Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Travel Guide
Standing on the rim of Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you peer into a chasm so deep and narrow that sunlight touches its rivers for only a handful of minutes each day. Sheer dark walls plunge over 2,000 feet to the roaring Gunnison River, which has carved this "deep, steep, and narrow" gorge through Precambrian rock. The park protects some of the steepest cliffs in North America and sees relatively few visitors compared with other national parks, making it a place of solitude and awe.
Peer into the Black Canyon and you find a gorge so narrow and deep that parts of it see only about thirty‑three minutes of sunlight a day, the river hidden beneath walls that drop more than two thousand feet, making the landscape seem almost black.
How to Get There
The park has two separate rims. The South Rim is 14 miles northeast of Montrose via U.S. 50 and CO 347; the North Rim is 11 miles south of Crawford via CO 92. There is no bridge across the canyon; driving between rims takes two to three hours. Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) lies about 20 minutes from the South Rim, while Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is 1.5 hours away. Denver International Airport is a five-hour drive. There is no public transportation; a car is essential for travel.
Know Before You Go
A $25 entrance fee is charged per vehicle (valid for seven days). The park operates year-round, though the North Rim and East Portal Road close in winter due to snow. Summer thunderstorms can bring lightning and heavy rain; bring layers and water. Some overlooks require short walks along uneven terrain. Pets are allowed in developed areas but not on hiking trails. Don't attempt to hike or climb into the inner canyon without a free wilderness use permit.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (September–October) is considered the ideal time to visit, as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin, and the aspens glow a golden hue. Spring offers wildflowers and cool days. Summer is warmer but never hot at the rim; thunderstorms may occur. Winter transforms the canyon into a snowy wonderland; the South Rim is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while the North Rim closes for the season.
Best Things to Do
Drive the South Rim Road, a paved route featuring 12 overlooks, including Gunnison Point and Pulpit Rock. On the North Rim, a gravel road leads to six breathtaking overlooks with vertical views. Walk the Rim Rock Nature Trail for panoramic views of the canyon and river. Visit the South Rim Visitor Center for exhibits and ranger talks. Experienced climbers can obtain permits to descend into the inner canyon for technical climbing or kayaking adventures.
Best Hikes
Rim Rock Nature Trail (1 mile, easy): Follows the canyon rim from the visitor center to Tomichi Point, offering dramatic views of the river below.
Oak Flat Loop Trail (2 miles, strenuous): Descends steep switchbacks into the canyon's upper slopes before climbing back to the rim.
Warner Point Nature Trail (1.5 miles, moderate): Travels along a narrow ridge to panoramic vistas of the canyon and the San Juan Mountains.
North Vista Trail to Exclamation Point (3 miles, moderate): On the North Rim, this trail leads to a stunning overlook; continue to Green Mountain for a longer hike.Places to Stay
The South Rim Campground offers three loops of sites (reservable), some with electrical hookups. The North Rim Campground has 13 primitive sites (first-come, first-served). Backcountry camping permits are required for inner canyon adventures. Lodging, dining, and services are available in the nearby towns of Montrose and Gunnison, where hotels range from rustic inns to chain accommodations.
Places to Eat
There are no restaurants in the park. Montrose offers eateries such as Camp Robber Café, specializing in Southwestern cuisine, and Horsefly Brewing Company, serving pub fare. In Gunnison, enjoy breakfast at W Café or burgers at Mario's Pizza. Pack lunches, snacks, and plenty of water for a day on the rim.