{"id":23333,"date":"2020-09-25T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-25T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seeker.io\/?p=23333"},"modified":"2026-04-07T23:10:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T23:10:23","slug":"black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seeker.io\/article\/black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Prepare to be stunned by the great gorge that carves its way through the heart of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Reaching from top to bottom in a whopping 2,250 feet of vertical at its tallest point, its been whittled out over millions of years by the ceaseless flow of the Gunnison River. It might not be the biggest in America, but boy is it one to get the cameras a-clicking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The view? Expect sheer walls of painted granite and gneiss and limestone all converging on a cleft that wiggles for 12 miles through the western Rocky Mountains of Colorado. And that&#8217;s just the piece de resistance. There are side orders of high desert plateaus peppered by wild mahogany trees, proud American eagles circling overhead, challenging hiking trails, backcountry kayaking routes. Honestly, that\u2019s just scratching the surface, making Black Canyon of the Gunnison one of our favorite&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/national-parks\/\" target=\"_blank\">Colorado national parks<\/a> and an outdoorsy traveler&#8217;s dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/92d7fd9a-f42a-41c2-84d3-36c2c94d861a-1400.jpg?placeid=2233&amp;name=Black%20Canyon%20of%20the%20Gunnison%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=38.575394&amp;lng=-107.741592\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/blca\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park<\/a> sits where the snowy tops of the Rocky Mountains dip westwards into the dusty plains that roll towards Utah. That puts it in the very heart of western Colorado. The nearest major town and transport hub is Montrose, which occupies a flat valley on the courses of US-50 some nine miles from the heart of the park as the crow flies. Colorado&#8217;s crown jewel, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/rocky-mountain-national-park\/\" target=\"_blank\">Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a>, is just 215 miles northeast. The Mile High City of Denver is around 170 miles to the northeast, while Grand Junction is a little over 80 miles to the northwest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/ed3610a4-d3f0-4e77-b309-76c68ef320d6-1400.jpg?placeid=2233&amp;name=Black%20Canyon%20of%20the%20Gunnison%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=38.575394&amp;lng=-107.741592\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Black Canyon \u2013 the main attraction in this awesome Colorado national park \u2013 might not be the largest in the country, or even the deepest. However, it does have one near-superlative up its sleeve: The fifth-steepest river descent in North America. Yep, the waterway loses over 35 feet per mile as it crashes down from the central Rockies, which is five times more than the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon! Oh, and if you&#8217;re wondering about the name, that comes from the fact that some parts of this huge gorge get a mere 33 minutes of sunshine per day. Mhmm \u2014 it&#8217;s dark down there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison Weather<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/71df722d-179e-47d4-ba8e-8949b3dfc37d-1400.jpg?placeid=2233&amp;name=Black%20Canyon%20of%20the%20Gunnison%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=38.575394&amp;lng=-107.741592\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Summertime tends to usher in the best days for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The months between June and September are guaranteed to see the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/blca\/planyourvisit\/drives.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"North Rim Road (opens in a new tab)\">North Rim Road<\/a> and the bulk of the hiking trails open for business. Basically, winter can be harsh, with ice and snow and freezing rain coming to shut up shop. If you really don&#8217;t want the crowds, you could risk a visit in May or October, but check ahead on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/blca\/index.htm\">NPS site<\/a> for access options and any closures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/94b25019-5712-4ec4-83e2-934e70a5a1e2-1400.jpg?placeid=2233&amp;name=Black%20Canyon%20of%20the%20Gunnison%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=38.575394&amp;lng=-107.741592\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some portions of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are completely closed for the winter months. They include the dramatic North Rim Road (for the top views of the narrowest part of the canyon) and the East Portal Road (for access to the hard trails along the Gunnison River). The South Rim area is still in operation, although its main roadway is only accessible between April and the middle of November. The park&nbsp;is currently under limited operations due to COVID-19. For recent COVID status and frequent updates, check out&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/blca\/planyourvisit\/conditions.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Black Canyon of the Gunnison's current conditions (opens in a new tab)\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison&#8217;s current conditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Entrance Fee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/641ee12a-866b-433d-a7c7-34b103c72f3a-1400.jpg?placeid=2233&amp;name=Black%20Canyon%20of%20the%20Gunnison%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=38.575394&amp;lng=-107.741592\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sightings of the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Painted Wal (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/R-Nj9PpIf\/painted-wall-wall-colorado-us\" target=\"_blank\">Painted Wal<\/a>l and the gurgling <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Gunnison River (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/bLnUwqdph\/gunnison-river-gunnison-river-colorado-us\" target=\"_blank\">Gunnison River<\/a> aren&#8217;t free. Everyone visiting this Colorado national park will be asked to pay an entry fee of $25 if traveling in a car, which allows for seven days&#8217; access to the reserve. Motorcyclists can hit the North Rim, East Portal or South Rim roads for just $25 apiece. Meanwhile, hikers on their own can get in for $15. There&#8217;s also an annual pass that&#8217;s valid for 12 months on the menu, but that costs $45.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/202916c3-eb90-499a-abb8-3e0d25d191a8-1400.jpg?placeid=2233&amp;name=Black%20Canyon%20of%20the%20Gunnison%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=38.575394&amp;lng=-107.741592\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll need to make your way over to the more remote Western Slope region of Colorado to discover the geological wonders of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. From Denver, you could opt to do that on the I-70 through Grand Junction, but the combo of US 285 and then US 50 takes about the same time (just under five hours) and is generally more scenic. To fly in, check out short-haul links into the Montrose Regional Airport, which is just half an hour in the car from the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"South Rim Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Z88XuUN30\/south-rim-visitor-center-montrose-colorado-us\" target=\"_blank\">South Rim Visitor Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison Hiking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/bf343a70-b5ff-4ebd-b53e-25c81b332f5c-1400.jpg?placeid=6296&amp;name=Painted%20Wall%20View,%20View&amp;lat=38.58054&amp;lng=-107.718948\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has a trail for every type of hiker. Whether you&#8217;re a beginner looking a quick walk with unreal views or a pro hoping to launch themselves down the canyon into the river, we&#8217;ve got you covered. Here are 15 of our favorite hikes in the park:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Easy, perfect for families:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/warner-point-nature-trail\">Warner Point Nature Trail<\/a> (1.5 mile out-and-back)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/chasm-view-nature-trail\">Chasm View Nature Trail<\/a> (0.6 mile loop)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/painted-wall-view-trail\">Painted Wall View Trail<\/a> (0.2 mile out-and-back)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/cedar-point-nature-trail\">Cedar Point Nature Trail<\/a> (0.4 mile out-and-back)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/dragon-point-trail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Dragon Point Trail  (opens in a new tab)\">Dragon Point Trail<\/a> (0.4 mile out-and-back)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moderate, fairly strenuous:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/curecanti-creek-trail\">Curecanti Creek Trail<\/a> (3.7 mile out-and-back)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/oak-flat-loop-trail\">Oak Flat Loop Trail<\/a> (1.3 mile loop)<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Green Mountain Summit via North Vista Trail (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/green-mountain-summit-via-north-vista-trail\" target=\"_blank\">Green Mountain Summit via North Vista Trail<\/a> (6.5 mile out-and-back)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/mesa-creek-trail\">Mesa Creek Trail<\/a> (1.3 mile out-and-back)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/rim-rock-nature-trail\">Rim Rock Nature Trail<\/a> (1.5 mile out-and-back)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Difficult, experience recommended:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Gunnison Route Trail (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/gunnison-route--2\" target=\"_blank\">Gunnison Route Trail<\/a> (1.8 mile out-and-back)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/warner-route\">Warner Route Trail<\/a> (4.2 mile out-and-back)<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tomichi Trail (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/tomichi-trail\" target=\"_blank\">Tomichi Trail<\/a> (1.3 mile out-and-back)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/s-o-b-draw\">S.O.B Draw<\/a> (2.1 mile out-and-back)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/us\/colorado\/long-draw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Long Draw<\/a> (1.7 mile out-and-back)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison Lodging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/10b65555-b16a-4fbf-b985-a24106785878-1400.jpg?placeid=6301&amp;name=East%20Portal%20Campground,%20Montrose&amp;lat=38.526905&amp;lng=-107.649567\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison Camping:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning a night under the stars? Here are some of the best campgrounds and campsites in and around Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/blca\/planyourvisit\/camp_southrim.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"South Rim Campground (opens in a new tab)\">South Rim Campground<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/blca\/planyourvisit\/camp_northrim.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"North Rim Campground (opens in a new tab)\">North Rim Campground<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/blca\/planyourvisit\/camp_east_portal.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"East Portal Campground (opens in a new tab)\">East Portal Campground<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/gmug\/recarea\/?recid=82150\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Mesa Creek Campground (opens in a new tab)\">Mesa Creek Campground<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/cedarcreekrv.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Cedar Creek RV Park (opens in a new tab)\">Cedar Creek RV Park<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.campsitephotos.com\/campground\/co\/crawford-state-park-iron-creek\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Iron Creek Campground (opens in a new tab)\">Iron Creek Campground<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/cpw.state.co.us\/placestogo\/parks\/Crawford\/Pages\/Camping.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Clear Fork Campground (opens in a new tab)\">Clear Fork Campground<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/urrvp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Uncompahgre River RV Park (opens in a new tab)\">Uncompahgre River RV Park<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/riverbend-rvpark.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"River Bend RV Park and Cabins (opens in a new tab)\">River Bend RV Park and Cabins<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blm.gov\/visit\/cottonwood-grove-campground\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Cottonwood Grove Campground (opens in a new tab)\">Cottonwood Grove Campground<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison Hotels:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you prefer a cushy bed to a tent, there are plenty of resorts, hotels, hostels, inns, cabins and B&amp;Bs within a quick drive of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Here are some of our favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hitchingposthotel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">The Hitching Post Hotel and Farm Store<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.staywisemontrose.com\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Stay Wise Inns of Montrose (opens in a new tab)\">Stay Wise Inns of Montrose<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotchkissinnmotel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Hotchkiss Inn Motel (opens in a new tab)\">Hotchkiss Inn Motel<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.stonehouseinn.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Stone House Inn (opens in a new tab)\">Stone House Inn<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coloradodirectory.com\/lostcanyonresort\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Lost Canyon Resort (opens in a new tab)\">Lost Canyon Resort<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/blackcanyonmotel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Black Canyon Motel<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/category\/Hotel-Resort\/Ferros-Blue-Mesa-Ranch-135651823186530\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Ferro's Blue Mesa Ranch (opens in a new tab)\">Ferro&#8217;s Blue Mesa Ranch<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/lerouxcreekinn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"LeRoux Creek Inn and Vineyards (opens in a new tab)\">LeRoux Creek Inn and Vineyards<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canyoncreekbedandbreakfast.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Canyon Creek B&amp;B (opens in a new tab)\">Canyon Creek B&amp;B<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.briarwoodinns.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Briarwood Inns (opens in a new tab)\">Briarwood Inns<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Airbnb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the great things about this protected stretch of the Gunnison River is that it lies between some of the biggest towns on the Western Slope of Colorado. You won&#8217;t have to venture far from the entrance to the South Rim to discover all the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-co\/stays\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Airbnb rentals in Montrose (opens in a new tab)\">Airbnb rentals in Montrose<\/a>. They run the gamut from out-of-town cabins on babbling creeks to modern suites in B&amp;Bs. To the north, you could stay in old adobe cottages around the Redlands Mesa, or converted barns on the plains around Crawford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Tours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/0d851ce5-5d62-4c87-af6d-64e505ec3634-1400.jpg?placeid=2233&amp;name=Black%20Canyon%20of%20the%20Gunnison%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=38.575394&amp;lng=-107.741592\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The majority of the 300,000 yearly visitors to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park choose to explore the reserve on their own. However, there are lots of enticing organized programs that can help you get an insight into the unique geology, geography, and wildlife of the region. They include ranger-led snowshoe walks (between January and March), stargazing outings after dark, and guided hikes on the North and South rims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Landmarks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Painted Wall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/eeee7530-db80-44ca-9247-d028441b098a-1400.jpg?placeid=6293&amp;name=Painted%20Wall,%20Wall&amp;lat=38.580818&amp;lng=-107.728394\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Painted Wall, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;d say the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/blca\/learn\/nature\/minerals.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Painted Wall (opens in a new tab)\">Painted Wall<\/a> is the most startling and striking point in the whole of the Gunnison. A colossal slab of gneiss, schist and pegmatite rock that lofts more than 2,200 feet over the river below, it&#8217;s the highest top-to-bottom in the whole reserve. The best views of it are actually on offer from the South Rim that&#8217;s opposite, along the trails to Cedar Point and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trailforks.com\/trails\/dragon-point-trail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Dragon Point (opens in a new tab)\">Dragon Point<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">North Rim<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/66f503c4-cf3e-42a5-ae1f-c8a987989612-1400.jpg?placeid=6312&amp;name=North%20Rim%20Ranger%20Station,%20Crawford&amp;lat=38.587044&amp;lng=-107.704849\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>North Rim, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.554989\" data-longitude=\"-107.686569\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Z88XuUN30\/south-rim-visitor-center-montrose-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6313\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Z88XuUN30\/south-rim-visitor-center-montrose-colorado-us\">South Rim Visitor Center<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Totally closed to all vehicle traffic throughout the hard winter months, the North Rim is where the Black Canyon of the Gunnison gets seriously rugged. You can take the North Rim Road to encounter some of the most undeveloped portions of the park, where lookouts gaze down steep crevasses to the green waters of the river far below. The best part? This wild corner of the preserve is <em>way <\/em>less busy than its southern compadre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Rim Visitor Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/60de66f5-30c5-4f66-96f4-dfb7bf7cf22b-1400.jpg?placeid=2233&amp;name=Black%20Canyon%20of%20the%20Gunnison%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=38.575394&amp;lng=-107.741592\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>South Rim, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>About 30 minutes&#8217; drive out of Montrose, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/blca\/planyourvisit\/southrim.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"South Rim Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)\">South Rim Visitor Center<\/a> is often the first port of call for travelers heading into the depths of the Gunnison valley. It&#8217;s a fine intro to the park. There are exhibits on the local wildlife and flora, along with trained rangers who are happy to answer any questions you have about the gorge and its history. What&#8217;s more, the views from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.americansouthwest.net\/colorado\/black_canyon_gunnison\/gunnison-point_l.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Gunnison Point (opens in a new tab)\">Gunnison Point<\/a> just out back are among the best in the area!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Things to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.555264\" data-longitude=\"-107.686722\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/SQLOZSt_I\/gunnison-point-gunnison-point-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6325\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/SQLOZSt_I\/gunnison-point-gunnison-point-colorado-us\">Look out over Gunnison Point<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/1dd84396-fa4a-4c58-9f40-b8ba6d653177-1400.jpg?placeid=6313&amp;name=South%20Rim%20Visitor%20Center,%20Montrose&amp;lat=38.554989&amp;lng=-107.686569\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Gunnison Point, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.554764\" data-longitude=\"-107.690056\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/8i8wBLHUt\/oak-flat-trail-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6330\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/8i8wBLHUt\/oak-flat-trail-colorado-us\">Descend into the canyon on the Oak Flat Trail<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/5ba97221-0d9e-4cd1-a58c-d853bacf4a3a-1400.jpg?placeid=6330&amp;name=Oak%20Flat%20Trail,%20&amp;lat=38.554764&amp;lng=-107.690056\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Oak Flat Trail, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.76141\" data-longitude=\"-107.828323\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/bLnUwqdph\/gunnison-river-gunnison-river-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6326\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/bLnUwqdph\/gunnison-river-gunnison-river-colorado-us\">Try fishing in the Gunnison River<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/318b205a-c22a-4b46-ac48-f594ca203f3c-1400.jpg?placeid=6326&amp;name=Gunnison%20River,%20Gunnison%20River&amp;lat=38.76141&amp;lng=-107.828323\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Gunnison River, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.70377\" data-longitude=\"-107.608093\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/sOOW_ynCn\/the-hitching-post-hotel-and-farm-store-crawford-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6305\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/sOOW_ynCn\/the-hitching-post-hotel-and-farm-store-crawford-colorado-us\">Stay the night at The Hitching Post Hotel And Farm Store<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/2c2a6d5f-9daa-4d40-b83b-ee335f84a499-1400.jpg?placeid=6305&amp;name=The%20Hitching%20Post%20Hotel%20And%20Farm%20Store,%20Crawford&amp;lat=38.70377&amp;lng=-107.608093\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>The Hitching Post Hotel And Farm Store, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.837055\" data-longitude=\"-107.779869\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/p1Rf2MazT\/leroux-creek-inn-and-vineyards-hotchkiss-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6308\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/p1Rf2MazT\/leroux-creek-inn-and-vineyards-hotchkiss-colorado-us\">Sip some vino at Leroux Creek Inn &amp; Vineyards<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/54b04ffa-652c-4814-b9ed-ee283d3896b1-1400.jpg?placeid=6308&amp;name=Leroux%20Creek%20Inn%20&amp;%20Vineyards,%20Hotchkiss&amp;lat=38.837055&amp;lng=-107.779869\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Leroux Creek Inn &amp; Vineyards, lack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.595348\" data-longitude=\"-107.888969\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Ru2XbqaXd\/peach-valley-ohv-montrose-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6328\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/Ru2XbqaXd\/peach-valley-ohv-montrose-colorado-us\">Go off-roading at Peach Valley OHV<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/7dbeee9d-0e12-4111-ade8-c4c2cc957710-1400.jpg?placeid=6328&amp;name=Peach%20Valley%20OHV,%20Montrose&amp;lat=38.595348&amp;lng=-107.888969\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Peach Valley OHV, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"39.90332\" data-longitude=\"-105.644447\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/2SQc1JGg3\/east-portal-east-portal-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6319\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/2SQc1JGg3\/east-portal-east-portal-colorado-us\">Drive into the canyon on the the dramatic East Portal Road<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/89c91a5b-468e-4a00-8c35-401089592db6-1400.jpg?placeid=6319&amp;name=East%20Portal,%20East%20Portal&amp;lat=39.90332&amp;lng=-105.644447\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>East Portal Road, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.456982\" data-longitude=\"-107.418381\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/VSi1uG8Z6\/curecanti-creek-trail-gunnison-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6318\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/VSi1uG8Z6\/curecanti-creek-trail-gunnison-colorado-us\">Trek up and down on the Curecanti Creek Trail<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/3f36f962-cf54-4e31-bd12-85ee2e49459a-1400.jpg?placeid=6318&amp;name=Curecanti%20Creek%20Trail,%20Gunnison&amp;lat=38.456982&amp;lng=-107.418381\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Curecanti Creek Trail, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a>Join a winter snowshoe walk with a ranger<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/2187f23d-a200-4c0e-bfae-795aa8e5b36d-1400.jpg?placeid=2233&amp;name=Black%20Canyon%20of%20the%20Gunnison%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=38.575394&amp;lng=-107.741592\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.575394\" data-longitude=\"-107.741592\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/BJXEiP49C\/black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"2233\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/BJXEiP49C\/black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-colorado-us\">Go stargazing in an official International Dark Sky Park<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/952f5f72-c5fa-4a1e-b42d-a905a0205da0-1400.jpg?placeid=2233&amp;name=Black%20Canyon%20of%20the%20Gunnison%20National%20Park,%20&amp;lat=38.575394&amp;lng=-107.741592\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.445797\" data-longitude=\"-107.468422\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/nnGEPmP6g\/morrow-point-reservoir-reservoir-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6321\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/nnGEPmP6g\/morrow-point-reservoir-reservoir-colorado-us\">Hop on a Morrow Point Boat Tour<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/e6398bf0-ebd8-43a9-b49d-1817d7c955ea-1400.jpg?placeid=6321&amp;name=Morrow%20Point%20Reservoir,%20Reservoir&amp;lat=38.445797&amp;lng=-107.468422\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Morrow Point Reservoir, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.550514\" data-longitude=\"-107.686569\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/rwY-DFA-O\/tomichi-point-tomichi-point-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6316\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/rwY-DFA-O\/tomichi-point-tomichi-point-colorado-us\">Look out over Tomichi Point<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/c2aefe12-60f7-4af1-b04d-0b3b71a2942c-1400.jpg?placeid=6316&amp;name=Tomichi%20Point,%20Tomichi%20Point&amp;lat=38.550514&amp;lng=-107.686569\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Tomichi Point, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"marker-heading seeker-place seeker-place-heading\" data-latitude=\"38.586552\" data-longitude=\"-107.720375\" data-placeurl=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/wqyyypXHy\/exclamation-point-point-colorado-us\" data-placeid=\"6331\" class=\"wp-block-seeker-place-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/app\/place\/wqyyypXHy\/exclamation-point-point-colorado-us\">Get excited at Exclamation Point!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d39ghehfp8sbx4.cloudfront.net\/media\/img\/1\/8efda636-a613-458c-b11e-8aecfc34bf24-1400.jpg?placeid=6331&amp;name=Exclamation%20Point,%20Point&amp;lat=38.586552&amp;lng=-107.720375\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Exclamation Point, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prepare to be stunned by the great gorge that carves its way through the heart of Black Canyon of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":43132,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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everyone at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/article\/black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From the jagged cliffs of the North Rim to the winding river in the South Rim, there&#039;s adventure for everyone at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/article\/black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Seeker Travel Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-09-25T11:00:00+00:00\" 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