Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in southwestern Colorado and is known for its steep, dramatic cliffs that tower above the Gunnison River. The park covers an area of over 30,000 acres and offers breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor exploration.

The Black Canyon gets its name from its exceptionally narrow and deep gorge, which reaches depths of up to 2,722 feet. The narrowest point of the canyon, known as the Painted Wall, is a staggering 1,250 feet wide at its base and is believed to be the tallest cliff in Colorado. Due to its unique geological features, the Black Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon in terms of its grandeur and awe-inspiring beauty.

Historically, the area around the Black Canyon was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ute and the Apache. European explorers and fur trappers later made their way through the region, and in the late 1800s, miners arrived in search of gold and silver. However, the difficult terrain and treacherous river made mining operations challenging, leading to the eventual abandonment of the mines.

Today, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers visitors a range of activities and attractions. Hiking is a popular pastime, with numerous trails that lead to different vantage points for enjoying the canyon's stunning views. The North Rim Visitor Center provides educational exhibits and information about the park's natural and cultural history. Campgrounds and picnic areas are available for those who wish to spend more time surrounded by the park's natural beauty.

For more adventurous visitors, the park also offers opportunities for rock climbing and kayaking. The Gunnison River, with its challenging rapids, attracts experienced kayakers looking for a thrilling adventure. Additionally, stargazing is a favorite activity at the park, thanks to its remote location and minimal light pollution.

If exploring beyond the park's boundaries is of interest, nearby attractions include the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which offers boating, fishing, and camping opportunities along Blue Mesa Reservoir. The town of Montrose, located just 15 miles away, provides lodging options and access to restaurants and shops for visitors seeking additional amenities.

Overall, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a must-visit destination in Colorado for its stunning vistas, unique geological features, and range of outdoor activities.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is situated in southwestern Colorado, United States. Nestled within the Rocky Mountains, this remarkable park is located near the city of Montrose. The park features steep cliffs and narrow canyons formed by the powerful Gunnison River over millions of years. With its dramatic rock formations, deep gorges, and rugged terrain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park showcases the remarkable beauty of Colorado's diverse landscapes. Visitors to the park can appreciate the stunning geography and marvel at the sheer walls of the black granite canyon, which plunges more than 2,700 feet in some areas, making it a truly awe-inspiring destination.

Address & Contact

South Rim Visitor Center
9800 Highway 347
Montrose, CO 81401
Driving Directions
Phone: 970-641-2337
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park would be in June or September. In June, the average maximum temperature is a pleasant 78°F and the park receives the lowest monthly precipitation of 0.6 in. Moreover, June attracts a moderate number of visitors. September also offers ideal weather conditions, with an average maximum temperature of 74°F and rainfall of 2 in. These timeframes provide a good balance between comfortable weather for outdoor activities and manageable crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Snowshoeing RV Camping Fly Fishing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Transportation Westward Expansion Canyons and Canyonlands River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Wilderness Explorers and Expeditions Watersheds Mountains Astronomy Scenic Views Thickets and Shrublands Trains and Railroads

Visitor Centers

South Rim Visitor Center

This visitor center has exhibits, information, book and map sales, water (available seasonally), vault toilets, and hiking trailheads. It is open year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: South Rim Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

East Portal Campground

The East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where the entrance fee is $30. The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along the Gunnison River. It is a small campground shaded by box elder trees. East Portal Road is closed to vehicles but open to pedestrians and cyclists in winter. The Bureau of Reclamation determines when the East Portal Road closes. Elevation: 6526 feet
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 10.00 (Senior / Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

North Rim Campground

The North Rim campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and juniper trees. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The last 7 miles of the North Rim Road and the campground road are unpaved. Services are very limited. To protect vegetation and forest resources, please use designated tent pads and do not tie, hang, or attach anything to trees. Maximum combined length of RV, car and/or trailer is 22 feet. Generators are prohibited. Elevation: 7767 ft (2367.4 m).
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 10.00 (Senior / Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 13
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

South Rim Campground

The South Rim Campground is located one mile from the South Rim Visitor Center. Reservations may be made on recreation.gov for mid-May to mid-October, and it is first-come first-served after that. Sites are fairly close together and partially shaded by Gambel oak and serviceberry bushes. Only Loop B offers 20 and 30 amp electric hookups. During the warm season, drinking water is available, but there are no showers or dish cleaning stations, and no water for RV tanks. Elevation: 8372 ft (2551.8 m)
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Loop A Standard Camping Fee), 10.00 (Loop A Senior / Access Camping Fee), 34.00 (Loop B Standard Camping Fee), 17.00 (Loop B Senior / Access Camping Fee), 20.00 (Loop C Standard Camping Fee), 10.00 (Loop C Senior / Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 88
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Stay Wise Inns Montrose

When you stay at Stay Wise Inns Montrose in Montrose, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Montrose Memorial Hospital and Museum of the Mountain West. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2100 E Main Street, Montrose, Colorado 81401
Web: Link

Days Inn by Wyndham Montrose

A stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Montrose places you in the heart of Montrose, a 5-minute drive from Museum of the Mountain West and 7 minutes from Bridges Golf & Country Club. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1417 E Main St, Montrose, Colorado 81401
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Montrose-Townsend, an IHG Hot

When you stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Montrose-Townsend, an IHG Hotel in Montrose, you'll be in the mountains and 12.6 mi (20.3 km) from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 1391 S Townsend Ave, Montrose, Colorado 81401
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Montrose

When you stay at Hampton Inn Montrose in Montrose, you'll be near the airport and within a 5-minute drive of Montrose Memorial Hospital. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Montrose? This hotel features 936 square feet (87 square meters) of event facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 1980 North Townsend, Montrose, Colorado 81401
Web: Link

Black Canyon Motel

A stay at Black Canyon Motel places you in the heart of Montrose, within a 5-minute drive of Montrose Memorial Hospital and Museum of the Mountain West. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1605 E Main St, Montrose, Colorado 81401
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Montrose

With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Montrose in Montrose, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Montrose Memorial Hospital and Museum of the Mountain West. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1705 E Main St, 1/2 Mile West Of City Limits Of Hwy 50, Montrose, Colorado 81401
Web: Link

GreenTree Inn Montrose

A stay at GreenTree Inn Montrose places you in the heart of Montrose, within a 5-minute drive of Montrose Memorial Hospital and Museum of the Mountain West. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1655 E Main Street, Montrose, Colorado 81401
Web: Link

1st Interstate Inn Montrose

A stay at 1st Interstate Inn Montrose places you in the heart of Montrose, within a 5-minute drive of Montrose Memorial Hospital and Ute Indian Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1480 S Townsend Ave, Montrose, Colorado 81401
Web: Link

Briarwood Inns

With a stay at Briarwood Inns in Montrose, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Montrose Memorial Hospital and Museum of the Mountain West. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1225 E Main St, Montrose, Colorado 81401
Web: Link

Red Arrow Inn & Suites

With a stay at Red Arrow Inn & Suites in Montrose, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Montrose Memorial Hospital and Museum of the Mountain West. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1702 E Main St, Montrose, Colorado 81401
Web: Link