Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Carved over a span of two million years by the Gunnison River, the Black Canyon in western Colorado is a "vertical wilderness."
Plan Around Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Details
Carved over a span of two million years by the Gunnison River, the Black Canyon in western Colorado is a "vertical wilderness" whose name suggests its at-times claustrophobic environs: some parts of the 48-mile canyon get only about a half-hour of sunlight daily and are just 40 feet across at river level. The deepest section of the canyon - 2,722 feet from the rim and hemmed in by some of the sheerest cliffs on the continent - is located within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The south rim entrance to the park is the most popular and open year-round: there's a seven-mile road along the canyon's southern edge as well as a visitor center. Hiking trails range from the one-mile Rim Rock Nature Trail to unmarked and unmaintained paths from the rim to the river, which should only be attempted by the most experienced and prepared hikers. An easier (but still steep) way to see the river is to drive via East Portal Road.
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Open
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Nearby Parks Around Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Compare nearby parks around Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park while the map context is still fresh.
0.9 mi away
Sunset View
The best parking on the South Rim. (Hint: There's a view.)
1.2 mi away
Dragon Point
The overlook at Dragon Poin offers a stomach-churning view of the depths of the canyon.
1.2 mi away
Warner Point Nature Trail
One of the more popular trails on the South Rim is named after one of Black Canyon's biggest supporters.
1.2 mi away
Warner Route
The Warner Route is the longest of all the South Rim inner-canyon trails.
1.2 mi away
High Point
The perfect picnic and sunset spot at 8,289 feet (and well above the canyon below).
