Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two vastly different national parks that offer unique experiences for visitors. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is located in Colorado, and is known for its steep and dramatic canyon walls that drop 2,000 feet to the Gunnison River below. The park offers stunning views and opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and even fishing. Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Minnesota and is known for its interconnected system of lakes and waterways. The park offers a different type of beauty, with its pristine lakes, forests, and wildlife. Visitors can explore the park by canoe, kayak, or boat, and also enjoy fishing, camping, and hiking. Whether you are looking for a rugged and dramatic canyon experience or a peaceful and serene water adventure, these two parks have something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park both offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, but the type of trail and difficulty level can vary greatly between the two parks.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers several hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s rugged and dramatic landscape. The park’s most popular trail is the South Rim Road, which offers a moderate hike with stunning views of the canyon. The park also offers several more challenging hikes, such as the Gunnison Point Trail and the Warner Point Trail, which offer more strenuous climbs and require a higher level of fitness.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its extensive network of hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s scenic woodlands and around its many lakes and waterways. The park’s most popular trail is the Rainy Lake Trail, which is an easy hike that offers beautiful views of Rainy Lake. The park also offers several more challenging hikes, such as the Kettle Falls Trail and the Clark Island Trail, which offer more strenuous climbs and require a higher level of fitness.
In terms of hiking trails, both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a wide variety of trails to suit different levels of fitness and experience, but the type of trail and difficulty level can vary greatly between the two parks. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a more rugged and dramatic landscape with more strenuous hikes, while Voyageurs National Park offers a more serene and scenic woodland experience with a mix of easy and difficult hikes.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the specific animals and plants that can be found at each park are quite different.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a variety of mammals such as mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears. The park also has a diverse population of birds, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and lizards. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, including wildflowers and aspen groves.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of mammals such as deer, moose, black bears, and wolves. The park also has a diverse population of birds, including common loons, bald eagles, and osprey. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including snapping turtles and garter snakes. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, including balsam fir, white pine, and tamarack.
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a unique wildlife viewing experience, but the specific animals and plants that can be found at each park are quite different. While Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a more arid and mountainous environment, Voyageurs National Park offers a more forested and water-based environment. Both parks are a great choice for wildlife viewing and offer different experiences.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| American Mink | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Common Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Plains Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Ermine |
| American Badger | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | River Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brown Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Mottled Sculpin | Fathead Minnow |
| Speckled Dace | Golden Shiner |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its steep, narrow and dramatic canyon walls that reach up to 2,700 feet in some places. The canyon is formed by the Gunnison River and offers breathtaking views from various overlooks along the South Rim Drive. The park also offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and fishing opportunities.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its vast and pristine water systems, including four large lakes (Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point) and numerous small islands. The park offers a variety of water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can also take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife on hiking trails or by taking a scenic drive. The park also offers the opportunity to see the Northern Lights during certain times of the year. Both parks offer a unique and beautiful natural experience, with Black Canyon of the Gunnison focusing on the steep and dramatic canyon, while Voyageurs focuses on the pristine water systems and island views.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its deep, steep canyons and rugged terrain, making it a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing. The park offers several challenging trails, including the strenuous South Rim Road and the strenuous Inner Canyon Trail, which takes visitors to the bottom of the canyon. The park also offers several easy hikes, such as the Rim Rock Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its water-based activities. The park is located on the shores of four large lakes, and visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on these lakes. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the popular Kettle Falls Trail and the Ash River Trail, which takes visitors through the park’s diverse wilderness. Visitors can also see the park’s abundant wildlife, including moose, beaver, and bald eagles.
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. While Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its rugged terrain and hiking, Voyageurs National Park is known for its water-based activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Both parks also offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park have vastly different seasonal weather patterns, which can greatly 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 the park experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park’s high elevation means that it can be quite chilly, even in the summer, and visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes. The best time to visit the park is in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are milder and the park’s wildflowers are in bloom. The summer months can be quite hot, and the park can be very crowded, so it may not be the best time to visit.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Minnesota, and the park experiences a humid continental climate with cool summers and cold winters. The park’s many lakes and waterways make it a popular destination during the summer months, when visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. The fall is also a great time to visit the park, when the leaves on the trees change color and the park’s wildlife is active. The park can be quite cold in the winter, and many of the park’s facilities and roads are closed, so it may not be the best time to visit.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best visited in the spring and fall, while Voyageurs National Park is best visited in the summer and fall. The weather can greatly affect the visit and experience of the park, and visitors should plan accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both great options for families, but they offer different experiences. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its steep, narrow canyon and rugged terrain, which may not be as suitable for young children. The park also lacks many developed recreational facilities, making it more of a destination for serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park offers a more family-friendly experience, with a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The park also has several developed campgrounds and picnic areas, making it an ideal destination for families looking for a more traditional camping experience. So, if you’re looking for an adventurous experience with older children, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is the best option. But if you’re traveling with young children and looking for more recreational activities, Voyageurs National Park is a great choice.