Park Comparison
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison vs Zion
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.
Zion
Red cliffs rise 2,000 feet above the Virgin River, where Angels Landing's chain climb and The Narrows' slot canyon wade draw crowds.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison sees less than half the visitors Zion 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.
Zion
Zion welcomes 4.9M visitors annually across 229.9 square miles — about 21,516 visitors per square mile. Congestion is intense, peaking in June. A long comfortable season helps spread crowds across 6 months.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is dramatically less congested than Zion — you'll feel the difference on every trail.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
Zion 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
Zion Top Activities
- hiking 10/10
- canyoneering 10/10
- rock climbing 9/10
- stargazing 8/10
- ranger programs 8/10
Camping
Zion 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
- Love canyon and river landscapes
Choose Zion if you...
- Want to experience Angels Landing
- Are looking for world-class hiking
- Want more trail options (90 miles vs 32)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison or Zion?
It depends on what you're looking for. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is known for Gunnison River, while Zion is known for Angels Landing. 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 Zion more crowded?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison has a congestion index of 5.3/10 and receives 336K visitors per year. Zion scores 8.9/10 with 4.9M annual visitors. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison vs Zion?
The best month to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is April, while Zion is best visited in April. Since both peak at the same time, plan well in advance.
Which has better hiking, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison or Zion?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison has 32 trail miles and Zion has 90. Zion offers significantly more trail variety.