General information about the National Park
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison protects the deep gorge that the Gunnison River has carved into the rock here. Of the 48mi long river, 12mi are in the national park. The canyon consists of particularly hard rock and is therefore unusually steep. At the deepest point it measures 1821ft. Because of the difficult accessibility and the narrow gorge, the canyon was never settled. Also the Ute people, who lived in the area for centuries, never entered the canyon. In 1999, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison became a national park.
Number of visitors
In 2023, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP ranked 47th in the visitor statistics for the most visited national parks.
Best time to visit: At the end of April until the beginning of November it is usually free of snow.
Our visits:
So far 2 visits: October 2011, October 2018
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 30$/car and all passengers valid for 7 days
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open all year round. Parts of the park are closed depending on snow conditions.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Current: In 2023, considerable obstructions can be expected on Highway 50 between Montrose and Gunnison due to road construction.
Everything you need to know can be found on the official webpage.
High Point
Description: High Point is the last viewpoint at the end of the southern park road. Besides the Gunnison River, you also have a nice view onto Red Rock Canyon.
Painted Wall
Description: The Painted Wall is reached via a short trail. You get very close to the edge of the canyon and have a great view of the canyon and the Painted Wall with here white stripes. Very worth seeing.
If you want to see the wall in the best light, you should be here in the morning. In the afternoon you have complete backlight on the Painted Wall.
Devil´s Overlook
Description: The Devil's Overlook is reached via a few hundred meters long, well-built trail. Here, too, you get directly to the edge of the canyon and can enjoy a very impressive view into the depths - and here it descends several hundred meters.
Pulpit Rock
Description: At Pulpit Rock you have a very nice view of the Gunnison River and its bed in the gorge of the canyon. You can also hike along the rim between two viewpoints.
Gunnison Point
Description: Gunnison Point is located directly below the Visitor Center. This is built right on the canyon rim and offers a beautiful photo op directly above the rugged and impressive rocks of the canyon.
Our rating: Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an unusual park. The deep canyon is very impressive and we can only recommend a visit here. The park definitely offers a nice change from the red rocks of the Colorado Plateau.