Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of Colorado’s most dramatic and underrated national parks. Over roughly two million years, the Gunnison River carved this narrow, sheer-walled canyon through some of the oldest rock in North America, leaving cliffs that plunge as much as 2,722 feet to the river below. There’s plenty to do here, from scenic drives and rim hikes to stargazing, rock climbing, and fishing.
On my visit many of the roads were closed due to snow coverage so I would recommend looking up the current conditions before visiting the park.
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About Black Canyon of the Gunnison
What makes the Black Canyon so striking is how narrow, deep, and sheer it is. The Gunnison River cut straight down through ancient rock instead of spreading out, leaving cliffs that drop as much as 2,722 feet to the river. In places the canyon is only about 40 feet wide at the bottom.
The park gets its name from how little sunlight reaches the bottom. The walls are so steep and close together that parts of the canyon floor see only about 33 minutes of direct sun a day, leaving them in near-constant shadow.
- Depth: up to 2,722 feet at Warner Point
- Painted Wall: 2,250 feet tall, the highest cliff in Colorado
- Narrowest point: about 40 feet wide at the river
- Established: a national monument in 1933, a national park in 1999
- Location: near Montrose in western Colorado
- Dark Sky Park: certified for some of the darkest night skies in the country
Things to Do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Drive the South Rim Road
The 7-mile South Rim Road is the heart of the park, with about a dozen overlooks along the way. Pullouts like Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall View, and Sunset View each give you a different angle on the canyon, and most are a short walk from the parking areas.
Hike the rim trails
Several rim trails make it easy to stretch your legs, including the Rim Rock Trail, the Oak Flat Loop, and the Warner Point Nature Trail. Hiking into the inner canyon is possible but extremely steep and strenuous, and it requires a free wilderness permit from the park.
Stargaze
As a certified International Dark Sky Park, Black Canyon is one of the best places in Colorado for stargazing and astrophotography. On a clear, moonless night the Milky Way is easily visible right from the rim.
Rock climbing and fishing
The canyon’s sheer walls are a world-class (and seriously advanced) big-wall climbing destination, and the Gunnison River below is designated Gold Medal trout water for experienced anglers willing to make the steep hike down.
Planning Your Visit
South Rim vs North Rim
Most visitors stick to the South Rim, which has the visitor center, the paved scenic drive, a campground, and the majority of the overlooks. The North Rim is far more remote, reached by a gravel road from the town of Crawford, and it closes in winter.
Entrance fee and when to go
Entrance is $30 per vehicle (good for 7 days), or free with an America the Beautiful pass. Late spring through fall is the easiest time to visit, when the South Rim Road is fully open. In winter the road past the visitor center often closes due to snow, which is what happened on my visit, so always check current conditions before you go.
How long to spend
You can drive the South Rim and hit the main overlooks in a couple of hours, but half a day to a full day lets you add a hike or two and really take it in. Montrose, about 15 minutes from the South Rim entrance, is the closest town for food and lodging.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Photos
Here are my photos from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Sadly on my visit we only had about an hour to explore the park and many of the roads were closed. If you’re planning a visit I’d recommend planning a few hikes to do to get the most out of the park.
It’s also good to know that the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a International Dark Sky Park which makes it great place for astrophotography.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison FAQ
How deep is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
The canyon reaches a maximum depth of 2,722 feet at Warner Point. Its walls are far steeper and narrower than the Grand Canyon’s, which is what gives it such a dramatic, vertical feel.
Why is it called the Black Canyon?
The walls are so steep, narrow, and tall that very little sunlight reaches the bottom. Some parts of the canyon floor get only about 33 minutes of direct sun a day, keeping the rock in near-constant shadow.
How much does it cost to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Entrance is $30 per vehicle for 7 days, or it’s covered by the America the Beautiful interagency pass. Check the National Park Service site for current pricing.
How long do you need at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
A couple of hours is enough to drive the South Rim and see the main overlooks. Half a day to a full day is better if you want to hike or stay for the stargazing.
Is the South Rim or North Rim better?
For most visitors the South Rim is the better choice, with a paved scenic drive, a visitor center, and the most overlooks. The North Rim is remote, reached by gravel road, and closed in winter, but it’s quieter and a favorite of climbers.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring through fall, when the South Rim Road is fully open and the weather is mild. Winter brings road closures from snow, so check conditions first.
I hope you enjoyed a few photos from my trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Hoping I’ll be near this park again so I can explore all of its beauty.
