Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The beauty of the canyon covers 30,244 acres, or 47.26 square miles, bringing over 173,000 visitors every year. The greatest depth of the canyon plunges 2,722 feet from the top of the walls and stretches 1,500 feet from side to side. These measurements cause sunlight to only briefly illuminate the canyon, hence the name "Black Canyon" of the Gunnison. A geologists dream, the rushing water from the Gunnison River (always visible from the rim) cuts into rocks, some as old as 2 billion years. However, for those not in the field of geology, the Black Canyon provides excitement and activities for everyone.
When exploring the Black Canyon, you can chose activities from a range of easy to extremely strenuous and dangerous. For the lover of extreme sports, expert rock climbing along the canyon walls is available (pre-climbing and post-climbing registration is required). Hiking in the inner canyon is also possible, though you must obtain a permit from the visitor center before trying this. Only a few people descend the canyon to access the river activities of the raging Gunnison River. Kayaking and white water rafting down the wild Gunnison River is an exciting activity for the extreme sport lover.
Hiking along the outer rim of the canyon offers both easy and strenuous trails. There are trails on the North Rim, the South Rim, and on inner-canyon routes that descend deep into the canyon. Rangers are available to give guided walks along the easier trails. Also offered are ranger talks and lunch with a ranger. For children ages 7-12, Black Canyon offers a junior ranger program which gives the child a badge, certificate and pencil after completing the booklet. There are also 4 wheelchair accessible overlooks to enjoy views. Instead of risking the hike down, it is possible drive down to the bottom of the canyon via the East Portal Road. The road is paved and starts near the south rim entrance and the view at the bottom makes an excellent contrast to that at the rim.
The visitor center also provides academic activities for the whole family. In July 2000, the visitor center added new interactive exhibits to learn more about the park. A digital theater provides two orientation programs for you to become more acquainted with the park. The Curecanti National Recreation Area is also close by.
Downloads:
Download an area map of
(Map provided by the U.S. National Park Service)
Directions:
To South Rim: 15 miles east of Montrose, via U.S. Hwy 50 and CO Hwy 347
To North Rim: 11 miles south of Crawford, via CO Hwy 92 and North Rim Road (closed in winter)
Places to Stay & Fun things to Do
Gunnison's premier fishing guide service: Fly-fish for trophy brown & rainbow trout on Blue Mesa Res, or on the Gunnison River. Trolling & Jigging for Kokanee Salmon, brown & rainbow trout, plus Lake Trout.
Twice Named Colorado's "Company of the Year." Offering 1/2 to 10 day whitewater rafting trips on 5 Colorado rivers. Featuring Inn-to-Inn rafting, horseback riding, jeeping and downhill mountain biking.
Country comfort & charm featuring a garden courtyard with redwood deck, swimming pool & hot tub on Main Street in Montrose. Motel rooms, kitchenettes & non-smoking rooms. Ask about 3-bedroom CABIN!
Highlights are The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, our nation's newest National Park and Curecanti, a National Recreation Area including the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water.
Newly updated cabin-ettes, most with full kitchens. Ol' fashion ambiance on 3 acres of shaded lawn. A half-mile west of Gunnison, walk to the River. Near fishing, boating, rafting, hunting, horses, and hiking.
New owners & management! "Yogi Bear" visits & activities. At the foot of the San Juan Mountains in Montrose, spacious full hookup sites (pull thrus), family cabins, indoor/outdoor pool, enclosed hot tub.
This SMOKE FREE CABIN is for you. Secluded on 160 acres for your privacy. In the picturesque Onion Valley, 9 miles southeast of Crawford. This cabin is fully equipped, peaceful, and quiet. No phone or TV!
More Activities & Information
Gunnison - includes Almont, Blue Mesa Lake, Ohio City, Parlin, Sargents, Sapinero, Taylor Park & Waunita Hot Springs
Montrose Area - includes Cimarron & Olathe
Crawford
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area • Great Sand Dunes National Park • Hovenweep National Monument • Mesa Verde National Park • Pawnee National Grassland • Pikes Peak • Rocky Mountain National Park • The United States Air Force Academy
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