Just hearing the brooding moniker “the Black Canyon of the Gunnison” is enough to stir intrigue and curiosity for adventure-seeking travelers.
I have visited every US national park, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of my absolute favorites. The allure lies in the small crowds, unique landscape, friendly rangers, and the park’s remote location.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is not for everyone, however, especially people with vertigo. Those willing to venture to the remote Gunnison region of Southwest Colorado will be rewarded with incredible views of the sheerest, deepest, and narrowest canyon in the US.
I have created this travel guide to explain EVERYTHING you need to know for your first visit to Black Canyon NP. This includes information on both the North and South Rim.
Below, you will learn all of the best things to do and see, where to stay, must-do hikes, suggested itineraries, and more.
๐ Black Canyon of the Gunnison Overview
๐ง Quick Facts
- Location: Colorado, USA
- Established: October 21, 1999
- Size: 30,750 acres (124.4 km2)
- Annual Visitors: 341,620 (2020), 432,818 (2019)
- Visitor Centers: South Rim Visitor Center (year-round) and North Rim Ranger Station (open intermittently during the summer)
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle; $25 per motorcycle; $15 per individual; $80 Interagency Annual Pass
- Fun Fact: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the sheerest canyon in North America!
Black Canyon North Rim vs South Rim
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP is broken into two distinct regions: the North Rim and the South Rim.
Despite being a stone’s throw away, the two sections are separated by the roaring Gunnison River below, with no bridges to join them.
Those who wish to visit both the North Rim and South Rim will have to drive 77 miles (1 hour 45 minutes) to get from one entrance station to the other!
Both sections of the park are very small and can easily be explored in a couple of hours. The North Rim Drive is not paved, but the road is well maintained.
Which is better?
The South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the more popular option, receiving substantially more visitors. That said, the entire park is relatively quiet.
South Rim has far more camping available (including electric hook-ups!), more rangers and services available to assist, paved roads, ranger talks, and more visitor facilities.
The North Rim is more photogenic and has smaller crowds than the South Rim. However, the camping is extremely limited with only 13 small spaces, all of which were full before noon on our visits.
As a photographer, I recommend the North Rim, as the compositions proved far more pleasing on this side of the river. For casual visitors, however, you may prefer to have paved roads, a helpful visitor center, and nicer / more plentiful camping, which will all be found in the South Rim region.
๐บ Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Maps
You will find useful maps for your visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP below. One is an interactive map we put together, and the other is the official NPS map.
Official Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Map
Below is the official park map showing both the South Rim and North Rim.
Interactive Google Map of Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
We’ve also put together an interactive Google Map of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, featuring all of the sights and places we mention within this blog post. Click here or on the image below to open the map in a new tab.
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Services near Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The park itself has minimal services outside of drinking water and toilets.
The South Rim does have a full visitor center with a gift shop, but no food or supplies are available anywhere on either rim. Prepare accordingly!
The nearest town to get gas, groceries, and supplies is Montrose for South Rim visitors, or Crawford for the North Rim.
๐ธ Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Viewpoints
There are 12 total viewpoints along the Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim drive. Listed in order of appearance, they are:
- Tomichi Point
- Gunnison Point (Visitor Center)
- Pulpit Rock Overlook
- Cross Fissures View
- Rock Point
- Devil’s Lookout
- Chasm View (South Rim)
- Painted Wall View
- Cedar Point
- Dragon Point
- Sunset View
- High Point
*Click the photos below to view them at full size*
The distance from the South Rim entrance gate to High Point (the final viewpoint on the South Rim drive) is only 7 miles.
Along the South Rim drive, you will encounter a small campground, the visitor center, and the 12 canyon overlooks listed above.
The walking distance from the parking area to any of the 12 viewpoints on the South Rim drive is rarely more than a quarter-mile roundtrip. None are more than half a mile.
The best viewpoints on the South Rim are Painted Wall and Pulpit Rock. Cedar Point or Dragon Point are also beautiful and the best places to photograph sunset in the South Rim region.
๐ Black Canyon of the Gunnison North Rim Viewpoints
There 6 total viewpoints in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison North Rim region. Listed in order of appearance, they are:
- Chasm View North
- The Narrows View
- Balanced Rock View
- Big Island View
- Island Peaks View
- Kneeling Camel View
The entire Black Canyon of the Gunnison North Rim Drive is only 4 miles end to end, beginning at the Chasm View trail and ending at Kneeling Camel view.
The road is not paved, but it is well-maintained and standard 2WD vehicles are completely fine.
From the parking areas, none of the individual viewpoints along the Black Canyon North Rim require more than 100-300 yards of walking (less than a quarter mile) roundtrip.
The best viewpoints on the North Rim drive are Chasm View (especially for sunrise) and Balanced Rock View (especially for sunset). As the distances are so short, however, we recommend visiting each overlook just to see them all!
๐ฅพ Hiking in Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
Unlike most national parks, few hiking trails exist in the Black Canyon.
Instead, visitors should expect to take a few short walks that lead to assorted overlooks along a short stretch of road. Each viewpoint provides a slightly different view of the sheer walls and roaring river for which the park is known.
You can hike to the bottom of the Black Canyon from both rims via one of several drop points, but there is no official trail.
๐ Black Canyon South Rim Hikes
Warner Point Nature Trail
Distance: 1.5 mile roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Despite the short distance, the Warner Point Nature Trail is a fairly steep and strenuous trail that begins at High Point. It is easily achievable at only 3/4 mile each way, but the views are not as good as most that you will discover throughout the rest of the park.
The primary reason to hike this short trail is to discover views more panoramic of the distant mountains than usually found in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Rim Rock Nature Trail
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This short trail is exactly what the name suggests: a quick jaunt following the rim. It begins in the campground (Loop C) and follows the rim 1 mile, ending at the Visitor Center. If you have two cars, you can cut the hike in half by leaving one at each place!
Oak Flat Trail
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Probably the most popular and certainly the most unique hike in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim is the Oak Flat Trail. Expect some elevation gain as you ascend and descend a short way into the canyon.
This is the only trail in the park that allows visitors a glimpse of what things look like below the rim without descending all the way to the river below. Despite the name, it is not flat!
The trail begins at the Visitor Center. We recommend beginning by going LEFT at the fork, climbing only slightly up. The best views were a short distance from this point so those who do not wish to battle the steep up and down can simply turn around after enjoying the view.
๐โโ๏ธ Black Canyon North Rim Hikes
Chasm View Trail
Distance: 0.3 mile loop
Difficulty: Very easy, disability-friendly
The ranger at the visitor center described the Chasm View trail as “the best quarter mile hike in Colorado.” I’m not sure I quite agree, but it is certainly worth the short walk!
Find the trailhead in the North Rim campground. It is well-signed and there are plenty of parking areas to choose from.
After a short walk, you will encounter two fenced viewing platforms offering dramatic views of the Painted Wall and the Gunnison River below. This is the best place for photographing sunrise in the park and is popular for stargazing as well.
North Vista Trail (Exclamation Point & Green Mountain)
Distance (roundtrip): 3 miles to Exclamation Point, 7 miles to Green Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate to Exclamation Point, Strenuous to Green Mountain
The North Vista Trail begins at the North Rim ranger station, which is more of an information point than true visitor center. It provides a fairly gentle stroll to two viewpoints in Exclamation Point and Green Mountain.
We would recommend most visitors take the time to visit Exclamation Point as this is one of the better views in the entire Black Canyon National Park. This should only require about two hours or less in total to hike and enjoy. The additional hike to Green Mountain will add an additional 2-3 hours and some elevation gain.
If you are an early riser, consider Exclamation Point for sunrise! It looks straight down the canyon walls and Gunnison River to where the sun will be rising.
Deadhorse Trail
Distance (roundtrip): 5.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
We do not generally recommend the Deadhorse Trail unless you just have more time than you know what to do with on your visit to the North Rim. Rather than hiking along the rim, the path takes you about 2.5 miles through scrub brush and desert before finally arriving at an apologetically mediocre viewpoint.
For those who need to see it all, the trailhead for Deadhorse Trail begins in a parking area at the far end of the North Rim, just past Kneeling Camel View.
Hiking to the Bottom of the Black Canyon (Gunnison River Hike)
For some, peering down into the vast Black Canyon of the Gunnison is just not enough. The adventurous hikers have the option to leave the rim overlooks behind and venture deep down into the inner canyon, all the way down to the Gunnison River.
Be aware that despite a relatively short distance, this hike is not to be taken lightly!
Visitors are expected to be very physically fit, experienced, and prepared. Part of this preparation is acquiring a permit before entering the depths of the Black Canyon.
Hikers beginning on the South Rim need to go to the South Rim visitor center to receive their permit. These are given on a first come first serve basis, and numbers are limited.
North Rim hikers need only fill out a self-registration form at the North Rim visitor center.
All permits for hiking into the Black Canyon are free.
If you are thinking of hiking to the bottom, be sure to visit the official Black Canyon of the Gunnison NPS site for all information regarding permits and preparation.
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๐ Top 5 Best Things to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
The majority of visitors will simply poke in and out at each of the overlooks, marveling at the sheer drops and narrow canyons for which Black Canyon is known.
However, those with the time and interest will discover a handful of other adventures to be had on their visit.
๐ 1. Drive the Black Canyon scenic Rim Road(s)
Both the North Rim and South Rim regions of Black Canyon of the Gunnison are explorable via rim roads. The South Rim Road offers 12 unique viewpoints, while the North Rim Road offers 6.
The views dotting these short drives are spectacular! If possible, try to see them all and stay for sunset. Even on a short visit, you should have time to explore every viewpoint.
๐ง 2. Explore the inner canyon
For the adventurous readers, gawking at the vertical canyon walls will not be enough; they need to explore the depths!
Rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking have all become popular options for exploring the inner canyon for the adrenaline junkies among us.
If this is you, be sure to read up on the required permits and preparations on the official NPS page before visiting.
๐ 3. Go stargazing at a dark sky reserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was recently recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Accordingly, it is an amazing place to go stargazing and capture the Milky Way.
In this remote region of Colorado, you will discover some of the darkest skies you will see anywhere in the US!
๐ฆ 4. Watch for wildlife
At the South Rim visitor center, you will find a board listing recent wildlife sightings and locations for each. Due to the remote location of the park, animals have made themselves very at home.
Most of the wildlife you will discover will be winged, including several species of birds. Listen for the unmistakable sound of the swifts and swallows as they speed through the echoing canyon! You are also likely to encounter mule deer, peregrine falcons, and several small species of rodents. The truly lucky may even spot a mountain lion or ringtail.
๐ 5. Watch the sunset, stay for twilight
While the camera may struggle trying to capture the dark canyon floor as the sun sets into the horizon, your eyes are in for an absolute treat!
After the sun goes to rest, the colors of the canyon become somehow more vibrant in the now-even light.
๐ Planning Your Visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
This section of the guide is aimed at the logistical portion of planning a trip to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. In it, we will cover the when, where, and why for creating a fun itinerary for your visit.
๐ When to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The South Rim is accessible year round, though winter can make for challenging conditions at such a high elevation.
The Black Canyon North Rim road closes entirely in the winter! Typically, this means that access will be extremely limited from November until mid-April.
โณ How Many Days to Spend in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
An overnight visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is plenty of time to see either the North Rim or South Rim, but 2-3 days is needed to explore both.
As you may have noted by now, the park is impressive but not particularly large. We typically recommend one night at each rim if time allows, providing opportunities for multiple sunsets and at least 1 or 2 nights of stargazing.
With that said, two days / one night is enough to see the entirety of both rims including the drive in-between, as long as you are not planning to hike to the canyon floor.
โบ๏ธ Where to Stay in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Camping is the only option to stay in Black Canyon NP as there is no lodging available in the park. Both the North Rim and South Rim sections have campsites. but the North Rim is extremely limited with only 13 sites.
Additionally, there is ample BLM land for dispersed camping just outside the entrance gate.
The closest town to the Black Canyon South Rim is Montrose, where you will find a variety of lodging options.
There are fewer options for accommodation for the North Rim, with Crawford being the closest town.
๐โโ๏ธ FAQs About Black Canyon of the Gunnison
How much time do I need to see the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP?
One full day is enough to see one region of Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP. Due to the distance between North Rim and South Rim, a second day is required to see both.
The entire South Rim Drive is only 6-7 miles, and the North Rim Drive is only 4 miles. Minimal walking is required at each viewpoint, so each rim can be thoroughly explored in just a few hours.
That said, those wishing to visit both rims must add about 2 hours of drive time between them, and hikers wishing to go to the bottom should add 4-6 hours minimum as well.
Is the Black Canyon North Rim worth visiting?
The North Rim provides similar but arguably better canyon views than the South Rim, and is highly recommended for those who have the time to travel to this remote region.
In addition to the improved views, this section of the park is also much quieter.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP: Which rim is better?
While the Black Canyon South Rim is more popular, most agree that the vistas from the North Rim are more photogenic. The major drawbacks to the North Rim is that the road is not paved, facilities and services are minimal, and there is very little ranger presence.
If you are hoping to do some ranger talks, require electric hook ups, or want a shorter detour, the south rim is the better option.
Can you stay overnight at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Both the North Rim and South Rim of the Black Canyon NP have camping available, but it is limited. The North Rim offers only 13 small, minimal spaces. The South Rim has 3 loops of a similar size, one of which also provides electric hook ups.
If these are full, you are required to leave the park to camp.
Can you hike to the bottom of the Black Canyon?
You can hike to the bottom of the Black Canyon via several drop points, but there is no official trail. Advanced notice is required if you wish to attempt the journey, and survival / navigational skills are strongly recommended due to the lack of official trails.
How long is the hike to the bottom of the Black Canyon?
The hike to the Gunnison River at the bottom of the Black Canyon is between 1.5 – 2 miles down depending on the starting point. Due to the extremely steep descent, most hikers require 4-6 hours to complete the journey down and back.
Are dogs allowed in Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the US. They are not allowed on some of the longer hiking trails, but they are welcome at all of the major viewpoints.
Is there a bridge across the Black Canyon?
There is no bridge adjoining the North Rim to the South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The only way to get from one to the other is via a 77-mile drive that takes approximately 2 hours.
Is the park open year-round?
The South Rim is open all hours, all days. The North Rim, however, closes in the winter. This typically occurs in late November and reopens in mid-April. The South Rim also closes for vehicle traffic beyond Gunnison Point in the winter, but can be access by snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
What is the best place for sunset at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
The best places to watch sunset on the South Rim of Black Canyon are at Cedar Point or Dragon Point, though Sunset Point is the most popular option and provides picnic tables.
We also loved Dragon Point and Painted Wall if you have multiple nights to photograph. However, if you are limited to just one sunset, we highly recommend spending it at Cedar Point.
Good western views are more limited on the other side of Black Canyon National Park. The best place for sunset on the North Rim is at Balanced Rock View, but you will need to walk a short way to the right of the official viewpoint for the best view.
The views from the man-made viewing platform leaves a lot to be desired. From there, look to your right and find the small primitive trail leading along the rim. Within a minute or two, you will discover the incredible vista above which features the Gunnison River running directly through the scene.
What is the best place for sunrise at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Sunrise is a magical time at Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, and the best place to view it is Chasm View on the North Rim.
Fortunately, this is also where the campground is locatred which makes it a beautiful and convenient location.
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๐ค Fun Facts About Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is not named for the color of its rock, but rather because its steepness means that some parts of the canyon receive only 33 minutes of sunlight per day.
- The Black Canyon’s Painted Wall is the biggest cliff in Colorado.
- The lowest elevation within the canyon is 5,440 feet at the Gunnison River and the highest elevation is 8,775 feet at Signal Hill.
- Prior to becoming a national park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison was first established as a national monument on March 2, 1933.
- At its deepest, the canyon reaches a depth of 2,722 feet (829 m) at Warner Point.
๐ More Colorado and Southwest Travel Guides
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For many of you reading, your visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will be part of a greater adventure.
If you enjoyed the photos and descriptions of this guide, browse our other regional blogs as well for further inspiration and information:
- Colorado National Monument Guide
- Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park
- Ultimate Guide to Utah Slots Canyons
- One Day in the Grand Canyon
๐ฌ Final Thoughts on Visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below ๐
We arrived at the park with ironically shallow expectations. Most of the photos we found during our research were dull and uninspired.
By the time we went to bed that first night, the Black Canyon had found itself a spot on our Top 10 National Parks list! There is truly no place quite like it anywhere else on Earth.
We hope you have found this guide helpful, comprehensive, and inspiring. If there is anything that is not accurate or out of date, please kindly let us know in the comments below. Likewise, we would love to hear about your experience and welcome all tips and insights to help us improve!
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