Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

They just had a wildfire a few weeks ago. Most of the park was closed due to the fire. The visitor center was saved. It is an impressive center. Great display and information. The staff are excellent. The view of the canyon is amazing!! No running water here. Be sure and bring you own

Black Canyon of the Gunnison was one of the highlights of our road trip—absolutely stunning and so much more impressive in person than any photo can capture. It’s one of those places that doesn’t always get the spotlight like some of the more famous parks, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. It feels wild, quiet, and untouched in all the best ways. We visited during the off-season, which made the experience even better. There were very few people around, and we often had entire overlooks to ourselves. It gave us time to just stand and take in the incredible depth and steepness of the canyon walls—some of the most dramatic views we've seen in any park. We spent most of our time exploring the South Rim, and it’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a good mix of scenic stops and short hikes. Every overlook felt unique, and the drive itself is beautiful with lots of places to pull off and explore. The kids loved hopping out at each stop, and we loved how easy it was to navigate without feeling rushed. Even in the off-season, everything was well maintained. The ranger station was open, and the park was clearly cared for with pride. While we didn’t tackle any of the more extreme trails, the ones we did take were peaceful, rewarding, and filled with jaw-dropping views. This park has a quiet power to it. It's not flashy, but it leaves a lasting impression. We left feeling like we’d discovered something truly special—and already talking about when we can go back to see the North Rim. If you're anywhere near western Colorado, make time for Black Canyon. It's a gem of the national park system—peaceful, dramatic, and unforgettable.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the most underrated national parks and absolutely worth the visit. The sheer depth and steepness of the canyon walls are unlike anything else—it’s dramatic, rugged, and incredibly beautiful. The South Rim Drive has multiple overlooks, and almost every one offers a unique perspective of the canyon. Some require short walks, while others are just steps from the parking areas. Painted Wall Overlook is especially stunning—seeing the tallest cliff in Colorado up close is unforgettable! The views are especially clear and crisp in the early afternoon, with sunlight hitting the rock faces and revealing all the color and texture in the canyon walls. Photographers will love the light and shadow contrast, especially along the cliff edges. This park is perfect for those who appreciate quiet, uncrowded natural beauty. The trails are peaceful and often feel like you have the whole place to yourself. Sunrise and sunset here are magical, with golden light pouring into the canyon. The starry skies at night are some of the best you’ll ever see—bring a blanket and enjoy some stargazing. Whether you’re stopping for an hour or spending the whole day, it’s an unforgettable experience. If you’re into raw, dramatic landscapes and want epic views without the crowds, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a must-see. It’s one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets.

This is a great little park! The South Rim Road has a lot of great viewpoints (painted wall was the best) and a fantastic visitor center with plenty of exhibits, gift store, and an information desk. It would be nice if High Point had more parking because the limited parking is gone quickly, so I'd go there first.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an absolutely breathtaking place, a true geological marvel. The sheer, dramatic cliffs are unlike anything I've ever seen – truly a sight to behold. I highly recommend taking your time to visit several overlooks along the South Rim Drive. Each one offers a slightly different, equally stunning perspective into the canyon's immense depth. Don't rush through them! For those who enjoy a short hike, the Warner Point Nature Trail or the Oak Flat Loop Trail on the South Rim offer fantastic rim views and a chance to stretch your legs. If you're feeling adventurous and have the experience, some routes even descend into the inner canyon, but be aware these are very strenuous and require permits. The contrast of the dark rock with the bright sky and the distant glimpse of the Gunnison River far below is truly awe-inspiring. It's a less crowded park than some, which really allows you to soak in the immense scale and quiet beauty. A definite must-see for anyone in the area!

Beautiful park and visitor center on the south rim. Seems less congested in the afternoons. There is plenty of walking to get to the views, so take in account the elevation and heat. The rim trail is dog friendly. From the visitor center for @ 3/4 of a mile has good views. We stopped there due to steep climb to the campground. As always the rangers were friendly and helpful. The visitor center has wonderful displays and an easy walk to another great view.

I tent camped at Black Canyon with my family for two night. The park is spectacular. I recommend heading to the visitor center to get maps and trail info when you first arrive. The visitor center is great (they have a few snack options at the gift shop and a water fountain outside). A popular hike goes from the visitor center to the campsite and back (1mile each way). There is parking at the visitor center but it fills up fast. There are longer hikes, a scenic drive with lookout spots and the option for people to get a wilderness permit (which is required for certain areas). Hiking, photography (no drones allowed), climbing and fishing (you can drive down into the canyon where the river is) are popular activities. The park is great and well worth a visit (1 or 2 days are enough). Dogs are allowed on certain trails and at all of the lookout sites, good news if you're bringing your dog! We camped at the South Rim campsite, loop A site 23. Let me make it clear that the canyon is the draw, people aren't camping here for the campsites. Camp spots are unusual. They are quite small but then have extra areas behind them. They would be great for multiple small sized tents. Our big family size tent was a squeeze and too close to the firepit (which ruled out fires for us). Pit toilets were clean and well maintained. There is a shared water spigot near A1 and a row of bear proof trash cans in the parking lot next to the road that joins the camping loops together. Each site has a bear locker. This is an exposed campsite so we had a rough night with the wind shaking our tent (18 guy lines kept it on the ground at least) and then brutal sun all afternoon. We're still glad we went but we're ready to leave. There was a dark sky ranger program with telescopes out but with over 100 people standing in line to take a turn we decided to look at the stars from our campsite. Pro tip: If you are camping drive the scenic drive in the early evening once temperatures cool and the day visitors thin out. There is another, much shadier, campsite in the canyon by the river which I would recommend if you are tent camping with kids in the summer.

Booked a campsite on rec.gov and love the location / access to the park. Although dogs are typically not allowed in national parks there is a trail that hugs the rim right next to the campsite. It’s an easy in and out from the campsite to explore the rest of the national parks.