Park Comparison
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison vs Hot Springs
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.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs' 143-degree thermal water flows through historic bathhouses where health seekers once shared sidewalks with gangsters.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison sees less than half the visitors Hot Springs 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.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs welcomes 2.5M visitors annually across 8.7 square miles — about 282,967 visitors per square mile. Congestion is intense, peaking in June.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is dramatically less congested than Hot Springs — you'll feel the difference on every trail.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
Hot Springs 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
Hot Springs Top Activities
- hiking 7/10
- swimming 7/10
- bird watching 7/10
- photography 7/10
- ranger programs 7/10
Camping
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison 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 a photographer chasing iconic shots
- Want more camping options (116 sites vs 40)
Choose Hot Springs if you...
- Want to experience Historic Bathhouses
- Are looking for great swimming
- Love mountain and forest landscapes
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison or Hot Springs?
It depends on what you're looking for. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is known for Gunnison River, while Hot Springs is known for Historic Bathhouses. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison or Hot Springs more crowded?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison has a congestion index of 5.3/10 and receives 336K visitors per year. Hot Springs scores 9.8/10 with 2.5M annual visitors. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison vs Hot Springs?
The best month to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is April, while Hot Springs is best visited in October. 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 Hot Springs?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison has 32 trail miles and Hot Springs has 40. Both parks offer strong hiking options.