and rafting, and the park’s diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and golden eagles.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, is home to some of the world’s largest trees, including the giant sequoias. Visitors can see these towering trees up close on several trails that wind through the park’s groves of sequoias, including the Congress Trail and the Big Trees Trail. The park also offers several overlooks that provide panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, including the Moro Rock, which offers a spectacular view of the Great Western Divide. Other natural features in the park include the Kings River, which flows through the park, offering opportunities for fishing and rafting, and the park’s diverse wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.
In conclusion, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer vastly different landscapes and natural features, but both parks are home to some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the American West. Visitors can see deep and narrow canyons, towering trees, mountain ranges, and other natural wonders during a visit to these two parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Each park has its own unique features and activities that attract visitors.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best known for its rugged terrain and deep canyon, making it a popular destination for hiking and backpacking. The park offers several hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, 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. The park also offers opportunities for rock climbing, fishing, and camping.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is best known for its giant sequoias, making it a popular destination for hiking and nature walks. The park offers several hiking trails, including the Congress Trail, which takes visitors through a grove of giant sequoias. The park also offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, fishing, and sightseeing. Visitors can also take a scenic drive on the Generals Highway which takes them through the heart of the park and provides excellent views of the giant sequoias and other natural features.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best known for its rugged terrain and deep canyon, making it a popular destination for hiking and backpacking, and also offers opportunities for rock climbing, fishing, and camping. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is best known for its giant sequoias, making it a popular destination for hiking, nature walks, camping, picnicking, fishing, sightseeing and also visitors can take a scenic drive on the Generals Highway.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park:
-The park is located in Western Colorado and has a semi-arid climate. The park experiences hot summers, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold winters, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
-The best time to visit the park is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are milder and the park is less crowded. The park is popular in the summer, and the park’s facilities and roads can become crowded during this time.
-The park’s facilities are generally open year-round, but some facilities and roads may be closed during the winter due to snow and ice.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks:
-The parks are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The parks experience hot summers, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold winters, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
-The best time to visit the park is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are milder and the park is less crowded. The parks are popular in the summer, and the park’s facilities and roads can become crowded during this time.
-The park’s facilities are generally open year-round, but some facilities and roads may be closed during the winter due to snow and ice. Some of the park’s roads, such as the Generals Highway, may be closed due to snow and ice during the winter.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks both have a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Both parks are popular in the summer, and the park’s facilities and roads can become crowded during this time. The best time to visit both parks is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are milder and the park is less crowded. Both parks have some facilities and roads that are closed during the winter due to snow and ice.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are great destinations for families looking for an outdoor adventure. However, each park offers a different type of experience, which may make one more suitable for families traveling with children than the other.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its rugged and remote terrain, which can make it a challenging destination for families with small children. The park’s main attraction, the deep and narrow gorge, can only be accessed via steep and rocky trails, which may not be suitable for young children. However, the park does offer several easy and short nature trails, such as the Rim Rock Nature Trail, that allows families to explore the park’s unique landscape and wildlife. Additionally, the park offers a Junior Ranger program that allows children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, offers a more family-friendly experience. The park is home to some of the world’s largest trees, including the giant sequoias, which can be easily accessed via paved and level trails such as the Big Trees Trail. The park also offers a wide range of activities for families, including hiking, camping, fishing, and sightseeing. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program, and has a free shuttle service around the park that makes it easier for families to get around.
In conclusion, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can be challenging for families with small children due to its rugged and remote terrain, but the park offers some easy and short trails that families can enjoy. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, is more family-friendly, with paved and level trails and a wide range of activities that families can enjoy. Additionally, both parks have Junior Ranger program and other resources that can make it an educational experience for children.