Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is relatively small in National Park terms. But the view to the bottom of this black granite canyon carved over two million years by the Gunnison River is mind-bending. The Black Canyon is one of those NPS gems with impressive views that are just far enough away from major population centers as to keep crowds low. Our experience of the park is a relaxing ride hopping from vsta point to vista point with only rare encounters with other cars.

View of the Gunnison River

Scenic hiking

Chris, heading back to the truck camper in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado

Easy open vista pullouts

Cruising

Looking down a sheer cliff in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado

Sheer cliffs

See those stripes!

Visiting the Black Canyon

There is no quick and easy way to explore all of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There is no bridge across the Gunnison River. The eponymous canyon splits the park in two with separate entrances for each rim.

Map of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado

Map of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

South Rim

The South Rim is the most popular part of the park, with a paved road, visitor center, and many vista points. The South Rim Road connects most of the scenic outlooks along the rim along with a few short hiking trails.

There is also the East Portal Road which takes visitors down to the Gunnison River. While my curiosity got the better of me and I wanted to see the cliffs from water level, I’m not sure it was worth the hit to our breaks and gas tank. The road down is incredibly steep and the area below is meant more for picnicking and recreation than photographing the canyon.

Chris standing at the top of a cliff looking down into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado

Exploring the cliffside

Road Trip

Water Level

Gunnison River

Chris looking down into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado

Taking in the View

Vista Points

North Rim

The North Rim is far less popular, with fewer amenities, and accessed by an unpaved road and closed during the winter. To travel from the South Rim visitors center to the north rim campground is a little over a 2-hour drive. So, if you have to pick one side, you’re best off with the South Rim where you can enjoy the visitor’s center.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison panorama view

Accomodations

While Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park does have a couple of campgrounds, most hotels, restaurants, and other resources are better found in Montrose, 12 miles southwest of the park.

The green, rolling hillsides mask the canyon in between at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado