Black Canyon of the Gunnison

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How to Visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison: A First-Timer's Adventure

While we might not have Utah’s Mighty Five, Colorado’s four national parks are some of the top ranked national parks in the entire USA visited. Rocky Mountain National Park boasts number 4 on the most visited list, with the Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde not far behind.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison receives quite a few less visitors. However, this lesser known national park is now one of our top destinations in western Colorado to visit. 

If you’re wondering what is special about Black Canyon of the Gunnison, keep reading. This National Park is a hidden gem in Colorado’s big mountain world!

Getting from Colorado Springs to Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a long (ish) but easy drive, making a visit to this national park a great weekend destination.

Desert beauty is all around at the Black Canyon National Park.

Is Black Canyon of the Gunnison worth it? 

Hiking the Black Canyon of Gunnison and camping on site is a treat you should not miss! Plan at least 2 nights in this magical blackout national park, taking in stunning sky views and stars for days along with jaw dropping canyon views along it’s rim road. Truly a one-of-a-kind delight to enjoy, the Black Canyon of Gunnison. 

Enjoy short simple hikes or take the ultimate canyon trek down to the bottom. Plan a weekend of camping in the Black Canyon of Gunnison official campground or grab a first come, first serve spot in the canyon along the Gunnison River.

Make sure to spend one evening watching the sun set at Sunset Point. Nearby mountain town, Montrose, provides great places to eat and a recreation center to cool off and shower.

How long should I spend at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?

Mighty but small, two nights and three days is ample time to spend at Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We chose to spend a weekend camping. From Colorado Springs, it takes around 6 hours to drive to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. For that distance, we wanted to get our money’s worth at this national park, taking in the sites and doing some hiking.

If you live nearby, it is an easy day trip. For those coming from Denver or Colorado Springs, make it a weekend to remember!

2024 UPDATE! Make sure to check current road conditions in this area. There has been bridge issues and road closures.

Where is Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park?

Located in Southwest Colorado, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has two rims. The most popular side of the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, South Rim, is closest to the town of Montrose. North Rim is 11 miles from Crawford.

Table of Contents

Directions to Gunnison National Park

Camping In Black Canyon National Park

Favorite Hikes along South Rim

Best Sunset Spots

Other Activities in the Park

Nearby Attractions

MONTROSE *BEST SHOWERS

3 Day Guide - Visiting Gunnison National Park

How do I get to Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park?

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is in southwest Colorado. To reach the South Rim, drive 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from U.S. Highway 50, east of Montrose. The GPS address is 9800 Hwy 347, Montrose.

To get to the North Rim, go 11 miles southwest of Crawford. From CO Highway 92, turn west on Black Canyon Road, 3 miles south of Crawford. The GPS address is 7295 Black Canyon Road, Crawford. Note that the last 7 miles are unpaved and the North Rim is closed to vehicles in the winter.

There's no bridge between the two rims, so allow 2 to 3 hours to drive from one to the other. Public transportation isn't available within the park, but you can find bus and airplane services in Montrose, Gunnison, or Grand Junction.

From Colorado Springs to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, plan on around 6 hours for this 300+ mile drive.

Purchase wood here before entering the Gunnison National Park.

INSIDER TIP

There is no wood available to buy within the Gunnison National Park. You must purchase wood before entering. There is a store located at the first Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park sign. Stop here and purchase wood.

As of the time of this writing, only cash was accepted for wood purchase.

Where can I camp at Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park?

South Rim

We stayed at the South Rim Campground (6 hour drive from Colorado Springs). Loop C is first come/first served if you are unable to get a reservation. Loop B has electricity options.

Through ARVIE, we got a last-minute campground reservation due to someone else’s last minute cancellation this past weekend.

Bathrooms at South Rim Campsite

With 3 loops and 102 campsites, booking at least 3-4 months in advance will most likely get you a spot in the campground. Sitting at 8,400 feet above sea level, it’s the perfect mix of desert heat during the day and cold temperatures at night.

Learn more about getting last-minute campsites through ARVIE. ARVIE is a great way to get some of those coveted sites that someone else had to drop.  Simply enter the campground you desire and the dates you want to go. When someone drops their reservation, yours is automatically added!

What can I expect at the Black Canyon of Gunnison campground?

At the South Rim Campground, many of the campsites are very exposed, perfect for star watching at night but not so great for daytime hot sun. Bring an awning to set up – it makes the noon sun tolerable and keeps you cool in those hot moments.

There are two vaulted toilets per loop. So yes, mornings and nights are quite busy. We found the toilets to be kept clean and well stocked with hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

Each campsite has a very large bear box. Everything should be put away in the bear box or locked in your car whenever you leave the campsite. This means day or night. The bear box gets VERY hot, melting food that you might stash in there. All our s’mores chocolate became hot chocolate.

South Rim campsite

East Portal Campground

At the base of the trail is East Portal Campground. Covered in trees, it’s a small and shady place right next to the river.

Vaulted toilets are on site. We visited this campsite in the middle of the day so the bug situation wasn’t too terrible. Speaking with some campers, they mentioned bug spray was a must at night.

As you are along the river, there is a constant cool breeze. A very small campsite, it has 15 campsites available first come, first served. The sites are quite close to each other so bring ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper.

North Rim

The North Rim campground is remote, featuring 13 first-come, first-served sites among pinyon and juniper trees. The last 7 miles of the road are unpaved, and services are limited.

Please use designated tent pads and avoid attaching anything to trees to protect vegetation. The maximum combined length for RVs, cars, and trailers is 22 feet, and generators are prohibited.

Elevation is 7767 ft (2367 m).

What to bring to Black Canyon of the Gunnison three day/two night camping trip

Keep this mantra in your back pocket when packing for a Colorado camping trip.

Six Ps: Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

Each South Rim Campsite has a bear box. Use it!

What should I bring when camping at Black Canyon of Gunnison?

You cannot bring outside wood to the campsite. They are very strict about cross contamination of insects and disease from other areas. Colorado continues to fight Beetle Kill.

At the intersection of 50 and 347, a bit more than half a mile ot the campground is a store with piles of wood stacked outside. Stop there and stock up on wood. Make sure to do this before heading into the campground. While only .6 miles from the campground, it’s a long and windy road that takes about 15 minutes.

Because of where this campground is located, water is brought in from the outside. Consider bringing your own jugs of water from home. We always camp with a 7 gallon jug. Fill it up at home and help keep water in this region.

OUR CAMPING WEEKEND LIST

For a complete list of what to bring camping along with how to prepare meals ahead of time, head to our top 12 campgrounds in Colorado.

Our Dagmi Sherpa Blankets work amazing for Colorado camping!

Did you forget some camping essentials?

Montrose has a large Walmart outfitted with a large camping section. We assumed, wrongly, that flies couldn’t fly at 8,000’ altitude. Happy to report there were several kinds of spray to get at Wally world.

While we believe camping at Gunnison National Park is the best, it might not be your kind of fun! Below are some great options for non campers near the park.

This 3 bedroom cabin has jaw dropping views of the West Elks Mountain range and Grand Mesa from their front porch. Located within minutes of the Black Canyon National Park. If you prefer nature with a bit of luxury, stay in this one of a kind treehouse in the heart of Montrose. Combine city life with national park hiking at this modern home in Montrose (pet friendly!)

Enjoying a quiet morning at the Gunnison National Park South Rim campground

How do you spend a day at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?

We highly recommend a full weekend at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Hiking, fishing, or bird watching are great ways to pass the time at this national park. Make sure to stay up late each night for stargazing. Download a stargazing app like Sky Safari before leaving cell reception. The later the night, the more brilliant the sky!

On our camping weekend, we had slow mornings followed by drives and hikes at various overpasses. After an exceptionally hot hike, we took the afternoon in Montrose, showering at the recreation center. All the details of our weekend are below!

Hike views along the South Rim in Gunnison National Park

FAVORITE HIKES IN GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK

Hiking the South Rim of Black Canyon National Park is perfect for families. As you drive along the South Rim road, there are many well marked pull outs with short easy hikes to spectacular overlooks. Plan 4-6 hours to drive and stop at each lookout point.

Short on time? Below are some favorite hikes we think you should make time for stopping and hiking.

Overlook at Pulpit Rock

PULPIT ROCK

*PERFECT STRETCH YOUR LEGS TRAIL

A very short (less than 1/2 mile) out and back trail, Pulpit Rock takes you to a stunning overlook. We headed out in the middle of the day, enjoying unobstructed views of the canyon. While short in length, views are worth the stop. Bring a snack or pen and paper (like a fellow visitor) and pen a poem or sketch a picture.

RIm Rock Trail in Gunnison National Park

RIM ROCK TRAIL

*EASY ANY TIME HIKE

At 1 mile, this trail takes you along the canyon rim, connecting the South Rim Visitor Center to the South Rim Campground. We loved all the birds along this route as well as the desert flowers. An easy and well marked route, turn around at the very clean long drop toilets. The trailhead is at the campsite just right outside of Loop C.

Just minutes from the South Rim Campground, meandering along the south rim at sunrise or sunset gives you great views of the canyon and it’s green foliage and desert flowers. We walked this route each night we camped, enjoying the buzz of nature, birds singing and spectacular canyon views.

NOTE! This is the perfect hike to do on your first day. Typically, when camping, we arrive late afternoon, taking 1-2 hours to set up camp.

Before or after dinner, walk down the road to this well marked trailhead and start walking along a very well-marked trail. You can do this hike in sandals. However, we kept our shoes and socks on to keep our feet clean. It is very dusty.

Rim Rock Trail Details

PAINTED WALL

*A MUST SEE HIKE

The Painted Wall in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a must-see natural wonder. Standing at 2,250 feet, it is the highest cliff in Colorado, showcasing striking patterns of pink and white streaks against dark rock.

These unique patterns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, create a stunning visual display that leaves visitors in awe. Whether you're hiking, driving along the rim, or simply soaking in the views, the Painted Wall is a highlight of the park that shouldn't be missed.

PS. The day we went, a young lady disregarded the safety signs and sat on the very edge of the cliff. I was so unnerved by her posture, I had to leave. I sometimes wonder about humanity.

WARNER NATURE TRAIL

*GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO STEEP HIKING

This trail takes you to the trailhead for Warner Point Trail. A 1.5 mile out and back with under 500 elevation gain, this is a great route for a taste of what the Warner Trail holds. We went in the evening, enjoying cool mountain air, birds singing and green foliage. Truly a wonderful way to spend an hour!

WARNER POINT TRAIL

*FOR THE ADVENTURER

You must have a permit to access this trail.

NOTE: We met up with hikers on day two who were coming back from this route. Their advice for securing a permit? Arrive at the Visitor’s Center around 7:40am to secure a permit especially on a weekend even this time of year. As with many national parks, you can pay for a permit in advance or apply for a lottery of open permits 24 hours ahead of time.

For all the details about how to secure a permit for Werner Point, head here.

Permits release at 3:30 pm the day before. We considered this trail but ended up bailing due to the heat index predicted for the base that day.

This is a 4.3 mile out and back hike with a 3,051’ elevation gain. While super easy to get down, the hiking up is challenging and long. Similar conditions to the Grand Canyon hikes below rim, you must be prepared with plenty of water, good hiking shoes, sun protection and food. Consider bringing a cooling towel as well.

PRIMITIVE ROUTE *AKA DEVIL’S BACKBONE

*HIGH ADRENALINE WITH NO DIRECTIONS

A one mile rock scramble along the river a the base of the canyon, this is a challenging hike. You’ll need to get to the bottom of the canyon which requires all wheel drive vehicle.  A very windy and steep paved road, this drive is not for the faint of heart. Know how to shift gears before you try this out! Cars over 22 feet are not allowed including trailers.

We downloaded the trail and tried to follow it along the river. There is a ton of scrambling and lots of vegetation to climb over and through. It is quite hot in the canyon so while shorts and tanks might feel great, your legs will say a big thank you for wearing pants.

Consider stopping in at the ranger station to get information about this trail. They have a large book with maps and pictures, showing you what to expect along this trail. We took notes and were still a bit confused along the way.

You can summit a very steep narrow trail to the top. However, you must be sure in your footing and unafraid of heights. If you happen to fall, you will land in the mighty rushing river. It is very dangerous and frankly not worth the risk to either of us. This area is very overgrown and not well traveled.

For all the nitty gritty of this hike, head to Go Hike Colorado’s great descriptive post!

How long does it take to drive around Black Canyon of the Gunnison? 

To navigate both rims, North and South, you’ll need at least 2 days. Plan a day to drive down the 5 mile East Portal Road. At the base is a small campground along with a hiking trail to explore. This road is closed in winter. North Rim is 11 miles northeast of Crawford, Colorado. A first come, first served campsite is available in summer. This road is also closed during winter.

NOTE! From Colorado Springs to Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim, plan on a 6 hour drive. It is about the same to the North Rim.

South Rim

Take at least 4-6 hours to drive the scenic route along the south rim, stopping at the many overlooks along the way. The 7 mile South Rim road has 12 overlook spots. Some are simply get out of your car, head to the rim, take a few looks and head back. Other spots require walking to the overlooks.

North Rim

We didn’t get to the North Rim. However, friends who’ve gone rave about the North Rim’s 5 overlooks along the North Rim Road.

The North Rim is reached via a gravel road and lacks a visitor center, but it offers superior views into the narrowest section of the canyon. Dirty Shoes and Epic Views recommend taking a short hike on the Chasm View Nature Trail. A short 0.3 mile loop hike that starts at the North Rim Campground, this hike gives you great viewing of the narrowest parts of the canyon.

For more details on exploring the North Rim, head to Earth Trekkers for their favorite tips visiting this side of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Gunnison River

SOUTH RIM DO NOT MISS MOMENTS

Campground Ranger Talks

The ranger talks at South Rim Campground were excellent both nights we attended. While typically we shy away from these events, the rangers were super interesting.

One night we learned about the Bighorn sheep population in the park and the reintegration of this amazing animal to the park.

The second night we attended a 10 pm ranger talk the Black Canyon of Gunnison International Dark Sky status.

Bringing large telescopes for us to use, the rangers guided us in looking at the beautiful Colorado sky and learning about this area of the country.

Fishing on the Gunnison River

*Permits are required and easy to obtain at the the local Montrose Walmart

The Gunnison River in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a Gold Medal Water & Wild Trout Water, known for some of Colorado's best trout fishing.

Starting 200 yards downstream of Crystal Dam and extending to the North Fork of the Gunnison River, this area offers exceptional opportunities for catching large trout. It's a prime spot for serious fishing enthusiasts.

Best Sunset Views

If you’re wondering where can I watch the sunset in Black Canyon of the Gunnison, we have a few spots we loved.

SUNSET VIEW: Yep, while the name implies the best sunset view, Sunset View is the perfect spot for watching the sunset. We got there about an hour before the sunset and several people had already set up chairs and cameras.

You’ll need to come early and not leave if you want to watch the sunset without obstruction. There is a small landing you can stand on for the perfect canyon view.

The parking lot holds around 30 cars, which was full by the time the sun began setting. There are also 2 well maintained vault toilets. There is a short paved trail leading down to the best sunset watching spot.

PAINTED WALL: Painted Wall plumments 2,250 feet from rim to canyon floor, known to be the tallest cliff in Colorado. As for the best views, sunset is pretty spectacular at this spot.

Facing west with ample seating options, this would make a great place to set up camp chairs, drink in hand as the sun goes down.

As most people head to Sunset Point, this might be a better spot for a bit of peace and quiet. The sun is quite harsh during daylight hours. For the best photo chances, come early morning or golden hour.

DRAGON POINT: We think Dragon Point is worth mentioning for views. Expect to walk around 100 yards on an unpaved trail to the lookout point. Large boulders give you ample seating opportunities to settle in for a sunset views. Scrub oak flanks most of the area.

Stargazing

Where is the best place to stargaze in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison? International Dark Sky status makes this one of the few areas in the USA with exceptional views of stars and planets.

Matt, Melody’s husband, stayed up past midnight looking at the night sky. He said it was worth every lost second of sleep. Honestly any place in the park is prime real estate to look at the stars. The views are stunning no matter where you set up camp.

Visiting Nearby Montrose

How far is Montrose from Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park?

After hiking on day 2, we were hot and sticky and feeling the need for a shower. The Montrose Recreational Center sells all day passes for $7.50/each. You have access to the entire center – from giant pools and slides to full court basketball, racquetball, and tennis along with a full fitness center.

WHERE CAN I SHOWER?

The recreation center showers are clean with hot water! You must bring a towel. They do provide body wash but no lotion, shampoo etc.

Best Places to Eat In Montrose

Double Barrel Taco Company

347 E Main St, Montrose, CO 81401

Probably some of the best guacamole I’ve had, maybe it was the heat but man was Double Barrel great! Air Conditioning is bonus and plenty of ice water for the win!

Pomona Brewing Company

830 N Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO 81401

Montrose has several breweries. We only went into town one day and Pomona won our hearts with it’s vast variety of craft beers!

McDonalds

I’m a sucker for McD’s vanilla cones. For the past 27 years and counting, my husband and I get a cone every date night. (That is, if the ice cream machine is working.) The Montrose McDonalds is one of only a dozen in the world with a single arch. We stopped and bought ice cream cones at this iconic establishment.

Weekend Planner for Camping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Spending a weekend at Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an excellent way to experience the stunning beauty and rugged landscapes of the park. Here is a suggested itinerary to make the most of your visit.

Preplan meals to keep mess at minimum

Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration

Morning: Depart from Colorado Springs early to maximize your time at the park. *It’s at least a 6 hour drive.

Afternoon: Arrive at the park and set up your campsite. Consider camping at the South Rim Campground for easy access to popular trails and viewpoints.

Late Afternoon/Evening: After setting up camp, take a scenic drive along the South Rim Road, stopping at the various viewpoints to get your first glimpse of the canyon. Popular stops include Gunnison Point, Pulpit Rock, and Painted Wall. Finish the day with a sunset at Sunset View.

OR

Stretch your legs and hike the Rim Rock Trail, taking the trailhead from South Rim campground.

Spectacular views at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Day 2: Hiking and Exploring

Morning: Start with an early morning hike to beat the heat and enjoy the tranquility of the park. Options include the short but stunning Rim Rock Trail or the more challenging Warner Point Nature Trail.

Midday: Return to your campsite for lunch and relaxation. Keep in mind. It’s HOT so unless you have a shady campsite, you might enjoy venturing down to the canyon base and fishing along the Gunnison River.

Afternoon: For an adventurous hike, try the strenuous Warner Point Trail on the South Rim or the Chasm View Nature Trail on the North Rim. These offer incredible views and a chance to immerse yourself in the park's unique landscape.

Evening: After dinner, enjoy stargazing in this National Park's International Dark Sky

The clear skies offer excellent opportunities to see constellations and possibly the Milky Way. *Ranger talks each night are exceptional here!

More stunning views from overlooks

Day 3: Final Activities and Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning, perhaps with a short hike or a final drive along the South Rim Road to revisit your favorite viewpoints.

Late Morning: Pack up your campsite and prepare for departure. *Check out is usually around 10 am.

Early Afternoon: On your way back to Colorado Springs, consider stopping at Curecanti National Recreation Area for a brief visit or a scenic drive along the route.

Camping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers an unforgettable experience filled with amazing stargazing, fun hikes, and incredible nature. The solitude and serenity of the park provide the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with the great outdoors.

Whether you're exploring the rugged trails, marveling at the stunning canyon views, or relaxing under a sky full of stars, a camping trip here promises to leave you refreshed and inspired.

Melodie Monberg