Are you planning a visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park? Fantastic! You’ve discovered a lesser-known National Park gem!
I visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park as part of a Colorado road trip where I visited 3 National Parks and countless natural areas and scenic spots that showed the beautiful range of Colorado. From the Rocky Mountains to mesas and desert canyons, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
In this guide, I’ll share all the best things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison, as well as tips to help you plan a successful visit to this hidden gem of a National Park!
Where is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Located in southwest Colorado about a 20-minute drive from the town of Montrose, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park showcases some of North America’s steepest cliffs descending to the Gunnison River. Covering an area of approximately 47 square miles and divided by the canyon, the park is one of the smaller National Park sites.
For reference, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is about 90 miles southeast of Grand Junction and about 3 hours from Moab, Utah if you’re also planning to do a Utah National Parks trip.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison has two main areas: the South Rim and the North Rim. The more accessible and touristy side is at the South Rim where you can find the visitor center, multiple overlooks, and easy nature trail. The South Rim entrance is about 12 miles from the town of Montrose.
Meanwhile, the North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a more remote and rugged part of the park ideal if you’re up for more adventure. The North Rim entrance is about 13 miles southwest of Crawford and takes about 30 minutes to drive.
About Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Excuse the nerdy teacher in me for a moment, but looking at Black Canyon, it’s easy to focus on the towering rock walls. Whether what you’re seeing is smooth or jagged, flat or rounded, the formations are impressive to the eye.
Yet, the Gunnison River below is the true source of power that cut through the rock for millions of years as it eroded and shaped the rock into the canyon that it is today.
Standing on either rim, Black Canyon plunges more than 2,700 feet down at its deepest point. Within the National Park limits, you’ll see 14 miles of this impressive 48-mile canyon.
At its widest, the North and South Rims of the Canyon are only 1/4 of a mile apart. At the Narrows Viewpoint, the base of the canyon walls are just 40 feet away from each other! This makes it nearly impossible for sunlight to get into the deepest parts of the Canyon at all!
If you’re wondering which of Black Canyon’s rims to visit, the South Rim is where most visitors spend their time. The North Rim is more remote and, even though the distance between them isn’t much, it can take up to 2 1/2 hours by car to reach the North Rim from the South Rim.
As you plan your visit, remember to have your America the Beautiful pass. It pays for itself if you plan to see 2-3 National Parks or Monuments within 12 months.
If you’re on a Colorado road trip, the state alone has 3 other National Parks besides Black Canyon making the pass a great way to save money on National Park entry fees. I used my pass to enter Black Canyon, but also Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Depending on what you’d like to do in the National Park, it’s entirely possible to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison for a day or even for a few hours.
10 Top Things to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
1. Drive the Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Road.
From the South Rim Visitor Center to High Point at the end of the road, there are 12 scenic viewpoints where you can stop to overlook the canyon. The majority of the stops have a short trail leading to the canyon views.
Of all the stops, don’t miss Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall View (looks like paint dripping down the rock wall!), and Sunset View. Pulpit Rock is also a highlight as it has wide-open views of the canyon and the river below.
As you plan your time, know that stopping at each of the 12 incredible overlooks along the 7-mile scenic drive would take around 2 – 2 1/2 hours. Remember to stay on the trails to protect the park’s plants and animals, as well as yourself. You do NOT want to get too close to the edge of the rim.
2. Hike the Rim Rock Nature Trail
There’s nothing better than exploring a National Park on foot! If you’ve been to the Grand Canyon, then you know that trails can range from flat and easy on the rim to steep and strenuous as you climb up and out of the canyon.
And if it’s your first time or you prefer more moderate hikes, the Rim Rock Nature Trail, a mostly flat 1-mile round trip hike, is perfect. The trailhead is near the South Rim Campgrounds and finishes at the Visitor Center.
The trail runs along the top of the rim of the canyon but it has a safe distance from the edge. Along the way, you can see the walls of the canyon and you can even walk right to the edge of the canyon for a better view of the Gunnison River.
The trail also passes beneath the Tomichi Point trailhead that branches off toward the canyon but you’ll need a permit to hike the inner canyon which you can obtain for free from the Visitor Center.
Plan about 30-45 minutes to complete this out-and-back hike.
3. Oak Flat Loop Trail
Don’t be fooled by the name of this next hike! The Oak Flat Loop Trail is anything but flat. This strenuous 2-mile hike takes you below Black Canyon’s rim (but not all the way to the bottom), the trail is a mix of rugged terrain and lush greenery.
Start by taking the right path at the fork and go counterclockwise on the loop. You’ll encounter steep steps and switchbacks. There are also boulders and roots to scramble over for added excitement. This hike reveals a couple of scenic overlooks with views you can only get by getting under the rim.
Look for the trailhead near the South Rim Visitor Center and plan on 1 – 1 1/2 hours to complete the round trip. Keep an eye out for the “permit only” sign, marking the lowest section of the trail. From there, it’s an easy ascent back uphill.
4. Warner Point Nature Trail
The Warner Point Trail is accessible from High Point, the last stop on the South Rim Road. It’s a moderate 2.4-kilometer out-and-back hike. You can take a trail guide at the High Point viewpoint. This trail will take about an hour to complete and has pretty views of Black Canyon, the Gunnison River, and the valley and mountains beyond the National Park.
At the end of the south rim drive, Warner Point offers the best view of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The hike itself is gentle with manageable elevation gain and footing, making it doable for all skill levels.
As the highest point in the park, Warner Point boasts the most stunning view of the entire canyon. What’s more, it’s easily navigable, with educational signs along the way. While the canyon itself never fails to captivate, keep an eye out for wildlife and unique plants that also make this hike special!
5. Drive East Portal Road.
The East Portal Road takes you down to the bottom of the canyon to the Gunnison River. The journey is an adventurous 5-mile drive along a steep and winding road into the canyon.
Don’t worry! It’s not as scary as it sounds and you get to see the Gunnison River up close and the National Park from a different perspective. At the base of Black Canyon, you’ll discover convenient spots with picnic tables and campgrounds, perfect for a relaxing break.
As you venture away from South Rim Road, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings, from deer to bears, adding an exciting element to your journey. Expect the drive down and back up the road to take about an hour each way, but the scenic views make it all worthwhile.
Once you’ve reached the bottom of the canyon, keep an eye out for educational signs telling about the fascinating history of the riverside community and the Gunnison Tunnel. For those seeking a bit more adventure, consider casting a line for fishing or heading out on a canoeing excursion along the river.
As you plan this drive, keep in mind that vehicles with trailers or longer than 22 feet are not allowed on the East Portal Road.
6. Enjoy the Night Sky.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning there is very little artificial light and a lot of darkness for thousands of stars to shine brightly.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison stays open so you can drive the South Rim Road after dark. Head to viewpoints like Chasm Point and Sunset View which are set away from the road.
In the summer, night programs are held by Park Rangers to help you get the most from your stargazing, including looking at the galaxy through one of the Park’s telescopes.
7. Look for Wildlife.
Even in the rocky, harshness of Black Canyon, wildlife lives and thrives. No matter how many National Parks I’ve been to, seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is always a thrill. I could stay for hours just watching and snapping off an embarrassing number of photos!
As you drive and hike in Black Canyon of the Gunnison look for Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons overhead, mule deer, skunks, chipmunks, and weasels, and if you’re lucky, maybe even black bears or a bobcat.
Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot wildlife and always respect that you are in their home. Allow them their rightful space.
8. Take in the Beauty of the Gunnison River.
Imagine looking up at the imposing walls of Black Canyon from the Gunnison River. You can do just that by taking advantage of some of the hiking trails in the nearby Curecanti National Recreation Area.
You can get to from the Pine Creek Trail from U.S. 50. The trail down includes 200+ steps and is about 2 miles roundtrip. Just remember that what goes down must come up. When the hike is finished, you’ll need to head back up to the parking area via the trail and stairs.
The reward is the opportunity to see waterfalls dropping from openings in the canyon walls, wildlife along the banks of the river, and learn about the area leading to the Morrow Point Reservoir.
Keep in mind, the banks of the Gunnison River in Black Canyon have tons of Poison Ivy, so it’s crucial to wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, and boots. Avoid touching or brushing against the bushes to prevent the risk of a poison ivy rash.
9. Appreciate Geology at Gunnison Point Overlook.
If you’re not up for a hike, you can skip it and head straight to the Gunnison Point Overlook. Located near the Visitor’s Center, the Gunnison Point Overlook is a popular stop for visitors. Just a stone’s throw from the Visitor’s Center and main parking lot, it’s the easiest overlook to reach.
While the view may not be the most stunning compared to others like Warner Point, it’s undeniably impressive. It provides a firsthand encounter with the majestic cliff spires that define this canyon landscape. As some of the oldest rocks on the planet, they hold a captivating story of geological history. Seeing them up close is an experience not to be missed.
10. Marvel at the Painted Wall Overlook.
Every national park boasts its own iconic attraction, and for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, it’s undoubtedly the Painted Wall. While the entire canyon is something special with its dark granite formations, it’s here in the lower canyon where nature unveils its most spectacular features—the awe-inspiring sheer cliffs of the Painted Wall.
Rising over 2,000 feet, this cliff is a sight to behold with its unique “painted stripes” adorning the canyon wall.
The canyon wall is made up of gneiss, some of the oldest rocks on Earth and here it serves as a canvas for nature’s artwork. The striking pink and white stripes resemble lightning bolts, but they’re actually pegmatite formed by very high pressure. Though entirely natural, the effect is similar to brushstrokes of paint across the rock face, which is how it got its name.
The Painted Wall showcases how nature shaped the landscape over millions of years and is a top thing to see in Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Photos are great, but seeing it in person is truly unforgettable.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Camping
Black Canyon has 2 available campgrounds, 1 on the South Rim and 1 on the North Rim. Campers can also find the East Portal Campground at the bottom of the Canyon, technically just outside the borders of the National Park.
There’s also backcountry camping in the inner parts of the canyon. You need to make a reservation for the South Rim Campground to ensure there is a campsite on the dates you plan to visit the National Park.
Keep in mind, that wilderness camping is for experienced campers who plan to pack in the essentials including food and water.
Hotels near Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The National Park has no hotels within its boundaries, only campgrounds. Most visitors spend their time on the South Rim and use the town of Montrose as their gateway to the National Park.
I recommend staying at the Montrose Hampton Inn. The town is just 20 minutes away and the hotel is clean, comfortable, and includes breakfast during my stay.
Montrose may not be as big of a gateway town as Estes Park near Rocky Mountain National Park, but it has gas service stations and places to eat.
We had a satisfying pizza from Colorado Boy Pizzeria and Brewery after a great day of hiking in the Back Canyon of the Gunnison. And in the morning before heading away from Montrose, filling up the gas tank right next to the hotel was quick and easy.
FAQS about the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Absolutely! Black Canyon of the Gunnison is definitely worth seeing. With its towering 2,700-foot cliffs dropping to the Gunnison River and scenic hiking trails along the canyon rim, it’s a true gem. It’s considered one of the steepest, deepest, and narrowest canyons in the United States.
For a leisurely exploration, allocate about two to three hours per rim to enjoy various overlooks. If you’re short on time, prioritize stops along the South Rim at Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall, or Sunset View for a quick but rewarding experience. With a full day in the National Park, you can also hike some of the park’s trails.
The closest town to the South Rim is Montrose, Colorado.
Black Canyon’s South Rim has the Visitor Center along with short trails and famous overlooks, it’s easily reached compared to the more remote North Rim.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Highlights
Explore the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for stunning overlooks, hiking trails, wildlife spotting, stargazing, ranger programs, river activities, and camping opportunities set in Colorado’s breathtaking landscape.
Are you ready to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park? Grab your America the Beautiful pass and let’s go! 😉
What things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park would you like to do?
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