Park Comparison
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison vs National Park of American Samoa
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.
National Park of American Samoa
The only national park south of the equator protects volcanic peaks, coral reefs, and villages across three South Pacific islands.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
National Park of American Samoa 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.
National Park of American Samoa
National Park of American Samoa welcomes 22,567 visitors annually across 21.1 square miles — about 1,070 visitors per square mile. Congestion is low, peaking in April.
National Park of American Samoa 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
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison 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
National Park of American Samoa Top Activities
- swimming 9/10
- photography 9/10
- kayaking canoeing 8/10
- wildlife viewing 8/10
- bird watching 8/10
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 great rock climbing
- Are a first-time national park visitor
- Want more camping options (116 sites vs 0)
Choose National Park of American Samoa if you...
- Want to experience Pola Island
- Are looking for world-class swimming
- Want fewer crowds and more solitude
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison or National Park of American Samoa?
It depends on what you're looking for. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is known for Gunnison River, while National Park of American Samoa is known for Pola Island. National Park of American Samoa is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison or National Park of American Samoa more crowded?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison has a congestion index of 5.3/10 and receives 336K visitors per year. National Park of American Samoa scores 1.2/10 with 22,567 annual visitors. National Park of American Samoa is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison vs National Park of American Samoa?
The best month to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is April, while National Park of American Samoa is best visited in February. 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 National Park of American Samoa?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison has 32 trail miles and National Park of American Samoa has 28. Both parks offer strong hiking options.