US Park Info: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison's unique and spectacular landscape was formed slowly by the action of water and rock scouring down through hard Proterozoic crystalline rock. No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

 

 

---

Basic Information on Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

How to Get to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Nearest Airport to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Air service is available into Montrose (seasonally) and Grand
Junction year round on American Airlines.

How to Drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park -The park is located approximately 250 miles SW of Denver. South
Rim: 15 miles east of Montrose, via U.S. Hwy 50 and CO Hwy 347 North
Rim: 11 miles south of Crawford, via CO Hwy 92 and North Rim Road
(closed in winter)

Weather & Climate
Weather can vary greatly between the canyon rim and canyon floor. Summer
daytime temperatures range between 60 to 100F (15 to 38C), nights 30 to 50F (-1 to 10C) Winter daytime temperatures range between 20 to 40F (-6 to 4C), nights -10 to 20F (-23 to -6C) Precipitation is minimal, brief afternoon thunderstorms can occur during the summer. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended.

Accessibility
South Rim: Accessible Visitor Center, comfort stations and 2 accessible camping sites. Accessible overlooks-Tomichi Point, Chasm View, and Sunset View. North Rim: Accessible overlook-Balanced Rock.

---

Camping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

North Rim
Open From 04/01/2000 To 10/01/2000
13 sites in Pinyon-Juniper forest, water available, no hook-ups.

South Rim
Open From 04/01/2000 To 10/01/2000
102 sites in Pinyon-Juniper forest. Vault toilets, limited water available, no hook-ups.

---

Activities and Things to Do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Prepare yourself for 2,000 ft, narrow canyon walls dropping almost vertically to the Gunnison River. Many of the overlooks are easily accessed by car and very short walks. Interpretive programs are offered all summer. Evening programs are presented at the South Rim campground, seven nights per week. Nature walks are available daily.

Rafting
The Gunnison River through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is considered unraftable due to numerous and difficult portages and extreme gradients (one section drops 180 feet in half a mile!) Rafting opportunities are available in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area west of the National Park. Several outfitters offer guided raft trips on this section of the river.