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.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 5,671 reviews
Type
National Park
Address
Website
nps.gov/blca/index.htmHighlights
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.
"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!"
Valerie Mateo
"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."
Joshua Lehew
"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."
Randy CKRG
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.
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