Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two vastly different national parks located on opposite sides of the country. Black Canyon is located in Western Colorado and is known for its steep and rugged canyon walls that drop 2,700 feet to the Gunnison River. Shenandoah, on the other hand, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Both parks offer a unique experience for visitors, whether it be the breathtaking views of the canyon or the serene hikes through the forest. While vastly different, both parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park both offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Each park has its own unique features and trails that vary in difficulty levels.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers several hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. The park’s South Rim Road is a popular easy hike that offers scenic views of the canyon. The Gunnison Point Trail is also a short hike to an overlook with great views of the canyon. More challenging hikes include the Warner Point Nature Trail, which is a moderate hike that takes visitors to an overlook with great views of the canyon and the Gunnison River. The North Rim Road is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the bottom of the canyon and offers great views of the canyon.
Shenandoah National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The park’s easy hikes include the Hawksbill Summit Trail, which takes visitors to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, and the Limberlost Trail, which is a short hike through a grove of hemlocks. The park’s more challenging hikes include the Old Rag Mountain Trail, which is a strenuous hike to the summit of Old Rag Mountain, and the Rose River Trail, which is a moderate hike through a beautiful forest.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers several hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, including the South Rim Road, the Gunnison Point Trail, the Warner Point Nature Trail, and the North Rim Road. Shenandoah National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy hikes such as the Hawksbill Summit Trail and the Limberlost Trail, to more challenging hikes like the Old Rag Mountain Trail, and the Rose River 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 Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. However, the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park can differ greatly.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and is known for its unique and rugged terrain. The park is home to a variety of animals such as bighorn sheep, mountain lions, black bears, elk, and mule deer. The park also has a rich birdlife, with species such as the golden eagle, turkey vulture, and the peregrine falcon commonly seen. Additionally, the park is home to a wide variety of plants, including pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its lush and diverse forest. The park is home to a wide variety of animals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons, and wild turkeys. The park is also home to a rich birdlife, with species such as the pileated woodpecker, scarlet tanager, and the wild turkey commonly seen. The park is also home to a wide variety of plants, including rhododendron, mountain laurel, and tulip poplar.
In conclusion, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park can differ greatly due to the different environment and climate. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its unique and rugged terrain, while Shenandoah National Park is known for its lush and diverse forest. Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experience for visitors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Shenandoah 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 | Shenandoah 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 | 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 | Gray Fox |
| American Mink | River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Masked Shrew |
| Common Gray Fox | Water Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
| American Badger | Virginia Opossum |
| California Myotis | Marten |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Largemouth Bass |
| Mottled Sculpin | Green Sunfish |
| Speckled Dace | Bluegill |
| Common Carp | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Black Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Ringneck Snake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Milksnake | Milksnake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Shenandoah 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 | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its stunning and steep canyon walls that drop 2,700 feet to the Gunnison River. The park offers a variety of viewpoints, including Painted Wall View, which is the highest sheer cliff in North America, and the Gunnison Point, which offers a panoramic view of the canyon. The park also offers hiking trails that take visitors to the bottom of the canyon where they can see the beautiful and unique rock formations up close.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. The park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, many of which lead to beautiful overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is also home to the famous Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic road that runs the length of the park and offers some of the best views in the park. The park also has many waterfalls, including Dark Hollow Falls and White Oak Canyon Falls, which are popular destinations for visitors.
Both parks are famous for their natural landscapes, but Black Canyon is famous for its steep and rugged canyon walls, while Shenandoah is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its rugged terrain and offers a wide variety of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking. The park has several trails that offer stunning views of the canyon and the Gunnison River. The park’s steep and narrow canyon walls are a popular spot for rock climbing, and the park offers a number of challenging routes for experienced climbers. The park also has several backcountry campsites for overnight camping.
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, offers a wide variety of activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park has over 500 miles of hiking trails, including the famous 101-mile long Appalachian Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s lush forest and wildlife. Camping is also a popular activity in the park, with several campgrounds available for visitors. Wildlife viewing is also popular in Shenandoah National Park, with a wide variety of animals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons, and wild turkeys commonly seen.
In conclusion, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its rugged terrain and offers activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking, while Shenandoah National Park offers activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Both parks offer unique and diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park are located in different regions of the United States, and as a result, they have different weather patterns.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The park experiences high temperatures during the summer months, with average highs in the mid-80s to low 90s (Fahrenheit). The park also receives little precipitation during the summer, making it an ideal time to visit for those looking to explore the park’s rugged terrain and deep canyon. The park’s winter months are cold and snowy, with average lows in the teens and 20s (Fahrenheit). The park’s roads and trails can be impassable during the winter, making it less accessible for visitors. The best time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded.
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and is characterized by mild summers and cold winters. The park experiences warm temperatures during the summer months, with average highs in the mid-80s (Fahrenheit). The park also receives moderate precipitation during the summer, making it an ideal time to visit for those looking to explore the park’s many waterfalls and streams. The park’s winter months are cold and snowy, with average lows in the teens and 20s (Fahrenheit). The park’s roads and trails can be impassable during the winter, making it less accessible for visitors. The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, making the best time to visit during the spring and fall seasons. Shenandoah National Park is characterized by mild summers and cold winters, making the best time to visit during the spring and fall seasons. Both parks’ roads and trails can be impassable during the winter, making it less accessible for visitors.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but each park offers a unique experience that caters to different age groups and interests.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great destination for families with older children and teenagers who are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that take visitors to the bottom of the canyon, where they can see the beautiful and unique rock formations up close. The park also offers a variety of viewpoint, including Painted Wall View and the Gunnison Point, which offer panoramic views of the canyon.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is a great destination for families with younger children. The park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, many of which are short and easy, perfect for families with young children. The park also offers a variety of activities such as picnicking, fishing, and swimming in the park’s many streams and rivers. The park also has many waterfalls, such as Dark Hollow Falls and White Oak Canyon Falls, which are popular destinations for visitors.
Overall, Shenandoah National Park is better for families with younger children, as it offers shorter and easy hiking trails, and other activities like fishing and swimming. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is better for families with older children and teenagers who are interested in outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.