About Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.
Things to do: Astronomy · Stargazing · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · RV Camping · Climbing · Rock Climbing · Fishing · Fly Fishing · Hiking · Backcountry Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Horse Trekking
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- Rim Rock Nature Trail1.0 mi
- Cedar Point Nature Trail0.3 mi
- Warner Point Nature Trail1.5 mi
- Chasm View Nature Trail0.3 mi
- Painted Wall View Trail0.3 mi
Camping
Approximately 88 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (May – October).
Best time to visit
Peak season: May – October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
com/weather/today/l/NPBLCA:13:US CLIMATE Weather can vary greatly throughout the day. Summer daytime temperatures range between 55 to 90F (13 to 32C), nights 45 to 60F (7 to 16C). Winter daytime temperatures range between 15 to 40F (-9 to 4C), nights 10 to 20F (-12 to -6C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer.
Snow accumulation varies greatly year to year. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — 7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.$30
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$25
- Entrance - Per Person — 7-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)$15
- Commercial Entrance - Sedan — Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 1-6 persons. Fee is $25.00 per vehicle plus $7.00 per passenger.$25
- Commercial Entrance - Van — Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.$40
Annual Entrance - Park: $55. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Montrose, CO. Park center: 38.570°, -107.720°.
S. Highway 50 east of Montrose. Physical/GPS address is: 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, CO 81401 North Rim: 11 miles southwest of Crawford, Colorado. From CO Highway 92, turn west on Black Canyon Road approximately 3 miles south of Crawford. Follow the road signs to the park.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25. Entrance - Per Person: $15.
When is the best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Peak season is May – October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. com/weather/today/l/NPBLCA:13:US CLIMATE Weather can vary greatly throughout the day. Summer daytime temperatures range between 55 to 90F (13 to 32C), nights 45 to 60F (7 to 16C). Winter daytime temperatures range between 15 to 40F (-9 to 4C), nights 10 to 20F (-12 to -6C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer.
Can you camp in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Yes — about 88 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Montrose, CO is the nearest major city. S. Highway 50 east of Montrose. Physical/GPS address is: 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, CO 81401 North Rim: 11 miles southwest of Crawford, Colorado. From CO Highway 92, turn west on Black Canyon Road approximately 3 miles south of Crawford. Follow the road signs to the park.
What are the best hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Popular trails include Rim Rock Nature Trail (1.0 mi), Cedar Point Nature Trail (0.3 mi), Warner Point Nature Trail (1.5 mi), Chasm View Nature Trail (0.3 mi). The park has roughly 8 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.