Park Comparison
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison vs Great Basin
Two iconic parks, different strengths. Here's how they stack up.
Updated
The Quick Take
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison
Gunnison River carved North America's steepest gorge through 1.7-billion-year-old rock, with 2,000-foot walls that trap the sun.
Great Basin
Wheeler Peak towers over one of America's emptiest parks, where marble caves and alpine lakes sit hours from the nearest traffic jam.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Great Basin sees less than half the visitors Black Canyon Of The Gunnison gets, which translates to a noticeably different crowd experience on trails and at viewpoints.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison welcomes 336K visitors annually across 48.1 square miles — about 6,983 visitors per square mile. Congestion is high, peaking in July.
Great Basin
Great Basin welcomes 152K visitors annually across 120.5 square miles — about 1,262 visitors per square mile. Congestion is low, peaking in September. A long comfortable season helps spread crowds across 7 months.
Great Basin is dramatically less congested than Black Canyon Of The Gunnison — you'll feel the difference on every trail.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
Great Basin National Park has more trail mileage for exploration.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Top Activities
- kayaking canoeing 9/10
- photography 9/10
- hiking 8/10
- rock climbing 8/10
- scenic driving 8/10
Great Basin Top Activities
- stargazing 10/10
- photography 9/10
- hiking 8/10
- scenic driving 8/10
- backpacking 7/10
Camping
Great Basin National Park offers significantly more camping options.
The Bottom Line
Choose Black Canyon Of The Gunnison if you...
- Want to experience Gunnison River
- Are looking for world-class kayaking canoeing
- Are an adventure seeker looking for thrills
Choose Great Basin if you...
- Want to experience Wheeler Peak
- Are looking for world-class stargazing
- Want fewer crowds and more solitude
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison or Great Basin?
It depends on what you're looking for. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is known for Gunnison River, while Great Basin is known for Wheeler Peak. Great Basin is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison or Great Basin more crowded?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison has a congestion index of 5.3/10 and receives 336K visitors per year. Great Basin scores 1.6/10 with 152K annual visitors. Great Basin is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison vs Great Basin?
The best month to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is April, while Great Basin is best visited in May. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.
Which has better hiking, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison or Great Basin?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison has 32 trail miles and Great Basin has 112. Great Basin offers significantly more trail variety.