Auto Touring

There aren't many roads in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, but the ones that are there are beautiful drives.

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Plan Around Auto Touring

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Auto Touring Details

There are three roads in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and only two are paved; the third is a fairly well-maintained unpaved road. On the south side, Colorado 347 enters the park and soon turns into South Rim Road; East Portal Road branches off and takes a crooked course east to the Gunnison Diversion Dam (just outside park boundaries) and into the Curecanti National Recreation Area. South Rim Road follows the rim of the canyon to the north and west, passing the South Rim Campground, Visitor Center, and several short hikes and lookouts, terminating at High Point. South Rim Road is accessible to all vehicles, but East Portal Road is closed to vehicles longer than 22 feet. During winter, East Portal Road is closed, and South Rim Road is open only to the Visitor Center; both roads are open for cross country skiers and snowshoers. To the north, you'll find North Rim Road, an unpaved track that leads into the park and to the North Rim Ranger Station, campground, and several trails and overlooks. This road is closed during winter. Maps of the park are available at the Visitor Center and at pay stations.

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