Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: 1st Time Visitor Guide

Rugged, remote, and dramatic, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado offers an awe-inspiring experience unlike any other U.S. national park. With its sheer cliff walls and narrow, plunging gorge carved by the Gunnison River, this underrated gem is perfect for those seeking solitude, challenging hikes, and unforgettable views. Whether you want to hike, drive scenic roads, or simply take in the raw beauty, this guide is your starting point.

Overview

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and one of the most dramatic canyons in North America. The park is divided into two main rims: South Rim, which is more accessible and developed North Rim, which is more remote and quieter.

Location: Western Colorado, near Montrose
Established: National Monument in 1933, National Park in 1999
Highlights: Gunnison Point, Painted Wall, dramatic overlooks, remote hiking trails

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How to Get There

From Montrose, CO (to South Rim): About 15 miles east via U.S. Highway 50 and CO Hwy 347
From Crawford, CO (to North Rim): Around 11 miles via CO Hwy 92 and unpaved North Rim Road
Nearest Airports: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)

Note: There is no road connecting the South and North Rims through the park, you’ll need to drive around the canyon (approx. 2-3 hours).

Best Times to Visit

Spring (April–May): Fewer crowds, mild temps, wildflowers
Summer (June–August): Warmest and busiest season, ideal for scenic drives and camping
Fall (September–October): Crisp air, colorful foliage, excellent photography conditions
Winter (November–March): Quiet, limited access, good for snowshoeing (South Rim only)

10 Best Things to Do

Drive the South Rim Road – 12 scenic overlooks including Painted Wall and Chasm View
Stop at Gunnison Point Overlook – Near the visitor center, unforgettable views
Hike the Warner Point Nature Trail – Short, easy, and great for families
Photograph the Painted Wall – Tallest cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet
Explore the North Rim – Quieter with rugged trails and wild views
Take the East Portal Road (seasonal) – Steep drive to the Gunnison River
Go Stargazing – A certified International Dark Sky Park
Try Rock Climbing (Advanced) – For experienced climbers only
Camp at South or North Rim Campgrounds – Peaceful and scenic sites
Visit in Fall for the Colors – Cottonwoods and scrub oaks light up the canyon

Best Hikes (Beginner–Advanced)

Beginner:

Rim Rock Nature Trail (1 mile RT) – Easy trail with views and educational signs
Gunnison Point Trail (0.6 miles RT) – Short path near the visitor center

Moderate:

Oak Flat Loop Trail (2 miles RT) – Slight elevation change, great for canyon views
Warner Point Nature Trail (1.5 miles RT) – Ideal combo of scenery and serenity

Advanced:

North Vista Trail to Exclamation Point (3 miles RT) – Big payoff, moderate distance
Green Mountain Trail (6.5 miles RT) – Forests and panoramic views
Inner Canyon Routes (permit required) – Unmaintained routes to the river like the Gunnison Route, SOB Draw, and Devil’s Backbone, steep, rugged, and for experienced hikers only

5 Hidden Gems

Devil’s Lookout (North Rim): Harder to reach, but fewer visitors and unforgettable views
East Portal: A drive to the canyon bottom not many visitors take, great for river access and solitude
Tomichi Point at Sunrise: Often overlooked, this spot glows beautifully in the morning light
Cedar Point Nature Trail: Educational and scenic with Painted Wall views
Scenic Byway 92 (near North Rim): Great detour with lake and mountain views

1–5 Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive at South Rim
Stop by the Visitor Center
Drive the South Rim Road
Short hike on Rim Rock Trail
Camp or stay in Montrose

Day 2:

Hike Oak Flat or Warner Point
Lunch with a view at Painted Wall
Stargazing at Pulpit Rock or campground

Day 3:

Drive to East Portal (if open)
Picnic by the river
Explore more overlooks
Optional: Start drive to North Rim

Day 4:

North Rim hikes: North Vista Trail to Exclamation Point
Visit remote overlooks
Enjoy sunset at Kneeling Camel View

Day 5:

Early morning photography
Pack up and stop at Scenic Byway 92
Depart via Grand Junction or Montrose

Packing List

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Refillable water bottle or hydration pack
Layered clothing (temps can swing wildly)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
National Park Pass or entrance fee
Binoculars (for spotting birds and distant cliffs)
Flashlight or headlamp (for stargazing)
Camera with wide-angle lens
Food/snacks (services are limited inside the park)
Hiking poles for steep trails
Check out my Amazon store for gear details

Where to Stay

Inside the Park:

South Rim Campground: Best for RVs and tents, near visitor center
North Rim Campground: More secluded, first-come, first-served
East Portal Campground: Seasonal access, at river level

Nearby Towns:

Montrose: Closest town to South Rim, wide range of hotels, gas, and dining
Crawford: Closest to North Rim, more limited but quiet
Gunnison: Good for access to East Portal or broader Colorado adventures

Things to Know Before You Go

Cell service is limited – Download maps in advance
Pets are allowed on paved roads and campgrounds, but not on most trails
Permits required for all inner-canyon hikes (even day trips)
Weather can change quickly – Prepare for sun, wind, and even snow depending on season
No shuttle system – You’ll need your own vehicle to get around

Final Thoughts

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an untamed and unforgettable destination. It’s less crowded than other Colorado parks (like Rocky Mountain National Park), making it a great spot for reflection, photography, and getting off the beaten path. Whether you’re marveling at vertical cliffs from the rim or challenging yourself on an inner canyon route, this park will leave you breathless, in the best way possible.