Located in western Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the United States. With its sheer cliffs and narrow canyon, this park offers breathtaking views and plenty of activities to explore. From scenic drives to camping, hiking, fishing and more, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has something for everyone. It is also a designated Dark Sky Park which makes it an ideal spot for stargazing. Additionally, visitors can learn more about the park’s geology at its visitor center. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend escape or an adventure-filled getaway, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
This beautiful and largely unknown park is a must-see for those seeking scenic adventures. The park encompasses 12 miles of the Gunnison river which has cut a deep and extremely narrow canyon in the layers of rock. The canyon, which is over 1/2 mile deep, is so narrow that sunlight doesn’t reach the bottom. This lack of sunlight makes the rock walls appear black.
Campfire Recap
Our visit to Black Canyon was a 1/2 day outing for us while camping about 30 miles south at Ridgeway State Park. The park is just a few miles from Montrose, Colorado which makes it a good combination of activities as we replenished our supplies on the way back to the campground. There are campgrounds at the national park, one on each rim and one in the bottom of the canyon.
The visitors’ center is quite interesting, focusing on the early history of the canyon and the impact it had on settlement in the area. The park is home to many hiking trails, fishing, a day use area, and camping.
One can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the boardwalks and overlooks and taking a scenic drive to the bottom of the canyon. The walking paths require some climbing of long staircases and trails to the scenic views. You will want to sit and admire the vastness of this area, so use that as a good excuse to rest a bit.
If you are interested in doing a lot of hiking, there are some great trails to explore around the south rim of the canyon. A scenic drive to the bottom of the canyon and the Gunnison river is well worth your time. Next time, we may stay until after dark in order to experience the dark skies that are touted for star gazing. More likely, we will try our luck at catching a trout or two for supper!
For more information, click on the link for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
On this trip, we had lunch in Montrose at a fun little spot called Crash Burger. Drive-through food served out of a take-out window from within a converted gas station! I know, but it was a really tasty burger and fries and one of those stops you will remember.
Seasonings
As you sit on the edge of the canyon, it challenges the mind to comprehend the millions of sunrises and sunsets that these formations have seen.
So, What is Available?
| Spacious Campsites | X |
| Shade | X |
| Picnic Table | X |
| Electric Hookups | X |
| Paved Pads | |
| Full Hookups | |
| Fire Pit | X |
| Fresh Water | X |
| Shower House | X |
| Laundry | |
| Dump Station | X |
| Cabins | |
| Lake | X |
| Stream | X |
| Hiking Path | X |
| Bike Path | X |
| Playground | |
| Swim Beach | X |
| Swimming Pool | |
| Watersport Rental | X |
| Disc Golf | |
| Geocaching | |
| Historical Site | X |
| Festivals | |
| Guided Tours |
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