Trips

Explore Under-Rated Black Canyon of the Gunninson

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. This national park offers dramatic steep cliffs that drop straight down into the Gunnison River!

Gunnison River at the bottom of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Gunnison River

Yet this national park is one of the lesser visited parks in the US. Black Canyon of the Gunnison has only 300,000 visitors annually. These numbers are a big contrast to the 12 million people who visit the Great Smoky Mountains each year.

Granite canyon walls with green grass on top. Blue sky with clouds.
View of the North Rim from the South Rim

Why don’t more people come to see this canyon?

Close up view of the Gunnison River with canyon walls on each side.
Gunnison River

One reason is likely its location. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is in western Colorado and about a 5-hour drive from Denver. (But it is a lovely drive!)

The nearest town for lodging and dining is Montrose. We stayed here on a 5-day Colorado vacation. We used it as a base to explore not only Black Canyon but Telluride and Ouray.

Our Hotel

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison – What to Expect

The canyon’s sheer size is the first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at the park. It is breathtaking!

Overlook with log and rock fence facing the canyon wall. Blue sky with clouds.
Overlook on the South Rim

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is over 2,000 feet deep and is over a mile wide at its widest point. The canyon walls are made of black granite and are so steep that sunlight only reaches the bottom for a few minutes each day.

Winding river in a canyon at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Gunnison River

Guests can peer into the canyon from the North Rim and the South Canyon.

Overlook  to canyon with metal fencing
Overlook on the South Rim

The North Rim is the least visited side of the canyon. Part of the road is unpaved. It has 5 canyon overlooks.

Granite walls of the Canyon at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Most people visit the South Rim. Here you can get more information about the park at the South Rim Visitor Center.

Log cabin which is the South Rim Visitor Center
South Rim Visitor Center, 10346 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401

One of the best ways to experience the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is by taking a scenic drive along the South Rim Road. This 7-mile road offers stunning canyon views, with 12 overlooks where you can stop and take in the scenery.

Granite walls in Black Canyon

Visitors who want to go down to the Gunnison River for fishing or sightseeing can do so via the East Portal Road or Cimarron. East Portal Road is very steep and curvy.

View of the Gunnison River at River Level

Winter weather conditions can impact road accessibility, so check the park’s website before visiting in the cooler months.

Looking up at the walls of the canyon

If you’re planning a trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and a picnic, as there are limited services in the park.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Sign

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a spectacular place to visit. It is well worth the extra effort to get here, and it is nice not to have to fight for a place to park once you arrive. Maybe it is better if we keep this gem a secret!

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