Rocky Mountain Region
BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK
Welcome to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a place of dramatic contrasts and rugged beauty in western Colorado. Sheer cliffs drop nearly 2,000 feet into the roaring Gunnison River, creating one of the steepest canyons in North America. What sets Black Canyon apart is not its length or depth, but its narrowness and darkness. In some places, sunlight reaches the canyon floor for only 33 minutes per day, giving the canyon its name.
Carved over two million years by the Gunnison River cutting through Precambrian rock, the canyon is both awe-inspiring and humbling. This is one of four National Parks in Colorado, but unlike Rocky Mountain or Mesa Verde, Black Canyon remains off the beaten path — and that’s part of its charm.
My personal experience
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the least visited national parks, ranking around 45th out of 63. I’ve only been once, entering through the South Rim near Montrose. Despite being relatively quiet compared to Colorado’s marquee parks, the Black Canyon is unforgettable.
Driving the South Rim Road, a 7-mile scenic route with 12 viewpoints, was an easy way to take in the drama. Each stop reveals a different perspective: the Gunnison River far below, sheer rock faces rising like cathedrals, and spires glowing in shifting light. Parking was always available, a rare luxury in national parks these days.
I also recommend taking at least a short hike. Trails like Warner Point Nature Trail or Oak Flat Loop provide perspectives you can’t get from overlooks alone. Hiking here feels raw — the canyon walls are steep, and you truly sense nature’s scale.
The North Rim offers an even quieter experience, but it’s more remote, with a gravel access road and limited facilities. If your trip allows, it’s worth the detour, but focusing on the South Rim alone still gives a rewarding visit.
Basic Facts
Address:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
10346 Highway 347
Montrose, CO 81401
Operation Hours and Seasons:
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Some facilities and roads are closed in winter due to snow.
Visitors:
Over 300,000 per year (2022)
Entrance Fees:
- Private Vehicle: $30.00 (admits one private, non-commercial vehicle and all its occupants for seven days)
- Per Person: $15.00 (when entering on foot or bicycle, valid for seven days)
Website:
nps.gov/blca
Map:
nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Additional Information:
For additional local information, visit visitmontrose.com
Getting there
Closest city: Montrose, Colorado (15 miles from South Rim entrance).
Regional hub: Grand Junction (~75 miles west).
Access: South Rim via US-50 and CO-347. North Rim via a gravel road off CO-92 (closed in winter).
Weather
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park experiences varied weather throughout the year:
- Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from 30s to 60s°F (0-15°C). Snow begins to melt, and wildflowers bloom.
- Summer (June to August): Highs range from 70s to 90s°F (21-32°C). Warm weather with clear skies; ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Fall (September to November): Temperatures range from 30s to 60s°F (0-15°C). Crisp, clear days with vibrant fall foliage.
- Winter (December to February): Highs in the 20s to 40s°F (-6 to 4°C). Cold with occasional snowfall; limited accessibility.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night throughout the year. It’s advisable to check the specific weather forecast before planning a trip and to be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
Let’s dive into the various activities you can enjoy during your visit:
Hiking
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a variety of trails for all levels:
- Easy:
- Gunnison Point Trail: A short walk from the visitor center to a stunning overlook.
- Chasm View Nature Trail: A 0.5-mile loop offering dramatic views of the canyon.
- Moderate:
- Oak Flat Loop Trail: A 2-mile round trip with scenic vistas and diverse plant life.
- Warner Point Nature Trail: A 1.5-mile round trip to an overlook with panoramic views of the Gunnison River.
- Strenuous:
- Inner Canyon Routes: Permits are required for these rugged and steep routes that descend into the canyon. The Gunnison Route is a popular 2-mile round trip.
Rock Climbing
Black Canyon is renowned for its challenging rock climbing routes. Proper preparation and permits are required for climbers.
Wildlife Viewing
Look for mule deer, black bears, bobcats, and various bird species. The park offers a diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Fishing
The Gunnison River is known for its excellent trout fishing. Proper permits and adherence to fishing regulations are required.
Photography
Capture the dramatic landscapes and unique geological features:
- Golden Hour: Soft sunlight enhances the steep cliffs and deep shadows of the canyon.
- Night Photography: The clear skies offer excellent opportunities for photographing the Milky Way and stars.
Horseback Riding
Horses are not allowed on the South Rim and only in the North Rim Campground or on the North Rim Road while being trailered. The Deadhorse Trail is the only are in the whole park open to day use for horses or other pack animal. Some trails outside the park and in designated wilderness areas offer horseback riding opportunities. Outfitters in Montrose and surrounding communities offer guided rides outside the park. Check the NPS regulations for more information.
General Aviation
Fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ, 5,800 ft MSL) – to the west of the park or Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional (GUC, 7,770ft MSL) to the east are the closest public use airports. From there, rent a car or arrange ground transportation to explore the park. Scenic flight operators in the region offer aerial views of the Gunnison River gorge. Keep in mind that you are in the mountains and density altitude is always a factor even if the 10,000ft or 9,400 ft respectively long runways should give you some real estate to work with.
Important Tips
- Weather: Prepare for sudden storms and bring layers.
- Permits: Required for backcountry camping, inner canyon hiking, and technical climbing.
- Accessibility: North Rim is open seasonally and reached only via gravel road.
- Safety: The canyon is extremely steep — stay behind guardrails, and never throw rocks.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is not the most famous park in Colorado, but it is among the most dramatic. Its sheer walls, narrow corridors, and thundering river inspire awe and humility. This is a park where solitude is still possible, where you can stand at the rim and feel the power of geologic time.
If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination — one that rewards you with raw scenery, star-filled skies, and the quiet roar of the Gunnison River — the Black Canyon will leave a lasting impression.
