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National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison

Black Canyon near Tomichi Point
Black Canyon near Tomichi Point NPS Photo/Lynch

Overview

Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.

State: CO970-641-2337

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle:  30.00

    7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.


  • Entrance - Motorcycle:  25.00

    7-Day Motorcycle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.


  • Entrance - Per Person:  15.00

    7-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)


  • Commercial Entrance - Sedan:  25.00

    Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 1-6 persons. Fee is $25.00 per vehicle plus $7.00 per passenger.


  • Commercial Entrance - Van:  40.00

    Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.


  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus:  40.00

    Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.


  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach:  100.00

    Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 26 or more. Fee is $100.00 per vehicle.


  • Entrance - Non-commercial Groups:  30.00

    Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or fewer: $30.00 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.


  • Entrance - Non-commercial Groups:  15.00

    Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 16 or greater: $15.00 per passenger (including driver). Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per-person rate. Pass and photo ID must be presented upon entry.


Map

Things To Do

Category

6 Results
    Green and blueish canyon cliffs with mountains in the background

    Hike North Vista Trail - North Rim

    Free

    Description

    Constructed by the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the North Vista Trail offers some of the best scenic views and birding in the park. Difficulty varies from moderate to strenuous based on distance.

    More info
    Deadhorse Trail

    Hike Deadhorse Trail - North Rim

    Free

    Description

    Deadhorse Trail takes hikers into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area. It offers good views of Deadhorse Gulch and East Portal on the Gunnison River, as well as good birding.

    More info
    Two large signs behind a gate where people can cross-country ski

    Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon

    Free

    Description

    In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond Gunnison Point. Rangers groom the remainder of the road (as staffing and conditions allow) for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing.

    More info
    A line of people in different colored clothing snowshoeing on a snow-covered road

    Snowshoeing at Black Canyon

    Free

    Description

    Although services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.

    More info
    People standing around telescopes with red headlamps underneath a night sky

    Stargazing at Black Canyon

    Free

    Description

    Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to view the night skies. Choose overlooks far from the road for optimal stargazing and astrophotography or join one of the park's telescope viewing programs during summer.

    More info
    Pet Friendly
    A view of a steep canyon and greyish river

    Drive East Portal Road

    Free

    Description

    East Portal Road is a windy, steep scenic road down to the Gunnison River. East Portal is within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but only accessible from within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited on the East Portal Road.

    More info
    Pet FriendlyTime:1-2 Hours

More Images

Black Canyon near Tomichi Point
Black Canyon near Tomichi Point
Black Canyon near Painted Wall
Black Canyon near Painted Wall