Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the American West in all its glory, but each park has its own unique character and attractions. If you’re planning a trip to either park, or are trying to decide between the two, here’s a quick comparison to whet your appetite.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a true hidden gem. Located in western Colorado, this park is home to some of the most dramatic and steep cliffs in North America. The park’s namesake, the Black Canyon, is a spectacular gorge that cuts through solid granite and drops 2,722 feet to the Gunnison River below. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love the park’s hiking trails and scenic drives.
On the other hand, Zion National Park is a geologic wonderland that will take your breath away. Located in southern Utah, this park is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the American West, including towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can hike through the park’s famous Narrows, or take a scenic drive along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.
Both parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and those looking for a true western adventure. Choose Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for a more secluded and rugged experience or Zion National Park for a more popular and iconic one. With so much natural beauty on offer, it’s hard to go wrong with either park. The real question is, which one will you choose?
Hiking Trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park are both known for their spectacular hiking trails, but they offer very different experiences. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its steep and rugged terrain, with the highlight being the steep, narrow canyon itself. The park offers several strenuous hikes along the rim of the canyon, including the strenuous and technical Warner Point Nature Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the canyon. The park also has several more moderate trails, such as the Rim Rock Nature Trail, which offers a more leisurely hike along the rim of the canyon.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and waterfalls. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, family-friendly hikes to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Riverside Walk, which is an easy hike along the Virgin River, and the Angels Landing trail, which is a strenuous hike that involves climbing steep and narrow switchbacks to reach a spectacular viewpoint. Another popular hike is the Narrows hike, which is a strenuous hike that takes you through a narrow slot canyon.
Both parks offer a range of hiking options, but Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its rugged and remote trails, while Zion National Park is known for its more popular and diverse trails that include a range of difficulty levels and scenic beauty. Both parks are great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but depending on your interests and physical abilities, one park might be a better fit than the other.
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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park both offer a diverse range of wildlife for visitors to observe.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison, common wildlife sightings include mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and black bears. The park is also home to a variety of bird species such as the golden eagle, turkey vulture, and peregrine falcon. The park’s rugged terrain and deep canyons provide ideal habitat for these animals.
Zion National Park is known for its wide variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species such as the American dipper, great horned owl, and peregrine falcon. The park’s diverse landscape, including canyons, cliffs, and mesas, provides a variety of habitats for different species.
Both parks also have a variety of plants and wildflowers that are commonly seen, including sagebrush, prickly pear cactus, and wildflowers like lupines and columbines.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Zion 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 | Zion 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 | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Common Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | American Badger |
| American Badger | Ermine |
| California Myotis | California Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brook Trout |
| Long-Nose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Northern Pike | Speckled Dace |
| Mottled Sculpin | Channel Catfish |
| Speckled Dace | Goldfish |
Reptiles
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Gophersnake | Gophersnake |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Milksnake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Striped Whipsnake | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Tree Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Nightsnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park are both known for their stunning landscapes and natural features.
At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the most famous landscape is the Black Canyon itself. The canyon is a spectacular gorge that cuts through solid granite and drops 2,722 feet to the Gunnison River below. The park is also home to several mountain ranges, including the West Elk Mountains and the Uncompahgre Plateau, which offer great hiking and backpacking opportunities. The park also has several scenic overlooks, such as the Painted Wall, which offers panoramic views of the Black Canyon and the surrounding mountains.
At Zion National Park, the most famous landscape is the Zion Canyon, a 15-mile long and half-mile deep canyon with towering sandstone cliffs that are a geologic wonder. The park is also home to the Zion Narrows, a popular hiking trail that takes visitors through a narrow slot canyon carved by the Virgin River. Other natural features in the park include Kolob Canyon, which offers a different perspective of the park’s red sandstone cliffs, and Angels Landing, a strenuous hike that offers a breathtaking view of the Zion Canyon. The park also has several waterfalls, like the double-tiered Emerald Pools waterfall.
Both parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and those looking for a true western adventure. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a more secluded and rugged experience, with the most famous landscape being the Black Canyon. On the other hand, Zion National Park offers a more popular and iconic experience, with the most famous landscapes being the Zion Canyon, the Zion Narrows, and the Kolob Canyon.
Things To-Do and Activities in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park are both popular tourist destinations known for their beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.
At Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, the main activities include hiking, rock climbing, and ranger-led programs. Hiking trails range from easy to strenuous, with the most popular being the Rim Rock Trail and the South Rim Road. The park is also a popular spot for rock climbing with routes ranging from beginner to expert level. Ranger-led programs include guided hikes, campfire talks, and stargazing programs.
At Zion National Park, the main activities include hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering. Hiking trails range from easy to strenuous, with the most popular being Angels Landing and the Narrows. The park is also a popular spot for rock climbing with routes ranging from beginner to expert level. Canyoneering, a sport that involves descending into slot canyons, is also popular in the park.
Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, but Zion National Park may be more popular for families with children as it has more easy hiking trails and variety of activities available.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park are both incredibly beautiful and popular national parks, but they offer vastly different hiking experiences. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is located in western Colorado and is known for its steep, dramatic canyons, while Zion is located in southern Utah and is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and lush greenery.
The seasonal weather at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is generally mild, with hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit the park is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are more comfortable. On the other hand, Zion National Park generally has hot summers and mild winters, with the best time to visit the park being in the spring and fall as well.
In terms of hiking trails, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers several options, with the most popular trails being the South Rim Road and the North Rim Road, which offer stunning views of the canyons. The park also offers several strenuous and technical hikes for more experienced hikers, including the Gunnison Route and the Warner Point Nature Trail.
Zion National Park, on the other hand, offers a wide variety of hiking trails, including the Riverside Walk, which is a short and easy hike that takes visitors along the Virgin River. The park also offers more strenuous and challenging hikes, such as Angels Landing, which offers incredible views of the park but requires a high level of fitness and endurance.
In conclusion, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park are both great destinations for hiking and nature lovers, but they offer vastly different experiences. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is ideal for those looking for a more rugged and remote experience, while Zion is ideal for those looking for a more lush and green experience. Both parks are best visited during the spring and fall due to more comfortable temperatures.
Family Friendliness of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park
Both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Zion National Park are great options for families, but each park offers a slightly different experience for visitors.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great option for families who enjoy the outdoors and want a more secluded and rugged experience. The park offers several easy hiking trails and scenic drives that are suitable for children. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that allows children to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history while earning a badge.
Zion National Park is also a great option for families and is a more popular and iconic experience, with a more developed infrastructure and more amenities. The park offers a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives, some of which are suitable for children. The park also has a Junior Ranger program and several educational programs that are designed for children. The park also offers several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great option for families who want to spend the night in the park.
In summary, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great option for families who enjoy the outdoors and want a more secluded and rugged experience. Zion National Park is also a great option for families, with a more developed infrastructure and more amenities and a more popular and iconic experience. Both parks have Junior Ranger programs and educational programs that are designed for children, making both parks great options for families traveling with children.