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Black Canyon near Tomichi Point

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

warningInformation1 warning calendar_monthMay–Jun, Sep–Octbest time schedule2 daysplan for child_careYeswith kids confirmation_number~$15entry
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National ParkYour own route Plan a trip here →
Information Cashless Operations

Black Canyon's operations are now cashless. South Rim Campground is by reservation only via Recreation.gov. East Portal & North Rim campground sites are first-come first-served and accept payment using Scan & Pay through Recreation.gov's mobile app. Details open_in_new

Straight from the US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its dramatic cliffs and deep gorges carved by the Gunnison River. The park features Colorado's tallest sheer cliff, the Painted Wall, which rises 2,250 feet. Visitors come to experience the unique geology and diverse wildlife, including golden-mantled ground squirrels and peregrine falcons.

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The park was established as a national monument in 1933, and it offers various recreational activities. However, the rugged terrain and steep trails can be challenging. It is advisable to plan ahead and be cautious, especially when hiking or driving along the narrow roads.

In pictures

Black Canyon near Painted Wall
Black Canyon near Painted Wall

Things to do

Tour the South Rim Drive
2-3 Hours · Spring/Summer

The South Rim Drive is a scenic paved road that follows the canyon rim for 7 miles from Tomichi Point to High...

Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon
Winter

In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond the visitor center at Gunnison Point. As staffing and...

Snowshoeing at Black Canyon
Winter

Although services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter...

Hike Rim Rock Trail - South Rim

This 1-mile (1.6 km) trail, which meanders along the canyon rim, connects the South Rim Visitor Center to the...

Hike Uplands Trail - South Rim

This .9-mile (1.4 km) trail links the Rim Rock Trail (near the campground) to the upper Oak Flat Loop Trail ne...

Stargazing at Black Canyon
Winter/Spring

Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to view the night skies. Choose overlooks far from the road for opt...

Hike North Vista Trail - North Rim
Spring/Summer

Constructed by the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the North Vista Trail offers some of the best scenic views...

Hike Deadhorse Trail - North Rim
Spring/Summer

Deadhorse Trail takes hikers into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area. It offers good views of De...

Drive East Portal Road
1-2 Hours · Spring/Summer

East Portal Road is a windy, steep scenic road down to the Gunnison River. East Portal is within Curecanti Nat...

Tour the North Rim Road
2-3 Hours · Summer/Fall

The North Rim is reached by taking a gravel road from the east end of Crawford State Park. The North Rim Road...

Join a Ranger Program
20-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Ranger program offerings vary throughout the year. Stop by the South Rim Visitor Center for current offerings...

Hike Chasm View Nature Trail - North Rim
Spring/Summer

This short loop trail breaks out of the pinyon/juniper forest at the North Chasm View to provide excellent vie...

Practical

At a glance

Established
1933
Open
Daily open 24 hours
Price
Per Person $15, Non-commercial Groups $15, Motorcycle $25
Accessibility
steep stairs, no lift
Address
South Rim Visitor Center, Montrose, CO 81401
Opening hours
Daily open 24 hours
Phone
970-641-2337
Price
~$15
Website
www.nps.gov

Things to know

Expect limited services; no food or gas available in the park.
Water is accessible from mid-May to mid-October.
Camping requires a free permit; sites are first-come, first-served.
Dress in layers; temperatures can vary significantly.

Photo: NPS Photo/Lynch