General information about the National Park

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison protects the deep gorge that the Gunnison River has carved into the rock here. Of the 48mi long river, 12mi are in the national park. The canyon consists of particularly hard rock and is therefore unusually steep. At the deepest point it measures 1821ft. Because of the difficult accessibility and the narrow gorge, the canyon was never settled. Also the Ute people, who lived in the area for centuries, never entered the canyon. In 1999, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison became a national park.

Visitor number 2000
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Visitor number 2010
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Number of visitors

In 2023, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP ranked 47th in the visitor statistics for the most visited national parks.
Best time to visit: At the end of April until the beginning of November it is usually free of snow.
Our visits:
So far 2 visits: October 2011, October 2018

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Visitor number 2023
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Altitude above sea level: Black Canyon of the Gunison
8366 ft

Entrance fees and opening hours

*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.

Current: In 2023, considerable obstructions can be expected on Highway 50 between Montrose and Gunnison due to road construction.

Everything you need to know can be found on the official webpage.

Activities and hikes in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP

High Point

Painted Wall

Devil´s Overlook

Pulpit Rock

Gunnison Point

High Point

Description: High Point is the last viewpoint at the end of the southern park road. Besides the Gunnison River, you also have a nice view onto Red Rock Canyon.

 

Painted Wall

Description: The Painted Wall is reached via a short trail. You get very close to the edge of the canyon and have a great view of the canyon and the Painted Wall with here white stripes. Very worth seeing.

If you want to see the wall in the best light, you should be here in the morning. In the afternoon you have complete backlight on the Painted Wall.

Devil´s Overlook

Description: The Devil's Overlook is reached via a few hundred meters long, well-built trail. Here, too, you get directly to the edge of the canyon and can enjoy a very impressive view into the depths - and here it descends several hundred meters.

Pulpit Rock

Description: At Pulpit Rock you have a very nice view of the Gunnison River and its bed in the gorge of the canyon. You can also hike along the rim between two viewpoints.

Visitor Center

Gunnison Point

Description: Gunnison Point is located directly below the Visitor Center. This is built right on the canyon rim and offers a beautiful photo op directly above the rugged and impressive rocks of the canyon.

There are also some very pretty yellow trees in the park in the fall
Visitor Center

Our rating: Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an unusual park. The deep canyon is very impressive and we can only recommend a visit here. The park definitely offers a nice change from the red rocks of the Colorado Plateau.

3/5