Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is renowned for its dramatic, steep-walled canyon, ancient rock formations, and raw natural beauty. The park protects some of North America’s most sheer cliffs, oldest exposed rock, and narrowest canyons, all sculpted by the relentless power of the Gunnison River over more than two million years. It is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky, offering unique experiences both along its rims and within the inner canyon.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in west-central Colorado, showcases some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rocks, and most rugged landscapes in North America. Established as a national monument in 1933 and redesignated as a national park in 1999, it is open year-round and offers rim views, hiking, camping, and deep wilderness exploration .

Overview

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is situated on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The park is centered around the dramatic Black Canyon, carved by the Gunnison River’s relentless erosive force. The canyon is famous for its steepness, depth, and narrowness, features that set it apart from other river-carved landscapes.

The park was originally established as a national monument on March 2, 1933, and later redesignated as a national park on October 21, 1999.
It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with some seasonal road closures in winter.
The park is divided into two main sections: the North Rim and the South Rim. There is no road or bridge connecting the two rims within the park boundaries; travel between rims requires a drive of over two hours on public roads outside the park .

Plan Your Visit

The park offers a variety of ways for visitors to experience its grandeur, including scenic drives, hiking trails, ranger programs, and camping.

South Rim

The South Rim is the most visited part of the park, offering dramatic viewpoints, the main visitor center, and several trailheads.

South Rim Visitor Center: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., this center provides orientation, exhibits, park information, and ranger-led programs.
Scenic Viewpoints: Notable overlooks include Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall View, and Sunset View, each offering stunning perspectives of the canyon’s depth and geology.
Hiking Trails: Trails such as the Oak Flat Loop and Chasm View Nature Trail offer easy access to rim viewpoints, while the Gunnison Route and North Star Nature Trail provide more challenging hikes along the rim .

North Rim

The North Rim is quieter and more remote, featuring rugged terrain and wild, undeveloped viewpoints.

Deadhorse Point: A high, dramatic overlook giving a panoramic view of the canyon.
Chamberlain Point, Exclamation Point, and Pulpit Rock: These are prime locations for photography and enjoying the canyon’s raw beauty.
North Rim Trail: A strenuous trail that follows the rim’s edge, offering unparalleled views and a chance to immerse yourself in the canyon’s rugged environment .

Gunnison Point View & Other Overlooks

Gunnison Point is a must-see overlook on the South Rim Drive, providing breathtaking views of the canyon’s sheer walls and the turbulent Gunnison River below. Other significant overlooks include:

Painted Wall: Home to Colorado’s tallest cliff face, the Painted Wall rises 2,250 feet above the river and is visible from the Painted Wall Viewpoint.
Chasm View: Offers a classic, wide-angle view of the canyon’s depth and narrowness.
Sunset View: A favorite spot for catching the canyon walls glowing in the evening light.

These viewpoints are accessible by car and feature short, easy trails or viewing platforms .

Scenic Drives

Both the North and South Rim Drives provide access to multiple overlooks and trailheads. These drives are seasonal, with portions closing in winter depending on weather conditions.

South Rim Road: Begins at the South Rim Visitor Center and extends westward, ending at Sunset View.
North Rim Road: Accessible from the Highway 92 entrance, this road dead-ends at Pulpit Rock, offering several overlooks along the way .

Hiking

The park features a range of hiking trails from short nature walks to strenuous inner-canyon hikes.

Rim Trails: Include the Oak Flat Loop, Chasm View Nature Trail, Gunnison Route, and North Star Nature Trail on the South Rim, and the North Rim Trail on the North Rim.
Inner Canyon Trails: The Greenest, North Vista, Gunnison, and South Boundary routes descend into the canyon, offering a wilderness experience with steep, rugged terrain. Permits are required for some inner-canyon hikes .

Camping

The park offers two campgrounds for visitors wishing to stay overnight.

South Rim Campground: Located near the South Rim Visitor Center, it has tent sites and is suitable for RVs up to 21 feet. Reservations are recommended.
East Portal Campground: Situated at river level on the North Rim side (accessed via County Road 12), this campground is primitive and first-come, first-served. It is ideal for fishing and experiencing the inner canyon .

Ranger Programs and Events

Ranger-led programs are offered seasonally to educate visitors about the park’s geology, wildlife, history, and more. Check the park’s calendar for current events and program schedules.

Geology and Ecology

The park’s geology is a testament to the power of natural forces over millions of years.

The canyon features ancient Precambrian schist and gneiss, along with younger rock layers and volcanic intrusions.
The Gunnison River has carved the canyon to an average depth of 2,000 feet, with some walls plunging nearly vertically.
Ecologically, the park transitions from pinyon-juniper woodlands at the rim to riparian habitats at the river, supporting diverse plant and animal life .

Management

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is managed by the National Park Service with a focus on preserving its unique geology, wilderness character, and ecological integrity.

The park’s phone number is 970-641-2337, and the mailing address is 102 Elk Creek (GPS/physical address: 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, CO), Gunnison, CO 81230.
Staff are available for inquiries, and the park encourages visitors to use email for non-emergency communication.
The park offers a site index for easy navigation of its website and provides updates on current conditions and alerts to ensure a safe visit .

Additional Resources

Experience the awe-inspiring depths, ancient rocks, and pristine wilderness of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—a place where time and nature have carved a masterpiece of dramatic beauty .

Links

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Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025

National Parks

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park