National Parks Journal
Photo: Mobilus In Mobili · CC BY-SA 2.0
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.
Entrance Fees
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to South Rim Entrance Station (opens in a new tab)
South Rim Entrance StationMain
Montrose, CO · Open year-round, 24 hours (South Rim Road beyond the visitor center closed to cars in winter)
- Directions to North Rim Ranger Station (opens in a new tab)
North Rim Ranger Station
Crawford, CO · Road usually closed mid-Nov to early May
Separate rim; no bridge across the canyon, 2–3 hours' drive from the South Rim
Airports
- MTJ
Montrose Regional Airport · Montrose, CO
ClosestMid-size airport - COS
Colorado Springs Airport · Colorado Springs, CO
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
3.2 mi · 500 ft gain · out & back
Pinyon/juniper forest along the canyon rim with overlooks into the inner canyon and views of the Gunnison River.
Starts at: North Rim Ranger Station
7.2 mi · 1,100 ft gain · out & back
Panoramic vistas of the San Juan Mountains, West Elks, Grand Mesa, and an aerial perspective of the Black Canyon.
Starts at: North Rim Ranger Station
1.6 mi · 400 ft gain · loop
Descends below the canyon rim through Gambel Oak, Douglas fir, aspen, and chokecherry forest.
Starts at: Oak Flat Trailhead
2 mi · 150 ft gain · out & back
Connects the Visitor Center to the campground with stunning canyon wall views and river glimpses.
Starts at: South Rim Campground Loop C
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Best time to visit: June–September
The best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is June–September. All rim roads plus the East Portal and North Rim roads are open, and the 8,000-ft rim stays cooler than the valleys below.
In those months, average highs are 76–86°F at South Rim Visitor Center. June is the busiest month on average.
Monthly averages at South Rim Visitor Center (8,160 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
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.
