Est. 1999 | Colorado | 30,750 acres

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Carved over millennia by the relentless force of the Gunnison River, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in southwestern Colorado is a landscape of breathtaking drama. Its sheer cliffs of marbled rock are some of the steepest in North America, plunging more than 2,700 feet into a narrow chasm so deep and dark that sunlight rarely touches the canyon floor. The park’s name comes from this near-permanent shadow—the “Black Canyon”—where the river thunders barely seen from the rim.

Enjoy the rim viewpoints up top or descend to the bottom for a taste of the roaring river, two worlds separated only by elevation. Black Canyon of the Gunnison accommodates all types of visitors, from its leisurely scenic drives to its variegated hikes through to its rafting and paddling thrills. This is a land of rushing water, dizzying overlooks, and starlit skies.

Bisected by the Gunnison River, the park is divided into two distinct districts: the South Rim and its less popular counterpart, the North Rim. Though less than a mile apart these two areas are separated by almost 80 miles or highway—about 2 hours of driving. With its iconic viewpoints, plentiful hiking trails and the park’s only visitor center, the South Rim has become the main hub of the park. From here visitors can stroll the canyon rim or drive down to the river’s edge.

Must-see highlights in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Painted Wall—The park’s most photographed feature, the Painted Wall is the highest cliff in Colorado. The pale streaks that give it its name are ancient magma intrusions that hardened into ribbons of lighter stone—visible records of the canyon’s geologic past. Facing east, this wall is best viewed at sunrise as it catches the first pink rays of dawn. Painted Wall Viewpoint is about 5 miles past the Entrance Station on South Rim Road.

Dragon Point—Located 6 miles along South Rim Road, just past the High Point overlook, Dragon Point offers a sweeping perspective of the Gunnison River as it twists between vertical walls of rock. The point’s name comes from the shape of a jagged rock formation below the rim that resembles the back or head of a dragon when seen from above—its “scales” formed by fractured cliffs and dark stone ridges. As one of the park’s quietest viewpoints, it is often overlooked, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and photography. The viewpoint is an exceptional location to watch the sun set behind the canyon.

Gunnison Route Trail—The 1.5-mile Gunnison Route Trail is the most popular and direct route to the Gunnison River from the South Rim. Dropping almost 1,800 vertical feet, this highly strenuous, rugged, demanding descent rewards adventurous hikers with an intimate, awe-inspiring perspective from the canyon floor. Because the trail is steep and loose, only 15 daily permits are given to hike to the bottom. This is to limit traffic on the slopes and reduce rockfall for hikers below.

Tomichi Point—Looking east over the canyon from Rim Rock Trail, Tomichi Point offers an unobstructed view down the Gunnison River canyon, a deep layered parallax scene of overlapping cliff walls.

Best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Generally speaking, summer is the best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Though this is the busiest season for visitors, it is also the most accessible. All roads, facilities and trails are open and operational. And park conditions are ideal for outdoor recreation, land or water.

Spring (April to June): Cool temperatures and blooming wildflowers make springtime perfect for hiking and photography. However, snow can linger on the rim and in shadows well into April so check road closure statuses before planning your visit. The river runs high with snowmelt during these early summer months.
Summer (July to August): It is safe to say, southwest Colorado sees most of its warm, sunny days (70s–90s°F) and clear skies in summer. However, short afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Colorado mountains, so consider bringing rain gear and avoid hiking late in the day. A good rule of thumb is to return to trailheads by noon. Keep in mind, dry summers generate prime conditions for wildfires. Even if the park itself is clear of fire danger, regional smoke can limit visibility.
Fall (September to October): Crisp air and golden aspens line the rim, offering excellent visibility and photography conditions for those visiting in autumn. Late-September and early-October typically bring the most vibrant foliage. Daytime temperatures begin dropping into the 40s and 50sºF and nights can dip below freezing, especially in October. The first snowfall usually occurs around Halloween.
Winter (November to March): The park is open year-round, though facilities are limited in the winter months. The North Rim shuts down entirely and South Rim Drive beyond the visitor center is closed to vehicles, allowing skiers, snowshoers and hikers free range along this scenic route. Visitation drops significantly giving winter guests plenty of quiet and solitude. Snow usually melts from the canyon floor by late-March and the canyon rim by mid-April.

How long should I visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

A 2 day visit allows you to explore the South Rim’s scenic overlooks, short trails and gives time to descend to the river. The Gunnison Route, the quickest hike down to the canyon floor, can consume at least half a day so build your schedule around this activity. If you want to visit the North Rim, add an extra day to thoroughly explore its viewpoints and trails.

Getting to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is not near any large urban centers, so for those arriving by air, Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and Denver International Airport (DEN) are the best options for proximity and pricing. DEN is almost always the more cost effective choice, but requires a long (albeit scenic) 5-hour drive through the mountains. GJT on the other hand is only 1.5 hours away but can cost nearly twice as much. Consider stringing this park and the other three Colorado parks together on a roadtrip to maximize your flight options.

Once on the ground, the South Rim Entrance is 15 miles east of Montrose, Colorado via CO Highway 347. The North Rim Entrance is accessible through Crawford, Colorado, about 65 miles from the South Rim (no bridge connects the two sides).

Where to stay in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Lodging—There are no lodging accommodations inside Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, though nearby towns of Montrose and Crawford have hotels, inns and rentals to offer.

Campground—The park offers 3 front-country campgrounds, one on each rim and one along the river. South Rim Campground is the only location to offer reservations while North Rim and East Portal are both first come, first served sites.

South Rim Campground—88 sites (RV and tent), open year-round
North Rim Campground—13 sites (RV and tent), open May–November
East Portal Campground—15 sites (RV and tent), open April–November

When should I book my trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Summer is the busiest season. If you plan to visit during these months, book campsite reservations as early as possible (up to 6 months in advance), especially on weekends and holidays. Likewise, hiking permits down to the river run out quickly. Though these permits are free, they must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov during peak summer months (May–October). Reservations are usually released in batches on April 1 and July 1. During the off-season (November–April), permits are available only at the visitor center on a first come, first served basis.

How much should I budget for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

A 2 day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park booked 3–6 months in advance can cost roughly $500 depending on your required needs. Here is a range of what to expect:

Roundtrip Airfare to Denver International Airport (DEN)	$100–$300
Lodging	$120–$200/night
Campsite	$20–$34/night
Car Rental	$60–$100/day
Meals	$15–$20/meal
Inner Canyon Hiking Permit	FREE
Entrance Fee	$30/vehicle

Packing list for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Each park requires different gear for its unique characteristics. For Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, we wouldn’t want to be caught without hiking shoes, hiking poles, rain coat, extra water bottles, a hat, and sunglasses.

Want to learn more? Check out my detailed trip report for a peek into my trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

For more detailed information on Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, visit the official park website.