A Visitor’s Guide to Its Majestic Depths
A Visitor’s Guide to Its Majestic Depths
Located in western Colorado, this dramatic national park features one of the deepest and narrowest canyons in North America, carved by the powerful Gunnison River. With cliffs plunging over 2,700 feet and walls just 40 feet apart at their narrowest, Black Canyon is a showcase of nature’s raw power. Visitors can hike scenic rim trails, camp under starry skies, or descend into the backcountry for rugged solitude. A designated national park since 1999, it’s a geological wonderland teeming with wildlife and solitude.
Seasons
Melting snow opens trails and wildlife activity increases. Great for hiking, kayaking, and nature viewing.
Warm, popular season for camping, birdwatching, fishing, and rock climbing. Book campgrounds in advance due to high demand.
Vivid fall foliage, perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing. Cooler temps and fewer crowds.
Serene snowscapes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Closed South Rim Drive turns into a ski route.
Top 3 Facts about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Gunnison River drops an average of 34 feet per mile (6.4 m/km) through the entire canyon, making it the 5th steepest mountain descent in North America, with the greatest descent at Chasm View being 240 feet per mile (45 m/km). This extreme steepness causes the canyon to be often shrouded in shadow.
Carved over 2 million years by the Gunnison River, exposing ancient Precambrian rock.
Features Class III–V rapids with a dramatic 34 ft/mile river drop, attracting experienced kayakers.
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Check for seasonal closures, book campsites early, and review trail/weather conditions before visiting.
Pack Appropriately
Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, layers, sturdy footwear, and a trail map or GPS.
Respect Wildlife
Observe from a distance, avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife, and be cautious around bears and birds of prey.
Stay Informed
Review park alerts and updates via NPS.gov; notify someone of your backcountry plans.
- Area (mi²)
- 47
- Annual visitors
- 297 000
- Established year
- 1933
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The best city to stay in is Montrose, Colorado, as it is only 20 minutes from the South Rim and offers numerous hotels and restaurants. Grand Junction is also an option, though it is about an hour’s drive away.
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The Rim Rock Nature Trail is the most family-friendly hike, offering a 1-mile walk along the rim with great views of the canyon and the Gunnison River. It can be combined with the Uplands Trail for a more extensive but still manageable family hike. This trail runs from the campground to the Visitor Center on the south rim.
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Pets are allowed on a few specific trails, including the Rim Rock Trail, the North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail, and the Cedar Point Nature Trail. They must be on leashes less than six feet long. Pets are not allowed on other trails or below the canyon rim.
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You can park an RV, but it must be 35 feet or less in length for the South Rim Campground. Vehicles over 22 feet are not allowed on other park roads or at the East Portal Campground. Only Loop B at the South Rim offers electric hookups for RVs.
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The most iconic sight is Patrick Henry’s final home and burial place, where he lived from 1794 until his death in 1799. The site includes his restored buildings and the National Champion Osage orange tree. Visitors can also see his grave, a significant historical landmark.