Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
CO
Park Alerts (4)
About Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
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
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Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon
In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond the visitor center at Gunnison Point. As staffing and snow conditions allow, rangers groom the remainder of the road for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing at Black Canyon
Although services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.
Hike Rim Rock Trail - South Rim
This 1-mile (1.6 km) trail, which meanders along the canyon rim, connects the South Rim Visitor Center to the South Rim Campground.
Hike Uplands Trail - South Rim
This .9-mile (1.4 km) trail links the Rim Rock Trail (near the campground) to the upper Oak Flat Loop Trail near the South Rim Visitor Center.
Stargazing at Black Canyon
Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to view the night skies. Choose overlooks far from the road for optimal stargazing and astrophotography or join one of the park's telescope viewing programs during summer.
Tour the South Rim Drive
The South Rim Drive is a scenic paved road that follows the canyon rim for 7 miles from Tomichi Point to High Point and features 12 overlooks.
Available Activities
Weather
Today's Weather: http://www.weather.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.
Getting There
South Rim: 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.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.
Plan Your Visit
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South Rim
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.
North Rim
The park is open 24 hours a day, but the North Rim Road and ranger station are closed in winter and early spring. The road typically closes mid-November and reopens early May.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
7-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)
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.
Commercial Entrance - Van
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 26 or more. Fee is $100.00 per vehicle.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or fewer: $30.00 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 16 or greater: $15.00 per passenger (including driver). Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per-person rate. Pass and photo ID must be presented upon entry.