Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Experience North America's steepest, darkest canyon with 2-billion-year-old rock and dramatic cliff faces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour paints the canyon walls.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Best Time
Golden hour paints the canyon walls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience North America's steepest, darkest canyon with 2-billion-year-old rock and dramatic cliff faces.
"Absolutely stunning and so much more impressive in person than any photo can capture."
Pack Water & Snacks
No running water available in the park. Bring plenty of your own!
Fear of Heights?
Overlooks are steep! Be prepared for ~3000 ft drops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Painted Wall Overlook
South Rim
Colorado's tallest cliff, offering dramatic sunset views and a sense of immense scale.
South Rim Drive Viewpoints
South Rim
A series of overlooks like Pulpit Rock and Sunset View provide breathtaking, steep canyon vistas.
Gunnison Route Hike
South Rim (Inner Canyon)
A challenging descent into the canyon for experienced hikers seeking a rugged, wild experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
South Rim vs. North Rim
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Water & Snacks
No running water available in the park. Bring plenty of your own!
Fear of Heights?
Overlooks are steep! Be prepared for ~3000 ft drops.
Check for Closures
Wildfires can cause closures. Always check the park website.
South Rim First
Easier access & more viewpoints for a great intro.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Water & Snacks
No running water available in the park. Bring plenty of your own!
Fear of Heights?
Overlooks are steep! Be prepared for ~3000 ft drops.
Check for Closures
Wildfires can cause closures. Always check the park website.
South Rim First
Easier access & more viewpoints for a great intro.
Leave No Trace
Respect the environment and other visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Black Canyon of the Gunnison for its awe-inspiring, dramatic, and steep cliffs, often describing it as more impressive in person than photos suggest. Many appreciate its wild, quiet, and less-crowded atmosphere compared to more famous national parks. Some note the significant drop-offs can be daunting for those with a fear of heights, and recent wildfire impacts may affect accessibility or air quality.
"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"
David Bullard
"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."
Mitch W
"Such beautiful wilderness. The views of the Canyon (both north and south rims) are absolutely stunning. However, standing at the rim at some of the overlooks is not for people with fear of heights. (~ 3000 ft drops)."
Kathy Stilz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The South Rim is accessible via US-50 and then CO-347. The North Rim is reached via US-50 and then CO-92. It's about 5.5 hours from Salt Lake City and accessible from towns like Aspen and Grand Junction.
Yes, it's a significant drive. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Denver, making it a long day trip or better suited for an overnight stay.
There's no direct road connecting the two rims. You'll need to drive around, which takes about 1.5-2 hours.
No, there are no shuttle buses within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. You'll need your own vehicle to explore the scenic drives and viewpoints.
Yes, RVs are welcome, especially on the South Rim. Some roads and pull-offs can be narrow, so larger RVs should be mindful of their size.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle. An America the Beautiful Pass covers entry for a year to all national parks.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like visitor centers and campgrounds have seasonal hours. Always check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the park can close due to wildfires, severe weather, or other emergencies. It was recently closed due to wildfires.
Absolutely! The America the Beautiful Pass is a great option if you plan to visit multiple national parks within a year.
The South Rim Visitor Center is located near the park entrance on CO-347. It offers exhibits and information about the park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The South Rim offers Painted Wall, Pulpit Rock, and Sunset View. The North Rim has Chasm View and Kneeling Camel.
Yes, there are trails ranging from easy rim walks to strenuous inner-canyon hikes like the Gunnison Route.
Yes, the South Rim's scenic drive and short, accessible overlooks are great for families. Kids enjoy hopping out at each stop.
You might spot deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and various birds. Keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
While the overlooks are maintained, the drops are extreme (~3000 ft). Always stay on marked paths and supervise children closely.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunsets at Painted Wall are legendary. Sunrise also offers dramatic light. The 'golden hour' around sunrise and sunset provides the best light for capturing the canyon's depth and color.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness, while a telephoto lens can help isolate details on the canyon walls. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
Painted Wall Overlook is a must for its scale and sunset potential. Other overlooks like Pulpit Rock and Sunset View also offer unique perspectives.
The name 'Black Canyon' comes from the shadows. Shooting during midday when shadows are deepest can emphasize this, or use post-processing to enhance contrast.
The park is known for its dark skies, making it excellent for astrophotography. Visit during a new moon for the best results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing binoculars for wildlife spotting and engaging kids with scavenger hunts for different rock formations or plants. The visitor center also provides educational materials that can make the visit more interactive for younger explorers.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
If you have more time, consider visiting the North Rim for a different perspective, but factor in the extra driving time. The park's dramatic scenery offers a memorable break from long drives, and its status as one of the least visited parks means you might enjoy a more peaceful experience.
+1⛰️ Hikers & Adventurers
Experienced climbers will find unique challenges on the canyon walls. For those who prefer less extreme adventures, the rim trails offer beautiful walks with stunning views. Always check trail conditions and be aware of potential hazards like loose rock and changing weather.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of the Black Canyon
+1Visitors can witness this geological history firsthand from the overlooks. The South Rim offers more accessible views of the inner gorge, while the North Rim provides a different perspective on the canyon's immense scale. The sheer, narrow walls are a testament to the powerful forces of nature, and the lack of widespread vegetation on the canyon floor contributes to its dramatic, rugged appearance.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, the visitor centers offer exhibits detailing the park's formation and the unique ecosystems that have adapted to this challenging environment. The Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado, is a prime example of the canyon's dramatic geological features, often highlighted for its stunning sunset views.
Exploring the Rims: South vs. North
The North Rim is a more remote and rugged experience, accessible via a gravel road that is typically open from late May to mid-October. It offers a different, often quieter, perspective of the canyon with overlooks like Chasm View and Kneeling Camel. While it has fewer amenities, the North Rim provides a sense of solitude and a chance to connect with the wilder side of the park. It's a great option for those seeking a less crowded experience and a more adventurous feel.
It's important to note that there is no direct road connecting the South and North Rims. Traveling between them requires a significant detour, so planning your visit to focus on one rim or dedicating ample time for the drive is recommended.
Hiking and Adventure in the Canyon
Beyond the Gunnison Route, other inner-canyon trails exist, though they are often unmarked and require advanced backcountry knowledge. These routes are best suited for experienced climbers and hikers who are comfortable with scrambling, route-finding, and dealing with potentially hazardous conditions. The park emphasizes Leave No Trace principles for all visitors, especially those venturing into the canyon.
For those interested in climbing, the Black Canyon is known for its challenging big-wall routes, which require specialized skills and equipment due to the lack of bolts and the unique crack systems.
It's crucial to be aware of your limits, check weather conditions, and inform someone of your plans before attempting any inner-canyon or technical activities. 
Social
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