Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, where cliffs and the roaring Gunnison River create a dramatic landscape that’s perfect for exploration and adventure.
Overview
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a U.S. national park situated in western Colorado and administered by the National Park Service.
The park features two main entrances: the south rim entrance, located 15 miles (24 km) east of Montrose, and the north rim entrance, situated 11 miles (18 km) south of Crawford. The north rim entrance is closed during the winter months.
Spanning 12 miles (19 km) of the 48-mile-long (77 km) Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, the national park encompasses the deepest and most awe-inspiring section of the canyon. However, the canyon extends further upstream into Curecanti National Recreation Area and downstream into Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.
The canyon derives its name from the fact that certain sections of the gorge receive only 33 minutes of sunlight per day, as documented in Images of America: The Black Canyon of the Gunnison. In the book, author Duane Vandenbusche states, “Several canyons of the American West are longer and some are deeper, but none combines the depth, sheerness, narrowness, darkness, and dread of the Black Canyon.”
Best Things to Do in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
From exhilarating hiking trails to scenic overlooks, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.
Scenic Drives
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park through scenic drives along the South Rim and North Rim Roads. Marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the deep canyon, rugged cliffs, and the Gunnison River winding its way through the landscape. Don’t miss iconic viewpoints like Chasm View and Painted Wall Overlook, offering panoramic views of the canyon’s dramatic scenery.
Hiking Trails
Embark on unforgettable hiking adventures along a network of trails that traverse the park’s diverse terrain. From leisurely strolls to challenging treks, there’s a trail for every skill level and interest. Explore the rim trails for stunning panoramic views, or venture into the inner canyon for a more rugged and remote experience. Highlights include the Warner Point Nature Trail, Oak Flat Loop Trail, and the challenging Gunnison Route Trail that descends into the depths of the canyon.
Wildlife Watching
Immerse yourself in the natural world of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park by observing its diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for iconic species such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and even elusive black bears. Binoculars are essential for spotting birds like peregrine falcons and canyon wrens soaring above the canyon walls.
Fishing
Cast your line into the Gunnison River and try your hand at fishing for trout in one of Colorado’s premier angling destinations. The Gunnison River offers excellent opportunities for both fly fishing and spin casting, with rainbow trout and brown trout abundant in its waters. Enjoy the tranquility of fishing amidst the stunning backdrop of the canyon’s towering cliffs and rushing river.
Explore the Night
Experience the magic of the night sky at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, designated as an International Dark Sky Park. On clear evenings, marvel at the brilliance of the stars as they illuminate the canyon and surrounding landscape. Join ranger-led astronomy programs to learn about constellations, planets, and celestial phenomena while enjoying unparalleled views of the cosmos.
Exploring the Inner Canyon
For the ultimate adventure, embark on a backcountry journey into the depths of the inner canyon. Descend steep and rugged trails to the Gunnison River below, where you’ll discover a world of towering cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and lush riparian habitats. Permits are required for overnight stays in the inner canyon, offering a rare opportunity to experience the park’s remote wilderness up close.
Winter Activities
Embrace the serenity of winter at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park with a variety of cold-weather activities. Strap on your snowshoes or cross-country skis and explore the park’s snow-covered trails, or try your hand at ice climbing along the frozen waterfalls of the inner canyon. Experience the beauty of the canyon in a whole new light as it’s blanketed in snow, creating a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Places to Stay
Accommodation is essential whenever traveling. When visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you have two accommodation options as follows:
Camping
Black Canyon offers two campgrounds, one on each rim. Additionally, there is a campground located at the bottom of the canyon known as East Portal. Although accessed through the park, East Portal falls within the boundary of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Hikers and kayakers also have the option to camp in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area, provided they obtain a Wilderness Use Permit (with restrictions).
Camping is strictly permitted only in designated campgrounds. Overnight use is prohibited along park roads or trails, at overlooks, or in other developed areas. It’s advisable to make campground reservations in advance through recreation.gov, as first-come, first-served camping is extremely limited.
Be Bear Aware: As black bears increasingly frequent the campgrounds in search of food, encountering them can add excitement to your trip. However, it’s crucial to remember that black bears are wild animals and should neither be fed nor approached.
Hotel and Resort
There is no lodging inside the park, the nearest facilities are in Montrose. Here are three quality-rated hotels at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
The Rathbone Hotel (4-star)
The Rathbone Hotel, located in Montrose, features a bar. In addition to the restaurant, this 4-star hotel offers rooms with air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel also has family rooms. In each room, there is a wardrobe provided. The living rooms at The Rathbone Hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and complimentary toiletries.
Address: 33 South Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401
Price Range: From $101
Super 8 by Wyndham Montrose (2-star)
The Super 8 Montrose is a newly and totally renovated hotel. This hotel features the Super 8 Innov8 concept. The design and amenities will ensure perfect comfort for our guests.
Address: 705 E Main St, Montrose, CO 81401-3810
Price Range: $87 – $174
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Montrose – Black Canyon Area, an IHG Hotel (2-star)
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Montrose is situated off Highway 550, only 3 miles from Montrose Regional Airport and 12 miles from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Address: 1391 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401
Price Range: From $139
Dining
The North Rim has a picnic table in front of the ranger station. Furthermore, you can also choose from some renowned restaurants to enjoy your meals.
Ted Nelson’s Steakhouse
Address: 103 Rose Ln, Montrose, CO 81401-3822
Ted Nelson’s Steakhouse is an excellent local restaurant located just 15 minutes from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Montrose.
Open time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Approx 10-ounces ($40) – 22-ounces ($51)
Address: 846 E Main St, Montrose, CO 81401-3938
Situated in downtown Montrose on Main Street, Horsefly Brewery offers a diverse range of handcrafted beers, delicious pub fare, and a fantastic patio featuring a spacious stage where live music is scheduled most Saturday nights.
Open time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price range per person $10 – $25
Garlic Mike’s Italian Cuisine
Address: 2674 State Highway 135, Gunnison, CO 81230-9705
Garlic Mike’s, located in Gunnison, Colorado sits on the banks of the Gunnison River. This on-site catering menu offers various options, from cocktail parties, to multi-course plated dinners and buffets.
Open time: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Price range per person $7 – $32
Planning Your Trip
Given its remote location, Black Canyon takes some effort to reach from the region’s largest cities. The following are the best times for visitors to explore Black Canyon and instructions on how to get there easily.
Visiting Time
The park operates 24/7, year-round, with no need for entry reservations. The South Rim Road welcomes vehicles from mid-April to mid-November. During winter, it remains open only to Gunnison Point, while the rest of the road closes to vehicles but remains accessible for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. South Rim Visitor Center hours can be found on the Basic Information page.
Though the canyon rim offers breathtaking views throughout the year, summer stands out as the optimal season to fully explore the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and avoid the unpredictable weather of the shoulder seasons.
Transportation
During winter, the North Rim is inaccessible to vehicles, and there is no bridge spanning the canyon. It typically takes 2 to 3 hours to drive from one rim to the other. Additionally, the North Rim remains closed to vehicles throughout the winter season.
The majority of visitors arrive by private vehicle, as public transportation options are not offered within the park. However, bus and airplane services are available in nearby towns such as Montrose, Gunnison, or Grand Junction.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Map
Conclusion
With its breathtaking vistas and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Plan your visit today and embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Colorado’s wilderness.
