Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
National park · Montrose County ·

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

National park · Montrose County ·

Dramatic gorge with steep walls, stunning overlooks, and river access

dramatic views
steep cliffs
scenic overlooks
challenging hikes
wildfire effects
stunning canyon
avoid crowds
stargazing
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by Getty Images/iStockphoto
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park by null

Information

Colorado Get directions

Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Information

Static Map

Colorado Get directions

+1 970 641 2337
nps.gov
@blackcanyonnps
𝕏
@blackcanyonnps

Features

•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jan 29, 2026

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@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

12 of the Best U.S. National Parks to Visit During the Winter

"Snowfall adds another dimension to the vertigo-inducing depths, and from December through March you can ski or snowshoe the six-mile South Rim Drive for a bird’s-eye view of the Gunnison River nearly 3,000 feet below. Join a ranger-guided snowshoe walk to get free use of shoes, or rent or purchase them locally." - Sarah L. Stewart Sarah L. Stewart ​​Sarah L. Stewart is a Florida-based freelance magazine writer and editor specializing in travel, recreation, science, and health topics. Her work appears in Travel + Leisure, Outside, Backpacker, The Huffington Post, and other national publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas-national-parks-national-parks-visit-during-winter-11861639
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
@cntraveler
42,481 Postcards · 5,685 Cities

Renting a Camper Van for a Road Trip of Stargazing, Cook Outs, and Red Rock Hikes | Condé Nast Traveler

"Black Canyon of the Gunnison was a surprise standout for us: there were hardly any visitors, the dark sky was incredible, and we caught a ranger program where the kids learned constellations under a super-clear Milky Way — it felt truly magical." - Jordi Lippe-McGraw

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/camper-van-road-trip-through-colorado-and-utah-how-we-spent-our-family-vacation
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

The Grand Circle Road Trip

"Known for its deep, steep-walled gorge and highlights like East Portal Road and Painted Wall cliff face." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-grand-circle-road-trip-american-southwest-7564186
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
@cntraveler
42,481 Postcards · 5,685 Cities

How Do I Enjoy the Outdoors Responsibly in a Pandemic?

"If hiking with a mask proves a challenge on the steeper inclines, Sandy Dobert-Snell, a supervisory park ranger at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, reminds hikers to cover their face as soon as they see people approach."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-do-i-enjoy-the-outdoors-responsibly-in-a-pandemic
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

National Parks Are Reopened. Here’s Where to Go to Avoid the Crowds | Eater

"A dramatic Colorado park prized for its narrow, steep-walled canyon that keeps much of the floor in shadow, providing striking vantage points along both north and south rims and trails that can plunge to the river below for adventurous hikers; visitors are advised to allow multiple days to explore both sides, with Montrose serving as the primary southern entry point." - Matt Kirouac

https://www.eater.com/2020/7/8/21311909/national-parks-reopened-texas-colorado-travel-road-trips-during-covid-19
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

BackpackerCoach

Google
It definitely wasn't very crowded when we went. But it was a very beautiful place. I definitely would recommend seeing a lot of it in the morning or evening if you're into photography. Everything is pretty easy to get to. It’s just a short walk to any of the overlooks. You can definitely see all the park in a day or two no problem.

Travel With R.

Google
Although it was closed due to the government shut down, I did get the opportunity to walk around quite a bit and Photograph the park. It did leave me with lasting memories of the sheer beauty from many of the overlooks from the south and the north rim roads. I also had the opportunity as I was driving to my next adventure to visit the Curecanti National recreation area in Western Colorado while I only got to actually see two of the three reservoirs I was left in awe of this countries, beautiful beautiful, topography, waterways, and lakes!

Bill F.

Google
Excellent National Park. Of note: Park is open during the government shutdown to day use. No camping and no services other than an occasional restroom. Plan to spend several hours here at the minimum! Could easily spend a day plus. Lots of short hikes some moderate to strenuous from the road. Views are stunning and change as the sun moves. This day was not overly busy, but for the 1st week of October and mid-week we were surprised by the number of people. Could be an issue with parking at viewpoints on busy days. One of the best parks we have visited for views.

David B.

Google
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

Valerie M.

Google
The Black Canyon was really nice, somewhat of a thriller looking down from the edge to see straight to the bottom. There’s trails all around the canyon from parking spots to get a better look. You could definitely skip a trip to the Grand Canyon for this experience!

Joshua L.

Google
Very cool park to see! We visited the south rim and the must see viewpoints are Dragon Point and Painted Wall View! This was national park #32 for me! Got to hit them all! Stay until sunset for the best colors.

Mitch W

Google
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an awe inspiring park with some of the steepest cliffs and most dramatic views you’ll find anywhere in the U.S. The sheer depth and ruggedness of the canyon are jaw dropping, and there are plenty of scenic overlooks that are easy to access, along with more challenging hikes if you want to venture deeper. It’s worth noting that a decent portion of the park has been affected by wildfires, so some areas may look scarred or closed off depending on the season. Even so, the canyon itself remains absolutely stunning, and the resiliency of the landscape is impressive. The park had a very smoky smell to it upon entering.

Randy C.

Google
Never knew about this national park but highly recommend it. Especially if you enjoy heights. Visited the south rim at the end of October, 2025. Has easy, short hikes to many overlooks. Except for the last overlook at Warner Point was longer but still worth it. With all of the short hikes to the overlooks, highly recommend for the older generation or for those that do not like to hike as much. Most overlook locations have parking with length of trail to overlooks. Also, don't forget to go to the East Portal to drive down into the gorge, along the river to Crystal Dam. Great views on the way down and along the river. Saw deer and big horn sheep along the drive.