Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in Montrose, Colorado, is a National Park not to be missed. The steep canyon is about 2700 feet from the rim to the Gunnison River below. It is 14 miles long and at it's narrowest is only 40' wide.

We visited the park in late April and spent 2 days exploring the 2 sides of the park. Similar to the Grand Canyon, there is a North Rim and a South Rim. Our first day exploring the area we drove up hwy 92 from Sapinero to Crawford. Don't miss the waterfall at the Pine Creek Trailhead or the overlook views from Pioneer Lookout Point.

Our second day we stopped in at the visitors center at the South Rim. At the visitor center we walked out to Gunnison Point and then took the 2 mile hike down that takes you part way down in the canyon. If you want to hike to the bottom of the canyon you will need a wilderness permit. After the hike we got back in our car for the South Rim Road drive. There are 10 additional stops with short walks out to the overlooks of the canyon. Our favorite stop was the Painted Wall. This view highlights the formations of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

At the end of the road is the parking lot for High Point and the .8 mile hike out to Warner Point. This was our favorite hike of the day. Be sure to download the Warner Trail Guide for educational information that corresponds with each marker along the hike.

Near the end of the Warner Point hike you can look over to your right and see sweeping views of the intimidating Gunnison Canyon and then, from the top of the rim, you can look to your left and see sweeping views of the fertile valley below.