Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park lies in western Colorado, United States. Even though the Black Canyon is not big as the Grand Canyon, it makes you feel wow. You can spend your time without the battling crowds. Before million years, the Gunnison river started its sculpting of the rock. Then the river slowly eroded away the rock and formed the canyon which we see today.
Balck Canyon is the only river with a combination of narrowness, depth, and sheerness, in the United States. The river falls at a height of about 95 feet per mile that makes the river easier to erode and bringing the shape of the Canyon. This park is located 250 miles southwest of Denver, CO, and almost takes 4 to 5 hours to get to the park.
There are lots of activities you can do in Black Canyon park that include hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. There are few spots that receive 30 minutes of sunlight per day. In the Balck Canyon, you will be at an elevation between 7,500 to 8000 feet. So make sure how easy it is for you and whether your body handles the height. And bring all the accessories you need like sun protection which is mandatory and you will need plenty of water. There are water fill stations within the park and so you need not worry about the water.
There are two rims in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: South Rim and the North Rim, where you will be able to visit both the rims. South Rim is more popular than the North Rim. If you want to visit both the rims, you will have to take a 2 hours drive from the south entrance to the north entrance.
Entrance Fees
The entry fee into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is $25 per vehicle which is valid for seven consecutive days. You can get your entry pass at the entrance station or online. If you have plans to visit other Colorado parks, consider getting the Beautiful pass. And that will give you free entry to all the parks managed by the National Park Service.
Weather at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park experiences all four seasons of the year. The perfect time to visit the park is April/May and September/October where there are no crowds and even the temperature will be very comfortable. From June to August the temperature will be high and even storms may occur. During winter, the park receives very little snow.
Places to visit in North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- Tomichi Point
- Gunnison Point
- Pulpit Rock
- Cross Fissures
- Rock Point
- Devils Lookout
- Chasm View
- Painted Wall
- Cedar Point
- Dragon Point
- Sunset View
- High Point
Places to visit in South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- Chasm View Nature Trail
- The Narrows
- Balanced Rock
- Big Island
- Island Peaks
- Kneeling Camel
Hiking Trails on the North Rim of Black Canyon
- Exclamation Point Trail
- Green Mountain Trail
- Deadhorse Trail
Activities to do in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Hiking into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- Driving into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- Fishing in Gunnison River
- Pets at the Black Canyon
- Rock Climbing