Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park are both gems of the National Park Service, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and grandeur of the American West. While both parks boast breathtaking landscapes and an abundance of outdoor activities, they are each unique in their own way. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a narrow, steep-walled canyon that is a favorite among hikers and rock climbers, while Yosemite is famous for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic valleys. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, both of these parks are sure to leave you in awe and make you want to come back for more. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Yosemite!
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park are both known for their exceptional hiking trails. Black Canyon offers a variety of trails that range in difficulty, including the popular Rim Rock and Warner Point trails. These trails offer breathtaking views of the deep, narrow canyon and its unique rock formations. In contrast, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its challenging hikes, such as the Half Dome and Mist Trail. Both trails offer spectacular views of the park’s granite cliffs and waterfalls. The Mist Trail, in particular, is a strenuous hike that takes visitors to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls. Black Canyon is known for its technical and steep hikes, while Yosemite is known for its longer and strenuous hikes. Both parks offer exceptional hiking experiences, but Yosemite is considered to be the more challenging of the two.
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 Yosemite National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail | 10299.776 | 667.8168 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Upper Yosemite Falls Trail | 11587.248 | 967.74 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Half Dome Trail | 23818.232 | 1573.9872 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1609.34 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake | 19794.882 | 948.8424 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Four Mile Trail | 12070.05 | 998.8296 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sentinel Dome Trail | 3379.614 | 138.9888 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Glacier Point Trail | 965.604 | 71.9328 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Vernal Falls | 5954.558 | 406.908 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail | 9012.304 | 101.8032 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is known for its elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears, as well as a variety of smaller mammals such as marmots and pikas. The park is also home to a variety of bird species including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and the rare Gunnison sage-grouse. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the western rattlesnake and the boreal toad.
Yosemite National Park is home to a similarly diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the California condor, the peregrine falcon, and the great gray owl. Yosemite is also home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout and brook trout, and a variety of amphibians and reptiles such as the yellow-legged frog and the garter snake. The park also boasts a wide variety of plant species, including giant sequoias and wildflowers in the spring.
Overall, both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park offer visitors the chance to see a variety of unique and diverse wildlife species, each with its own unique characteristics and habitats. Both parks are great for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Yosemite 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 | Yosemite 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 | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mountain Lion |
| House Mouse | Mule Deer |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Fox |
| American Mink | Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Ermine |
| American Badger | California Myotis |
| California Myotis | River Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Smallmouth Bass |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Northern Rubber Boa |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Western Skink |
| Milksnake | Western Fence Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its steep and deep gorge, cut by the Gunnison River. The park’s main attraction is the Black Canyon, a narrow and steep-walled canyon that is up to 2,700 feet deep. Visitors can hike to the rim of the canyon and take in views of the dramatic landscapes, including the Painted Wall, the highest sheer cliff in North America. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, including the South Rim Road, which offers views of the canyon from several overlooks.
Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias. The park’s main attraction is the Yosemite Valley, which is home to iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Visitors can hike to the top of Half Dome or take a scenic drive along the Tioga Road, which offers views of the park’s beautiful landscapes. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Mist Trail, which takes visitors to the base of Vernal and Nevada Falls. Both parks offer a unique and beautiful natural experience, with different landscapes and features.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, there are some key differences in the types of activities and experiences that can be found at each park.
At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the main attraction is the deep and narrow canyon that the park is named after. Visitors can hike along the rim of the canyon to take in the stunning views and learn about the geologic history of the area. The park also offers opportunities for rock climbing, fishing, and camping.
Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering granite cliffs and waterfalls. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with a wide range of trails to choose from, including the famous Half Dome and Mist Trail. Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, and camping. In addition to its many outdoor activities, Yosemite National Park also offers ranger-led programs and guided tours to help visitors learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.
In terms of wildlife, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a variety of animals including bighorn sheep, elk, black bears, and mountain lions. Visitors can also spot a variety of birds such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and rock wrens.
Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer. Visitors can also see a variety of birds, such as the peregrine falcon, the great gray owl and the black-backed woodpecker.
In conclusion, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a unique experience of a deep and narrow canyon, while Yosemite National Park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes. Both parks offer unique experiences and its worth visiting both of them.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park have different seasonal weather patterns, which affect the best time 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 cool winters. The park receives very little rainfall, with an average of only 15 inches per year. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is milder and the trails and roads are accessible.
Yosemite National Park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park receives significant rainfall, with an average of around 35 inches per year, mostly between October and April. The park is also open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry and the waterfalls are at their peak flow.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is best visited in spring to fall and Yosemite National Park is best visited in May to September.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park are both family-friendly, but in different ways. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park offers breathtaking views of the canyon, which is a natural wonder that is sure to impress visitors of all ages. It also has a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, making it a great place for families to explore together. However, it is important to note that some of the trails are strenuous and may not be suitable for very young children.
Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is known for its impressive granite cliffs, waterfalls, and meadows. It also offers a wide range of family-friendly activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking. There are also educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to introduce children to the park’s natural and cultural history. Yosemite also has a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails, making it a great place to explore with kids.
Overall, both Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Yosemite National Park are great options for families, but Yosemite may be more suitable for families with younger children due to the variety of easy hiking trails and educational programs available.