Travelers are looking for parks that have similar features but with less crowds. This is especially true this summer, due to the recent National Parks Service layoffs and hiring restrictions. According to RVshare.com, Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park offers similar scenery and activities as the Grand Canyon.
If you’re concerned about the number of people that descend upon national parks each summer—especially as the parks face staffing shortages driven by the recent layoffs and hiring freezes—you may want to shift your trip to more underrated, less crowded destinations. And RVshare There are a few suggestions backed by data.
The RV rental company created a list “of crowd-free destinations dupes” based on geographic similarities, visitor data (looking at rock formations, unique natural features, and trails and space availability), local insights, travel reports, and information about the available space and trails. It then matched up some of the popular national parks including Grand Canyon National ParkWith parks that offer “a comparable yet quieter experience.”
The Grand Canyon is a park which has been around for nearly 10,000 years. 5 million visitors In 2024, you should consider visiting the western Colorado region, which is home to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
In 2024 there will be just 335,262 recorded visitorsBut the steep cliffs in the park, the gorges and hiking paths are very similar to those found in Arizona. Instead of the Colorado River winding its way through the canyons you’ll find the Gunnison River which has carved over millions of year through volcanic deposits and rocks to create the area that we see today.
But the similarities do not end there. Both parks have two main areas. Black Canyon South Rim’s popularity is higher than the North Rim because it’s easier to get to. Colorado visitors have the option to drive the South Rim Road, instead of Desert View Drive. This scenic road begins near Grand Canyon Village. This seven-mile road has several viewpoints, including Gunnison Point and Painted Wall. It is also a great day trip destination.
You can also enjoy stargazing in these parks. The Black Canyon has been certified as an Outstanding Natural Area in September 2015. International Dark Sky ParkGrand Canyon, which was given this title in the summer of 2019. The Colorado park has no closing times, so you can visit the South Rim’s Chasm View Overlook or Dragon Point Overlook or Sunset View Overlook; or the North Rim’s Kneeling Camel Overlook or Chasm View nature trail to see the night sky.
Visit RVshare to learn more about RVshare and its methodology. pages.rvshare.com.
