Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located near the town of Montrose in western Colorado, has an ominous name. The park protects 12 miles of a stunning 48-mile gorge of the Gunnison River. In parts of the park, this gorge is over 2000 feet deep and so narrow that sunlight only reaches certain lower portions for a half-hour each day. When combined with the canyon’s dark metamorphic rocks, the sheer cliffs often appear to be black.
Established as a national monument in 1933, Black Canyon was upgraded to a national park in 1999. While the park is small, only 48 square miles, it offers some big views. Visitors will want to focus on a series of vista points reached via the scenic South Rim Drive. Other highlights include some short hikes and the chance to drive to the Gunnison River near the eastern end of the park.
Visits to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are often best combined with road trips to other national parks and outdoor attractions in the region, including nearby Colorado national forests like the adjacent Uncompaghre N.F. These attractions include three other national parks in Colorado (Rocky Mountain NP, Great Sand Dunes NP, and Mesa Verde NP). Black Canyon is also considered part of the Grand Circle, a collection of ten western national parks that include Mesa Verde NP, Petrified Forest NP, Grand Canyon NP, Great Basin NP and Utah’s Mighty 5—Arches NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Canyonlands NP, Capitol Reef NP, and Zion NP. Click the links for each park to learn more about them!
- When to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- What to do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison: South Rim
- Where to Stay When Visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- The North Rim of Black Canyon
- Final Thoughts
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- FAQs
When to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Thanks to the park’s high elevation—over 8,000 feet on the South Rim—you can plan your visit anytime from late spring through early fall and expect comfortable conditions. Keep in mind that the South Rim Drive, the main highlight of Black Canyon, closes each year from about mid-November to late April due to snow.
If you’re thinking about a fall visit, early autumn is one of the best times to go. Fall colors usually peak from late September into early October, depending on the elevation and weather. You’ll see aspens and oak trees bursting with vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds—making it a perfect time for a Colorado road trip through the Rockies.
Expect larger crowds during this fall color window. September often brings mild highs in the 70s and about the same number of visitors as summer. After the leaves fade, visitation drops off from late October to mid-November, and you’ll notice cooler temperatures with daytime highs falling into the 50s and 40s.
What to do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison: South Rim
You’ll find the paved South Rim Drive stretching 7 miles from Tomichi Point to High Point, with 12 scenic overlooks along the way. Plan to spend about 2–3 hours if you want to drive the full route and stop at several viewpoints.
Be sure to check out some of the most popular stops. Gunnison Point is just a short walk from the South Rim Visitor Center. About halfway down the drive, Chasm View and Painted Wall offer some of the most dramatic canyon views. Painted Wall, in particular, stands out—at 2,250 feet, it’s the tallest sheer cliff in Colorado. You’ll see striking patterns where light-colored pegmatite dikes cut through the darker metamorphic rock. Toward the end of the road, Sunset Point is a favorite in the evening for catching golden light over the western part of the canyon.
As you explore, you’ll also find a few short hikes with great views. The Rim Rock Nature Trail is a scenic, mostly flat path that runs two miles one way between the South Rim Campground and the Visitor Center. You can turn this into a 3-mile loop by adding the 1-mile Uplands Trail, which loops inland across Vernal Mesa.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, try the Oak Flat Loop Trail. This 2-mile round-trip hike starts near the Visitor Center and descends steeply into the canyon for a closer look at its rugged terrain.
At the very end of South Rim Drive, don’t miss the Warner Point Nature Trail. It’s a 1.5-mile round-trip hike from High Point Overlook and offers sweeping views of the canyon’s western edge.
Where to Stay When Visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison
There are two campgrounds inside the park, one at the South Rim and one at the North Rim. Plus, there’s a third NPS campground just outside the park at East Portal.
The South Rim Campground is located one mile from the South Rim Visitor Center. This campground has 88 sites, and reservations can be made from mid-May through mid-September.
The East Portal Campground is located inside the Curecanti National Recreation Area at the bottom of the Black Canyon, along the Gunnison River. There are 15 sites, all of which are available on a first come, first serve basis from May until mid-October.
Because of the limited options for staying inside the park, most visitors stay outside the park in the nearby towns of Montrose and Gunnison. For more information visit the park webpage.
The North Rim of Black Canyon
The North Rim is the less visited and less accessible side of the park. There are no paved roads—the access road to the rim and the North Rim Drive are both unpaved gravel roads. Along North Rim Drive there are five overlooks and three hiking trails. One hike is the very short (1/3-mile round trip) Chasm View Nature Trail. North Vista Trail is either a moderate 3 miles, round trip, to Exclamation Point or a strenuous 7 miles, round trip, to Green Mountain. Deadhorse Trail is a moderate 5 miles round trip into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area. The North Rim Campground has only 13 sites, all first come, first served.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park provides a truly unique experience with its steep, narrow canyon walls and stunning geological features. Despite being lesser-known than some other national parks, its dramatic landscapes and impressive vistas make it a must-see destination. Located near Montrose in western Colorado, the park offers a variety of activities from scenic drives and short hikes along the South Rim to more challenging trails and less crowded experiences on the North Rim.
The South Rim Drive provides easy access to numerous overlooks where you can marvel at the canyon’s sheer cliffs, including the Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado. For those who enjoy hiking, trails like the Rim Rock Nature Trail and the Oak Flat Loop Trail offer additional opportunities to explore the park’s natural beauty. Meanwhile, the Warner Point Nature Trail provides stunning views from the rim out to Warner Point.
If you prefer a quieter and more rugged experience, the North Rim offers gravel roads, fewer visitors, and a selection of scenic overlooks and trails. Camping options are available within the park at both the South and North Rim campgrounds, though many visitors choose to stay in nearby Montrose or Gunnison for additional amenities.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is best visited from late spring through early fall, with fall being particularly beautiful as the area’s foliage turns vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, an adventurous hike, or a chance to witness some of nature’s most awe-inspiring formations, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park delivers an unforgettable experience.
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FAQs
What is special about Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is special because of its incredibly steep, narrow canyon walls that plunge dramatically to the Gunnison River below. The canyon’s unique features include some of the oldest rock formations in North America, dramatic overlooks, and scenic drives. The Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado, and the sheer drop-offs create breathtaking views and challenging hiking trails.
How long does it take to drive through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Driving through the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how many stops you make at the various viewpoints and overlooks. The South Rim Road is 7 miles long and features 12 scenic overlooks. The North Rim is less developed and has a 6-mile gravel road with several overlooks, which also takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore.
Is it worth going to Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Yes, it is absolutely worth visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The park offers unique geological formations, stunning vistas, and a sense of awe that comes from viewing such dramatic and rugged terrain. Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, or simply soaking in nature’s beauty, the park provides an unforgettable experience.
What town is near Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
The nearest town to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is Montrose, Colorado. Montrose is about a 20-minute drive from the South Rim entrance of the park and offers various amenities, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Are there bears in Black Canyon?
Yes, there are black bears in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. While sightings are not extremely common, it’s important to practice bear safety by storing food properly and being aware of your surroundings while hiking and camping.
Do you need a reservation for Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
No, you do not need a reservation to enter Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. However, some campsites within the park do require reservations, especially during the peak season. It’s always a good idea to check the park’s official website for the latest information on camping and any other special regulations.
Is the drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison scary?
The drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison is generally not considered scary, but it does involve some winding roads and steep drop-offs, especially along the rim drives. If you are comfortable driving in mountainous areas and take your time, you should find the drive manageable and very scenic.
Can you swim in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Swimming in the Gunnison River within the Black Canyon is not recommended due to the dangerous and swift currents, cold water temperatures, and steep canyon walls. The river is known for its challenging rapids and should be approached with caution, primarily for experienced kayakers and rafters.
When to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
The best times to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison are in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the park is less crowded. Summer can also be a good time to visit, but temperatures can be warmer, and there may be more visitors. Winter offers a unique experience with fewer crowds and the opportunity for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but access to some areas may be limited due to snow.
Cover photo: Painted Wall at Sunset. Krzysztof Wiktor/Adobe
