The Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s unique and spectacular landscape was formed slowly by the action of water and rock scouring down through hard Proterozoic crystalline rock. No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
History & Culture
While the people of the Ute bands knew of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, it was an obscure geographic feature to explorers for hundreds of years. The Spanish were the first Europeans to canvas western Colorado with two expeditions, one led by Juan Rivera in 1765 and the other by Fathers Dominguez and Escalante in 1776. Both were looking for passage to the California coast and both passed by the canyon.
Fur trappers of the early 1800’s undoubtedly knew of the canyon in their search for beaver pelts. They left no written record of the canyon, though, probably because they couldn’t, in fact, read or write.
By the middle of the century, exploration of the American west had captured the nation’s attention. In turn expeditions came to the Black Canyon searching for railroad passageways, mineral wealth, or in a quest for water. Eventually explorers came to see the canyon, not for commercial wealth, but for the renewal and recreation that it offered.
Today, you can walk in the footsteps of some of these hardy and inquisitive forebearers. The canyon still offers a rugged and demanding experience, even as it did more than a hundred of years ago.
Nature & Science
Black Canyon of the Gunnison has been carved by the Gunnison River in its headlong rush to join with the Colorado. But the Black Canyon is also the result of volcanic activity and the geologic activities of the Gunnison Uplift and Sawatch and West Elk Mountain ranges. Seasonal floods, rockslides and landslides and the unyielding flow of the river helped carve this landscape. First establishing its course through soft volcanic rock, the river then cut through to the crystalline rock seen today in the canyon which was thrust up in a formation known as the Gunnison Uplift. It took about two million years for the river to cut the gorge.
Recreation
Prepare yourself for 2,000 feet, narrow canyon walls dropping almost vertically to the Gunnison River. Many of the overlooks are easily accessed by car and very short walks. Interpretive programs are offered all summer. Evening programs are presented at the South Rim campground, on summer weekends.
Hiking
Hiking trails at Black Canyon are catagorized in two groups: rim trails and inner-canyon routes.
- Rim trails are well established hikes ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous and remain along the canyon rim. No permits are necessary for rim trails.
- Inner-canyon routes are unmarked, extremely difficult routes to the bottom of the canyon. These scrambles should only be attempted by individuals in excellent physical condition. Permits are required for all inner-canyon routes.
Climbing
Known for crumbling rock, dizzying heights and a lack of places to place protective equipment, climbing in the Black Canyon is a challenge limited to highly experienced, expert climbers only.
Cross Country Skiing
The South Rim Drive is not plowed during the winter months, allowing the road to become a ski trail. The drive is 6 miles (one way) and allows access to the overlooks. Park at the South Rim Visitor Center, located at Gunnison Point.
Snowshoeing
The upper part of the Oak Flat Loop and Rim Rock Trail are excellent treks for snowshoeing. Take in the incredible views of the snowy canyon that these two trails offer. Snowshoeing is also encouraged in any part of the canyon’s rim. Going into the inner canyon, however, is not recommended.
Please be courteous to other trail users by not snowshoeing or walking in the ski tracks along the South Rim Drive.
For the sake of the wildlife surviving this cold season on the canyon rim, dogs are not permitted along the South Rim Drive in winter.
Getting There
By Plane
The closest airports served by commercial airlines are in Montrose, Gunnison and Grand Junction.
By Car
The park is located approximately 250 miles SW of Denver.
South Rim: 15 miles east of Montrose, via U. S. Hwy 50 and CO Hwy 347.
North Rim: 11 miles south of Crawford, via CO Hwy 92 and North Rim Road (closed in winter).
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-641-2337 (Headquarters)
Phone: 970-641-2337×205 (Visitor Information)
Fax: 970-641-3127
Operating Hours & Seasons
South Rim: Open every day, limited access in winter. The South Rim road is open from early April to mid-November.
North Rim: Open every day, North Rim Road and ranger station are closed in winter.
Weather/Climate
Weather can vary greatly between the canyon rim and canyon floor. Summer daytime temperatures range between 60 to 100 degrees F, nights 30 to 50 degrees F. Winter daytime temperatures range between 20 to 40 degrees F, nights -10 to 20 degrees F. Precipitation is minimal, brief afternoon thunderstorms can occur during the summer. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended.
