Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

About

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado near the city of Montrose. Established as a national park in 1999, the park covers approximately 48 square miles (124 sq km) and protects one of the most dramatic and rugged canyons in the United States.

The park is centered on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, a steep-walled gorge carved by the Gunnison River over thousands of years. Situated within Colorado’s Rocky Mountain region, the park lies near other notable protected areas including Curecanti National Recreation Area and Colorado National Monument. Despite its relatively small size, Black Canyon of the Gunnison contains some of the most spectacular canyon scenery in the United States.

The park is best known for its sheer cliffs, extreme depth, and narrow canyon walls that create an awe-inspiring landscape. In some sections, the canyon drops more than 2,000 feet (610 m) from rim to river, while the canyon floor receives only limited sunlight. These conditions inspired the name “Black Canyon,” referring to the deep shadows that often darken the gorge.

Visitors are drawn to dramatic overlooks such as Gunnison Point, Chasm View, and Painted Wall, the latter being the tallest cliff in Colorado at approximately 2,250 feet (686 m). Scenic drives, hiking trails, rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities allow visitors to experience the park’s remarkable beauty from multiple perspectives.

Geographically, the Black Canyon is one of the steepest and oldest canyons in North America. The Gunnison River has cut through ancient Precambrian rock, some of which is nearly two billion years old. The canyon’s narrow profile and near-vertical walls are the result of powerful erosive forces acting over immense periods of time.

The park encompasses rugged cliffs, rocky slopes, high mesas, and riparian habitats along the river corridor. Vegetation varies with elevation and exposure, ranging from pinyon-juniper woodlands and sagebrush communities to ponderosa pine forests and riparian vegetation near water sources.

Wildlife thrives within the park’s varied habitats. Mammals commonly found in the park include mule deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, black bears, and yellow-bellied marmots. The steep canyon walls provide nesting habitat for peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and other birds of prey.

More than 175 bird species have been recorded, including canyon wrens, Steller’s jays, hummingbirds, and migratory songbirds. Reptiles such as lizards and rattlesnakes inhabit the warmer canyon slopes, while the Gunnison River supports fish species adapted to fast-flowing mountain waters. The park’s diverse habitats create an ecological richness that contrasts with its rugged appearance.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park plays an important role in preserving one of North America’s most extraordinary geological formations. The park protects ancient rock exposures, unique canyon ecosystems, and important wildlife habitat while providing opportunities for scientific research and outdoor recreation.

Its dramatic topography is often compared to iconic canyon landscapes such as Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, yet Black Canyon stands apart because of its extraordinary depth, narrowness, and steep cliffs. Through its ancient geology, dramatic scenery, diverse wildlife, and pristine night skies, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park remains one of America’s most impressive natural wonders and a testament to the power of erosion over geological time.

Photos

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Things to See

Featured Black Canyon Wildlife

There are scenic drives that follow along US Highway 50, Colorado Highway 92, and the south rim with lookouts along the way. The incredibly steep, narrow, and daunting canyon walls are the pinnacle attraction of the national park.

There are several hiking opportunities that are not too long in the distance that afford spectacular views of Black Canyon and the Gunnison River below. The Green Mountain trail is one of the most strenuous in the park, but it provides the most picturesque panoramic views of the canyon and Gunnison area.

The park is easily rated for the more adventurous and more athletic outdoorsmen. Kayaking and rafting feature class III-V ratings and impassible places where challenging porting are expected. Those who are skilled and confident with kayaking and rafting are the recommended participants.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in western Colorado, USA, offers one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes in the American West.

Known for its steep, dark, and narrow canyons, the park reveals two billion years of Earth’s geological history, visible in the stark, towering cliffs and craggy spires.

The Gunnison River, having carved this magnificent canyon over millions of years, flows at the bottom, its roar barely reaching the dizzying heights of the canyon’s rim. The canyon’s depth and the narrowness create a unique ecosystem, with the river’s riparian habitats supporting diverse wildlife and plant species.

The park’s name, “Black Canyon,” derives from the fact that some parts of the gorge only receive a few minutes of sunlight a day, emphasizing the profound depth and sheer walls that can be nearly 2,700 feet (820 meters) tall.

Offering breathtaking vistas, challenging hikes, and stellar stargazing opportunities, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a testament to nature’s power and beauty.

Canyon Creatures

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, with its profound depths and sheer cliffs, creates a unique environment for wildlife. Amidst this rugged landscape, a variety of species have adapted to thrive, making the park a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts. From the canyon’s rim to its riverine floors, each animal plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, contributing to the park’s natural diversity and allure.

Mule Deer – Often seen at dawn or dusk, these large-eared deer are a common sight, gracefully navigating the terrain in search of vegetation.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep – Majestic and agile, these sheep are perfectly adapted to the steep cliffs, their presence a symbol of the park’s wild essence.

Peregrine Falcon – Known for their incredible speed, these birds of prey nest on the canyon’s cliffs, diving to catch their prey mid-air.

Golden Eagle – Soaring high above the canyon, Golden Eagles are a breathtaking sight, their keen eyes scouting for rabbits and other small mammals.

Black Bear – While sightings are rare, Black Bears roam the park’s forests, foraging for berries, nuts, and occasionally small mammals.

Mountain Lion – Elusive apex predators, Mountain Lions patrol the park’s vast landscapes, a testament to the wilderness that defines Black Canyon.

Great Horned Owl – With their deep hoots echoing at night, Great Horned Owls dominate the nighttime, hunting small mammals and birds.

American Dipper – Unique among North American birds for their underwater foraging, Dippers can be seen along the Gunnison River, diving and “flying” through the water.

Elk – Larger than mule deer, Elk migrate through the park seasonally, their bugles in autumn adding to the park’s wild chorus.

Turkey Vulture – Circling the skies above the canyon, Turkey Vultures are cleanup crew, feeding on carrion and playing a vital role in the ecosystem.

Colorado Chipmunk – Quick and curious, these chipmunks are often spotted by visitors along trails and at overlooks, adding a playful spirit to the landscape.

Each species found in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park adds to the richness of visitors’ experiences, showcasing the adaptability and beauty of life in one of nature’s most dramatic settings.

Things To Do

Engaging the Black Canyon

Hiking

Scenic Drives

Rafting

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Trails

The park is for the more adventurous and it is important to note that trails have access to the steep canyon walls. It is important to pay attention to where you walk and pay close attention to children.

Cedar Point Nature Trail

This south rim easy trail is short and provides visitors with a stunning lookout of the river below. The canyon walls reach heights over 2,000 feet (609.6 m) with the pinnacle sighting occurring at the renowned Painted Wall at 2,250 feet (685.8 m). The trail is two-thirds of a mile round trip. This is a south rim trail.

Chasm View Nature Trail

The trail meanders through pinyon and juniper forest which create opportunities to see some of the raptor species of birds. The end of the trail provides a scenic lookout of the canyon walls, in particular, a stunning view of Painted Wall and Serpent Point. This is a north rim trail.

Dead Horse Trail

This 5-mile round trip trail provides hikers with views of Deadhorse gulch and the East Portal. The trail ranges from easy to moderate and passes past a pond along the way. It’s another view of the canyon, however, this can be a longer hike that some may find challenging. This is a north rim trail.

North Vista Trail

This trail has an option to end at Exclamation Point which is 3 miles round trip or venturing on to Green Mountain which is 7 miles round trip. The journey becomes more challenging and can be rather difficult for many participants the further along the trail you go. However, the adventure is worth it with Green Mountain lookouts offering some of the most stunning panoramic views of Black Canyon and the Gunnison area.

Oak Flat Loop Trail

This trail is more challenging featuring steep slopes and narrow pathways. Adventurers can look forward to passing through aspen groves, rock outcrops, and oak scrub as they descend down to the river floor. This trail is 2 miles round trip and is more demanding on hikers. This is a south rim trail.

Rim Rock Nature Trail

This trail provides a series of lookouts out over the canyon walls and river below. The trail is fairly even path without much elevation change that is a 1-mile round trip journey along the south rim of the canyon. This is a south rim trail.

Warner Point Nature Trail

This is a trail allowing hikers to engage more of nature as you meander through mountain mahogany, pinyon pine, serviceberry, and juniper. A scenic view of the Gunnison River and Black Canyon await the end of the journey. Along the way, there are views of Bostwick Park, San Juan Mountains, and the Uncompahgre Valley. This is a south rim trail.

Rim Rock Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1 mile round trip with minimal elevation gain

Description: This accessible, paved trail offers stunning views of the Black Canyon and the Gunnison River below. Ideal for families and those looking for a leisurely walk, the Rim Rock Trail connects the visitor center to the campground, winding through pinyon and juniper forests with several overlooks providing breathtaking canyon vistas.

Park Protection

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was created to protect one of North America’s most dramatic canyon landscapes, where the Gunnison River has carved a deep, narrow gorge through ancient Precambrian rock over millions of years. The park provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including peregrine falcons, golden eagles, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and black bears. Its steep cliffs and remote wilderness areas offer important refuge for native species adapted to rugged canyon environments.

The park is particularly significant for preserving some of the oldest exposed rock formations in North America, with certain gneiss and schist formations dating back nearly two billion years. The canyon’s exceptional depth, sheer vertical walls, and narrow profile distinguish it from most other canyon systems in the United States. Together, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park protects a remarkable geological landscape, important wildlife habitat, and one of the continent’s most striking examples of river-carved canyon wilderness.

FAQ’s

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is primarily visited for its extraordinarily steep canyon walls, dramatic scenery, and rugged wilderness experience. Located in western Colorado, the park protects one of the deepest and narrowest canyons in North America.

Visitors come to admire breathtaking viewpoints, hike scenic trails, photograph towering cliffs, enjoy world-class rock climbing, fish the Gunnison River, and experience some of the darkest night skies in the United States.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park supports approximately 60 mammal species and more than 20 reptile species. The park’s diverse habitats include canyon rims, pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush communities, riparian corridors, and rugged canyon environments.

Some of the most notable mammals found in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park include:

Mule Deer
Elk
Bighorn Sheep
Black Bear
Mountain Lion
Bobcat
Coyote
Gray Fox
Red Fox
American Badger
Raccoon
Ringtail
Long-tailed Weasel
Short-tailed Weasel
Striped Skunk
Porcupine
Beaver
Muskrat
River Otter
Desert Cottontail
Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Snowshoe Hare
Rock Squirrel
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Cliff Chipmunk
Uinta Chipmunk
Deer Mouse
Canyon Mouse
Pocket Mouse
Kangaroo Rat
Woodrat
Pocket Gopher
Meadow Vole
Montane Vole
Harvest Mouse
Shrew Species
Big Brown Bat
Hoary Bat
Pallid Bat
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat
Mexican Free-tailed Bat
Yuma Myotis
Long-legged Myotis
Fringed Myotis
Silver-haired Bat
Little Brown Bat
Western Red Bat
Desert Shrew
Various Rodent Species
Various Small Mammals

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to more than 175 bird species. The park’s cliffs, forests, shrublands, and river habitats attract a variety of raptors, songbirds, and migratory species.

Some of the most popular birds seen in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park include:

Golden Eagle
Bald Eagle
Peregrine Falcon
Prairie Falcon
Red-tailed Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Northern Goshawk
American Kestrel
Turkey Vulture
Common Raven
Black-billed Magpie
Clark’s Nutcracker
Pinyon Jay
Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay
Steller’s Jay
Mountain Bluebird
Western Bluebird
Canyon Wren
Rock Wren
Bewick’s Wren
House Wren
Black-throated Sparrow
Brewer’s Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Western Meadowlark
Horned Lark
Say’s Phoebe
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Western Kingbird
Violet-green Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
White-throated Swift
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Northern Flicker
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Juniper Titmouse
Bushtit
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
American Robin
Western Tanager
Lazuli Bunting

Yes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is absolutely worth visiting and is considered one of the most dramatic canyon parks in North America.

The park offers spectacular overlooks, towering cliffs, outstanding hiking opportunities, world-class rock climbing, excellent fishing, and remarkable solitude compared to many larger national parks. Visitors often describe it as one of the most underrated parks in the United States.

While it lacks the extensive facilities and crowds found at some larger parks, many travelers consider that part of its appeal.

The best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is:

May through October

During these months:

Most park roads and facilities are open.
Hiking conditions are favorable.
Wildlife is active.
Scenic viewpoints are fully accessible.

Summer offers warm weather, while fall provides colorful foliage and fewer visitors.

Most visitors should plan for 1 to 2 days.

Half day: South Rim scenic overlooks.
1 day: Major viewpoints and hiking trails.
2 days: Explore both North and South Rims.
3+ days: Rock climbing, fishing, and backcountry exploration.

Many visitors combine the park with other western Colorado destinations.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located near Montrose.

Most visitors:

Fly into Montrose, Grand Junction, or Denver.
Drive to the South Rim entrance.
Access the North Rim via a longer route around the canyon.

The South Rim is the most frequently visited section of the park.

Several organizations help protect Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:

National Park Service – manages the park.
Black Canyon Association – supports educational, scientific, and conservation programs.
National Park Foundation – supports projects throughout the National Park System.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife – assists with wildlife conservation and habitat management.
Volunteers, researchers, and local communities who help preserve the park’s natural resources.

The canyon receives its name because many sections are so deep and narrow that sunlight reaches the bottom for only brief periods each day. Early explorers described the canyon as appearing black due to the limited light penetrating its steep walls.

Sources

Britannica, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, https://www.britannica.com/place/Black-Canyon-of-the-Gunnison-National-Park, retrieved March 2020.
Colorado, Explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, https://www.colorado.com/articles/explore-black-canyon-gunnison-national-pa…, retrieved March 2020.
National Park Service, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, https://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm, retrieved March 2020.
Vandenbusche, Duane, Images of America – The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Arcadia Publishing, March 2020.
Visit Montrose, Black Canyon National Park, https://www.visitmontrose.com/outdoors/black-canyon-national-park/, retrieved March 2020.