Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Travel Guide

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in Colorado, USA, is renowned for its unique and dramatic landscapes, featuring some of the steepest cliffs and oldest rock in North America. It offers stunning vistas, hiking, camping, and opportunities for technical rock climbing and rafting. Here’s a simple travel guide to help you plan your visit.

Where is it?

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in the western part of the state of Colorado, in the United States. The park is situated near the town of Montrose, which serves as a primary gateway to the park, especially to the South Rim. The park is renowned for its deep and narrow canyon carved by the Gunnison River, showcasing some of the steepest cliffs and craggiest spires in North America.

Address for South Rim Visitor Center:

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

9800 Highway 347

Montrose, CO 81401

When to Visit

• Best Time: May to September, when the weather is warm, and all the facilities and roads are open.

• Off-peak: Winter months can be cold, with limited access and services, but the snow-covered canyon is a sight to behold.

Getting There

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a bit remote but still accessible from several major cities in Colorado. Here are approximate driving distances and times from a few major cities to the South Rim of the park:

• Denver, CO: Approximately 250 miles, around a 4.5 to 5-hour drive.

  • Head south on I-25, then take US-50 W to CO-347 in Montrose County.

• Colorado Springs, CO: Approximately 230 miles, around a 4 to 4.5-hour drive.

  • Head west on US-24 W, then take US-50 W to CO-347 in Montrose County.

• Boulder, CO: Approximately 260 miles, around a 5-hour drive.

  • Take US-36 W and I-70 W to US-50 W in Grand Junction, then follow US-50 W to CO-347 in Montrose County.

• Fort Collins, CO: Approximately 300 miles, around a 5 to 5.5-hour drive.

  • Take I-25 S and US-50 W to CO-347 in Montrose County.

• Aspen, CO: Approximately 125 miles, around a 2.5 to 3-hour drive.

  • Head southeast on CO-82, then follow CO-133 S and US-50 W to CO-347 in Montrose County.

• Grand Junction, CO: Approximately 75 miles, around a 1.5-hour drive.

  • Take US-50 E to CO-347 in Montrose County.

Nearest Airport: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the closest, around a 1-hour drive from the park.

When arriving at the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), you are approximately a one-hour drive away from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Here are a few more detailed steps to assist you in reaching the park from Montrose:

Getting to the South Rim:

• Rental Car or Personal Vehicle: Upon landing, you can opt for a rental car from the available services at Montrose Regional Airport. Having a vehicle is the most flexible and convenient way to reach the South Rim, only about 15 minutes away from Montrose.

• Directions:

  • From the airport, head east on N. Townsend Ave (US-550 S).

  • Follow signs for US-50 E, and you’ll reach the South Rim entrance in about 15 minutes.

• Alternative Transport: Check with your accommodation to see if they offer shuttle services to the park or can assist in arranging transportation.

Getting to the North Rim:

• Rental Car or Personal Vehicle: Similarly, a rental car is the most practical option to reach the North Rim due to the lack of direct public transportation to the park.

• Directions:

  • Head east on N. Townsend Ave (US-550 S) from Montrose.

  • Follow signs for CO-92 E; this route will take you around the west end of the Black Canyon to the North Rim, a journey of about two hours due to the absence of a direct bridge across the canyon.

  
  

Considerations:

• Fuel Up: Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel, as services are limited once you leave Montrose.

• Supplies: Stock up on water, food, and other essentials in Montrose before heading to the park, especially if you plan to visit the more remote North Rim.

Entrance Fees

• Vehicle Pass: $30 (valid for 7 days).

• Individual Pass: $15 per person (valid for 7 days).

• Annual Park Pass: $55.

Accommodations

When visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you have a few options for accommodations, ranging from camping within the park to staying in nearby towns that offer a range of amenities and lodging options. Here are some suggestions on the best areas to stay:

Within the Park:

• South Rim Campground: Conveniently located within the park and offers a mix of reserved and first-come, first-served sites. Great for those wanting to stay close to the main attractions and trails.

• North Rim Campground: A more secluded option, primarily first-come, first-served, suitable for those looking for solitude and proximity to the North Rim’s views and trails.

Montrose:

• Located about 15 minutes from the South Rim, Montrose has a variety of accommodations ranging from hotels and motels to bed and breakfasts. It also offers restaurants, grocery stores, and other amenities, making it a convenient base for exploring the park.

  
  

Gunnison:

• Situated about an hour south of the park, Gunnison offers additional lodging options and can serve as a base for exploring other nearby attractions like Crested Butte.

  
  

Crawford:

• Crawford is closer to the North Rim of the park and can be a good option if you prefer a quieter and less touristy atmosphere. Accommodations may be more limited compared to Montrose or Gunnison.

Delta:

• Delta, located between Montrose and Grand Junction, offers additional lodging and dining options and can serve as an alternative base for exploring the region.

Top Attractions

• South Rim Visitor Center: Offers information, maps, and panoramic views of the canyon, serving as an ideal starting point to learn about the park's geology and history.

• Painted Wall: The tallest sheer cliff in Colorado, featuring unique patterns created by intrusions of lighter pegmatite into the darker gneiss, offering a stunning visual contrast.

• Gunnison Point: A popular overlook located near the visitor center, providing expansive views of the canyon and the Gunnison River below.

• Warner Point Nature Trail: A 1.5-mile round trip trail leading to one of the best viewpoints in the park, offering sweeping views of the Black Canyon and the surrounding landscape.

• East Portal Road: A steep and winding road leading to the crystal-clear waters of the Gunnison River, offering fishing opportunities and up-close views of the towering canyon walls.

• North Rim: Offers more secluded and less visited viewpoints and trails such as Exclamation Point and the North Vista Trail, providing different perspectives of the canyon’s depth and breadth.

• South Rim Road: A scenic drive featuring numerous overlooks, each providing different vantage points to observe the breathtaking beauty and sheer drop of the canyon.

  
  

What to Do

• Scenic Drives:

  • South Rim Drive: Offers twelve overlooks providing different perspectives of the canyon.

  • North Rim Drive: More remote, with six overlooks and fewer visitors.

• Hiking:

  • Rim Rock Nature Trail: A relatively easy trail along the rim.

  • Oak Flat Loop Trail: Moderate difficulty, offering glimpses into the canyon.

  • Warner Point Nature Trail: A Moderate - 1.5 miles round trip.

• Rock Climbing:

  • The park is known for its technical climbing with a variety of difficult routes.

  • Permits: Required for all inner-canyon climbing and available at the visitor center.

• Fishing:

  • The Gunnison River within the park is known for its excellent fishing, particularly for trout.

  • Permits: A valid Colorado fishing license is required.

• Rafting:

  • Experienced rafters can enjoy the challenging whitewater conditions in the canyon.

  • Permits and technical skills are necessary.

    
    

  
  

Things to Remember

• Altitude: The park's elevation ranges from 2,000 to 8,300 feet, so drink plenty of water and take time to acclimate to avoid altitude sickness.

• Weather: Weather can be unpredictable, with summer thunderstorms and temperature variations. Dress in layers and bring rain gear.

• Wildlife: The park is home to diverse wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and golden eagles. Maintain a safe distance and store food securely.

• Services: Services are limited within the park, so bring necessary supplies including water, food, and gas.

Packing Essentials

• Sunscreen and hat

• Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots

• Map and compass

• Water bottles or hydration system

• Snacks and food

• Weather-appropriate clothing layers

• First aid kit

• Camping gear (if staying in the campground)

Conclusion

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a wealth of opportunities for visitors to experience breathtaking landscapes and engage in various outdoor activities. Proper preparation, adherence to park regulations, and respect for the environment will ensure a memorable and enjoyable visit.