Black Canyon National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park protects one of the steepest and most dramatic canyons in North America. Located in western Colorado, the canyon was carved over millions of years by the powerful Gunnison River cutting through ancient Precambrian rock. The canyon walls are incredibly steep and narrow, creating deep shadows that give the canyon its name. Visitors come for breathtaking overlooks, challenging hikes, rock climbing, and some of the darkest night skies in Colorado.
Park Data & Statistics
- State: Colorado
- Established: October 21, 1999
- Park Size: ~30,750 acres
- Annual Visitors: ~400,000
- Deepest Canyon Depth: ~2,722 feet
- River: Gunnison River
- Famous Feature: The Painted Wall (tallest cliff in Colorado at ~2,250 ft)
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June)
Wildflowers bloom and temperatures are mild.
Summer
Best access to trails and scenic drives.
Fall (September–October)
Beautiful autumn colors and fewer crowds.
Winter
Quiet season with snow-covered canyon views and opportunities for snowshoeing.
Best Photography Locations
- Painted Wall overlook
- Sunset View during golden hour
- Gunnison River canyon views
- South Rim scenic overlooks
- North Rim viewpoints
Camping & Lodging Options
South Rim Campground
Developed campground near the main visitor center.
North Rim Campground
Small, quieter campground with incredible canyon views.
Nearby lodging options are available in Montrose, Colorado.
Indigenous / Cultural Significance
The region surrounding the canyon has long been inhabited by Indigenous peoples including the Ute Tribe, who traditionally lived throughout western Colorado and relied on the surrounding lands for hunting and seasonal travel routes.
Entrance Fees & Pass Information
- Private vehicle: Yes
- Motorcycle: Yes
- Individual: Yes
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry to all U.S. national parks for one year.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
- Exclamation Point viewpoint
- Dragon Point overlook
- North Rim scenic viewpoints
- Inner canyon wilderness routes
- Warner Point overlook
Additional Resources (1)
• Official Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Website (National Park Service) – Official park information, alerts, and visitor planning resources.
• Black Canyon National Park Maps – Download official park maps including scenic drives and hiking trails.
• Black Canyon Hiking Guide – Trail descriptions and safety information for hiking within the park.
• Black Canyon Current Conditions & Alerts – Weather updates, closures, and park alerts.
• Black Canyon Camping Information – Information about South Rim and North Rim campgrounds.
Popular Hiking Trails
- Rim Rock Nature Trail
2 miles round trip – Easy trail with spectacular views along the canyon rim. - Warner Point Nature Trail
1.5 miles round trip – Scenic hike to a panoramic canyon viewpoint. - Oak Flat Loop Trail
2 miles – Moderate trail descending slightly below the rim for dramatic views. - Gunnison Route
1 mile (very steep) – A strenuous route descending to the Gunnison River. - North Vista Trail
7 miles round trip – Leads to incredible viewpoints including Exclamation Point.
Top Scenic Viewpoints
- Gunnison Point
- Painted Wall View
- Sunset View
- Chasm View
- Dragon Point
Beginner-Friendly Activities
- South Rim scenic drive
- Rim Rock Nature Trail
- Visitor center exhibits
- Overlook photography stops
Nearby Getaway Towns
Montrose, Colorado – Main gateway city located about 15 minutes from the park entrance.
Crawford, Colorado – Small town providing access to the North Rim.
Waterfalls, Lakes, or Natural Highlights
- Gunnison River canyon
- Painted Wall cliff face
- Chasm View rock formations
- Inner canyon wilderness
- Dramatic vertical canyon walls
Scenic Drives
South Rim Drive
A scenic road connecting many of the park’s most dramatic overlooks including:
- Gunnison Point
- Chasm View
- Painted Wall View
- Sunset View
Maps & Navigation Resources
Visitors can use:
- Official NPS park maps
- onX Backcountry App
- AllTrails hiking maps
- Printed visitor center maps
- GPS navigation hiking apps
One Day Itinerary
Morning
- Sunrise at Gunnison Point
- Walk the Rim Rock Nature Trail
Midday
- Explore overlooks along South Rim Drive
- Lunch picnic at the visitor center area
Afternoon
- Hike Oak Flat Loop Trail
- Visit Painted Wall overlook
Evening
- Sunset at Sunset View
- Stargazing after dark
Popular Flora
Plant life varies between canyon rim forests and desert environments.
Common plants include:
- Pinyon pine
- Utah juniper
- Gambel oak
- Sagebrush
- Desert wildflowers
Popular Fauna
Mammals:
- Mule deer
- Black bears
- Coyotes
- Mountain lions
Birds:
- Golden eagles
- Peregrine falcons
- Canyon wrens
Other wildlife:
- Bighorn sheep
- Marmots
Advanced/Backcountry Activites
- Gunnison Route descent to the river
- Inner canyon hiking
- Rock climbing on canyon walls
- North Vista Trail backcountry hikes
Park History
The Gunnison River carved the canyon through extremely hard metamorphic rock over millions of years. Because the canyon is so steep and narrow, much of it receives very little sunlight, which is why early explorers referred to it as the “Black Canyon.” The area became a national monument in 1933 and was later designated a national park in 1999.
Visitor Tips and Safety
- Canyon edges can be extremely steep—stay behind railings.
- Bring plenty of water during summer hikes.
- Weather can change rapidly at higher elevations.
- Some trails descending into the canyon are very strenuous.
- Watch for wildlife near roads and trails.
Top 5 Bucket List Experiences
- Drive the South Rim scenic road
- Photograph the Painted Wall cliffs
- Watch sunset over the canyon
- Hike the Rim Rock Nature Trail
- Experience the park’s incredible night skies
Fun Facts
- Some sections of the canyon receive only 33 minutes of sunlight per day.
- The canyon walls are among the steepest cliffs in North America.
- The Painted Wall is the tallest cliff in Colorado.
- The Gunnison River drops an average of 95 feet per mile, one of the steepest river descents in the U.S.
- The canyon rock formations are nearly two billion years old.
Additional Resources (2)
• Montrose Tourism – Black Canyon Guide – Local travel planning resources and attractions.
• AllTrails – Black Canyon National Park Trails – Hiking maps, reviews, and GPS navigation.
• National Park Foundation – Black Canyon Overview – Park highlights and conservation information.
• Colorado Tourism – Black Canyon Guide – Travel tips and regional visitor information.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wikipedia Overview – Background on the park’s geology, history, and wildlife.