Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most iconic national parks in the United States, each offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its steep and dramatic cliffs, while Yellowstone is famous for its geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife. Both parks are a nature lover’s dream, but they are vastly different in terms of what they offer. One is a canyon with a deep and narrow gorge while the other is a caldera with a variety of landscapes and features. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, these two parks offer something for everyone. So, come along and join us as we explore the similarities and differences between Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Yellowstone.
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both renowned for their incredible hiking trails. Both parks offer a wide range of trails, from easy, scenic walks to challenging backcountry treks.
At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, some of the most popular hikes include the Rim Rock Trail, which offers a moderate hike along the rim of the canyon with stunning views of the gorge below, and the Warner Point Nature Trail, which is an easy, wheelchair-accessible trail with breathtaking vistas of the canyon. The park also has a number of strenuous backcountry trails for experienced hikers, such as the Gunnison Route and the Inner Canyon Trail.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is known for its vast network of trails that take hikers through a variety of landscapes, from geyser basins to backcountry wilderness. Some of the park’s most popular hikes include the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which offers breathtaking views of the canyon and the Lower Falls, and the Old Faithful Geyser, which is a moderate hike that takes visitors to the park’s most famous geyser. The park also offers more challenging hikes such as the Mount Washburn and the Avalanche Peak.
Overall, both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, with Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park focusing on the Canyon and Yellowstone National Park offering a variety of landscapes and a large number of trails.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both home to a wide variety of wildlife. Both parks are known for their large populations of big game animals such as elk, bison, and mule deer. Additionally, both parks also have a healthy population of black bears, although sightings of these animals are more rare in Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Yellowstone is also known for its wolves and grizzly bears, which are not found in Black Canyon of the Gunnison. In terms of smaller mammals, both parks have a variety of squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots.
Birdwatching is also a popular activity in both parks. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is home to a variety of hawks, eagles, and falcons, as well as many species of songbirds. Yellowstone is also home to many species of birds, including the Bald Eagle, Osprey and a variety of waterfowl.
Both parks also have a diverse range of plant life, with Black Canyon of the Gunnison being known for its Pinyon Pine, Juniper and Gambel Oak tree. Yellowstone is known for its Lodgepole Pine, Engelmann Spruce and Douglas Fir.
In summary, both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer visitors the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, although Yellowstone is known for its larger populations of big game animals and also offers a chance to see wolves and grizzly bears. Both parks also offer great opportunities for birdwatching and viewing a diverse range of plant life.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| Common Gray Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| American Badger | Badger |
| California Myotis | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | California Myotis |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Longnose Sucker |
| Mottled Sculpin | Lake Trout |
| Speckled Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Racer |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both home to stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its deep, steep, and narrow canyon carved by the Gunnison River. Visitors can hike to the rim for breathtaking views of the 2,000-foot-deep canyon and its sheer rock walls. The park also features the Gunnison River, which offers opportunities for rafting and fishing.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal features such as Old Faithful geyser, hot springs, and mudpots. The park also boasts of beautiful mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves. One of the most famous landscapes in Yellowstone is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a deep and rugged canyon carved by the Yellowstone River. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Both parks offer unique and beautiful natural experiences, but in different ways.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both incredibly popular national parks that offer a wide range of activities for visitors. Both parks are known for their stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and sightseeing. The park is home to some of the most dramatic and steep canyons in North America, and visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon or take guided tours to explore the depths of the canyon. The park also offers several challenging rock climbing routes, making it a popular destination for experienced climbers.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is known for its geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features. Visitors can hike through the park to view these features, as well as take guided tours of the park to learn more about the geology and history of the area. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, wolves, and bighorn sheep, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing.
Other popular activities at Yellowstone National Park include camping, fishing, and horseback riding. The park offers several campgrounds, as well as backcountry camping opportunities for those looking to experience the park in a more remote setting. Visitors can also fish in the park’s many lakes and streams, and horseback riding is available on several trails throughout the park.
In conclusion, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and skill levels. While Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its steep canyons and rock climbing, Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features and diverse wildlife. Both parks are great destinations to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the American West.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both incredibly diverse and offer a wide range of activities and landscapes to explore. However, the two parks are very different when it comes to seasonal weather and the best time of year to visit.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is located in Colorado and has a high desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park is most popular during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry and the park’s hiking trails and scenic drives are accessible. The park’s roads are closed during the winter due to snow and ice, and many of the park’s facilities are closed as well.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It has a subalpine climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. The summer months are the most popular time to visit, as the park’s roads are open and the park’s geysers, hot springs, and other thermal features are at their most active. However, the park’s wildlife is most active during the spring and fall, when the park’s bears and wolves are mating and raising their young. The park’s winter season is considered to be the least busy time to visit but the park’s main roads are closed due to snow and the park can be accessed by snowmobile or cross-country skis.
In terms of hiking trails, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park offers some of the most challenging trails, with steep and narrow paths that drop down into the canyon. On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park has a wide variety of hiking trails that range from easy boardwalks to strenuous backcountry treks.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is best visited during the summer months, while Yellowstone National Park is best visited during the summer and fall for wildlife viewing and during the winter for snow activities. Both parks offer very different landscapes and activities, making them both worth visiting, depending on your interests and preferences.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors. However, they offer different types of experiences. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is known for its rugged and dramatic landscapes. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs that will appeal to families who enjoy more adventurous activities. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is a family-friendly destination that offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. The park is known for its geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features. Visitors can also see bison, elk, and other wildlife, as well as hike on a variety of trails. The park also offers ranger-led programs, guided tours, and educational exhibits that make it a great destination for families who want to learn more about the natural world.
In summary, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is a great destination for families who enjoy more rugged and adventurous activities while Yellowstone National Park is a great destination for families who want a more well-rounded and educational experience.