Looking into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

A relative newcomer to the national park system, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison was established in 1999 to preserve 30,750 acres of wilderness area that includes some of the steepest cliffs and oldest rocks in the United States. The most developed and visited area in the park is along the South Rim, which includes the main visitor center, scenic overlooks, and largest campground. The North Rim offers a more remote experience— the hiking trails, overlooks, and campground are only accessible on an unpaved gravel road. A trip to the bottom of the canyon is an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to gaze skyward over 2,000 feet towards the north and south rims above.

Travel Tip: The national park is open year-round, but to experience the most popular activities, the best time to visit is during the summer months. During the off-season, South Rim Road is only open to Gunnison Point, also restricting access to East Portal Road. The remainder of the road, which will open again in early April, can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Things to Do

• The most popular activity in the park is the scenic drive to the 12 overlooks along South Rim Drive. The road stretches seven miles from Tomichi Point to Highpoints and allows visitors to peer into the canyon— a few of the must-see viewpoints include Chasm View, Gunnison Point, Painted Wall, Pulpit Rock, and Sunset View. To see the almost vertical canyon walls, take the road less traveled to the five overlooks on the North Rim of the park. Even though the road is unpaved, it is maintained and adequate for most personal vehicles.
• Hike the trails to discover the park’s flora and fauna and get great views of the rock formations and points of interest in the park. The rim trails range from easy to strenuous, a few of the shorter trails are required to get to the scenic overlooks. For anyone who desires a serious challenge, try the 2.7-mile Gunnison Route (backcountry permit required). The trailhead is located at the South Rim Visitor Center, with an elevation change of 1,772 feet to the Gunnison River at the bottom of the canyon.
• Enjoy an exciting scenic drive and descend into the canyon on East Portal Road. Navigate the switchbacks and steep grades to reach the Curecanti National Recreation Area to camp, fish, or have a picnic. The road is expected to be closed for repairs in 2021, but an alternative route is available through the Curecanti National Recreation Area.
• Take a ranger-led boat ride into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The Morrow Point Boat Tour is a unique 1.5-hour experience (not available in 2021). Tours are offered from mid-June to mid-September and leave from the Pine Creek Boat Dock (advance reservations are required).
• Extend your visit to the national park and spend the night camping at the bottom of the canyon along the Gunnison River at the East Portal Campground within the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The largest and most popular campground is on the South Rim. The only other campground in the park is open seasonally on the North Rim. For a backcountry camping experience, apply for a Wilderness Use Permit and plan a multi-day hike or kayak adventure.
• Attend the annual Black Canyon Astronomy Festival, a celebration that takes place on the South Rim and features ranger talks, guest speaker programs, and telescope viewing each night.
• Kayak on the swift currents of the Gunnison River through the national park. Only recommended for expert kayakers and requiring a permit, the route features Class V rapids with a few sections that require technical portages where the river is unrunnable.
• Avid climbers are well aware of the 145 climbing routes that are found in Black Canyon. A majority of the climbing activity takes place around the North and South Walls.

Wildlife Observation

At first glance, the Black Canyon may seem like a difficult habitat for wildlife to thrive. In actuality, many of the birds and mammals that live throughout the western United States call the park home. A visit to the park offers a chance to see bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, elk, mule deer, and wapiti, depending upon the season. The most frequently seen mammals are smaller and include marmots, squirrels, cottontails, and chipmunks. The park’s habitat is ideal for snakes, lizards, and salamanders— with a careful eye they can be found on rocks and boulders along the trails and inside the canyon.