Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park South Rim is located 15 miles east of Montrose, Colorado via US Highway 50 to Colorado State Highway 247. The North Rim is about 11 miles south of Crawford, Colorado via state highway 92. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is noted for its narrow canyon, sheer cliffs that drop 2,000 feet to the Gunnison River below. The park's scenic byways and hiking trails will offer you great views of the canyon. (PDF Park Map 994k)
Black Canyon of the Gunnison also has campgrounds on both rims and numerous outdoor activities and outfitters available. Be sure to check the park policy on pets and current fees.
South Rim Visitor Center
- Fall, Winter, Spring: 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
- Summer: 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
- Phone: (970) 249-1914 Extension 423
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers a wide range of activities. The park does allow Rock Climbing and Horseback Riding. Some of these activities require you to use a professional guide. The park has scenic drives and a variety of hiking trails also.
Secinic Drives: Both the North and South Rims have scenic drives with several overlooks of the Gunnison River.
- South Rim Road offers 10 overlooks of the canyon in which most are reached by walking a short trail.
- North Rim Road is more remote but offers the best views of the canyon and has 6 overlooks. The canyon walls on the North Rim are nearly vertical.
- East Portal Road provides access to Gunnison River and nearby Curecanti National Recreation Area. Vehicles longer than 22 feet are prohibited as the road is extremely steep with grades up to 16%.
Cedar Point Nature Trail
Deadhorse Trail
2/3 mile, round trip
5 miles, round trip
South Rim
North Rim
Rim Rock Nature Trail
Warner Point Nature Trail
Chasm View Nature Trail
North Vista Trail to Exclamation Point
1 mile, round trip
1.5 miles, round trip
1/3 mile, round trip
3 miles, round trip
South Rim
South Rim
North Rim
North Rim
Oak Flat Loop Trail
North Vista Trail to Green Mountain
2 miles, round trip
7 miles, round trip
South Rim
North Rim
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• Reservations 800.842.3795 or 719.539.6851
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RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service
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• Call 1-888-826-4460 for more information
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North Rim Campground
Fee: $12 per night
South Rim Campground
Fees: $12 per night; with electrical hookups $18 per night. Reservations are an extra $3.
Area Dog Kennels that offer Boarding:
- Bestfriends Critter Sitter Montrose - (970) 240-8859
- Critter Sitters and Outfitters Gunnison - (970) 641-0460
- Deleff Kennels Delta - (970) 874-4058
- Double Diamond Kennels Montrose - (970) 249-3067
- Redclyffe Kennels Montrose - (970) 249-6395
- Tomichi Pet Center Gunnison - (970) 641-2460
Individuals: $7.00
The individual pass is valid for 7 days and applies to motorcycles, bicycles, and walk-ins (per person). No fee charged for persons 16 years and younger.
Vehicles: $15.00
The vehicle pass is valid for 7 days.
Black Canyon Annual Pass: $30.00
Buses and Commercial Vehicles: Please contact the park for fees.
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