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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park |
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102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-641-2337
Fax: 970-641-3127
Open All Year
Overview.0 Dark gray walls of schist and gneiss rarely allow sunlight to brighten the bed of the Gunnison River as it snakes through the Black Canyon. So-called for its deep shadows, the "black" canyon plunges a steep 2,660 feet from the rim to the river. Sometimes the bottomland is only 40 feet wide, while the walls rise thousands of feet vertically almost from the river's edge. Prehistoric peoples and later the Ute Indians stayed up top along the rim, using the precipitous drop as a weapon by driving deer or buffalo over the edge. Spanish explorers missed this narrow gorge completely; Capt. John W. Gunnison, after whom the river is named, bypassed the canyon; only in the late 19th century did those of European descent first reckon with it.
After the 1873-74 Hayden Expedition dismissed the canyon as "inaccessible," interest was rekindled with the early 20th-century drive to irrigate arid areas. Many years and one successful float down the river later, the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel was completed in 1909. To preserve the river and spectacular gorge from further tinkering, 12 of the most awe-inspiring miles were designated a national monument. In 1999, the canyon received national park status.Today visitors enjoy rim drives and overlooks, while hardy climbers and hikers tackle the formidable canyon walls.
What to see and do. 0 Because descent into the canyon is tricky, most visitors are content to drive along the scenic rim roads. There are two: the North and South Rim roads. The only road access to the river itself is via a steep, switchback-filled, 16 percent grade on the eastern boundary of the monument, at East Portal. Begin your exploration on the south rim at the handicapped-accessible visitor center, which is open summers from 8am until 6pm daily and 8:30am to 4pm during the winter. Exhibits introduce the canyon's geologic and human history. Be sure to join one of the scheduled ranger-led nature walks to the canyon's rim for an even better explanation of the canyon's unique features.
For the south drive, you can buy a self-guiding pamphlet at the center. Along the seven-mile road, you'll be able to turn off at 12 scenic overlooks, three of which are handicapped-accessible. From some of the overlooks, nature trails lead you to the very edge of the canyon. Don't miss the Painted Wall View overlook. Once-liquid lava squeezed into nooks and crannies, eventually hardening into a different color from the base rock. While gazing at the splendid natural scenery, keep your eyes open for the endangered peregrine falcon. This canyon is one of its last homes in Colorado. You may also see golden eagles and falcons coasting on the air currents that rise from the gorge, or perhaps bighorn sheep picking their way gingerly down the walls.
The South Rim campground, located back toward the visitor center, has two handicapped-accessible campsites. On your initial drive in, you'll see it before you get to the center.
The two rim roads are not connected, but you can get directions from park rangers. Open only during summertime, the unpaved five-mile North Rim Drive offers six overlooks. At one end of the road you'll find a ranger station, and the campground is at the same location, also closed during winter.
There's a lot of backcountry to explore in the monument, but a descent requires climbing experience and stamina for rough terrain. Rewards include glimpses of owls, elk, and beaver, to name only some of the canyon's permanent residents. Obtain free permits as well as sound advice from rangers about hiking and climbing possibilities. There are no marked trails in the canyon.
During the winter season, the north rim closes entirely, and the South Rim Road is plowed as far as the visitor center. Snow-season visitors bring their cross-country skis for a breathtaking tour along the rim. If you call ahead, you can reserve a spot on monthly moonlight ski tours as well as Saturday and Sunday snowshoe hikes.
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