Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Around the Park

The park has three roads: South Rim, North Rim, and East Portal.

The View from Pulpit Point on the South Rim Drive

South Rim Road,

Reached by Route 347, is the primary thoroughfare and, as its name implies, winds along the canyon's South Rim.

For first time visitors the South Rim is certainly the place to head to, this has the best facilities, the visitor centre, tarmaced roads and easy near level trails.

From about late November to early April, depending on the amount of snowfall, the road is not plowed past the visitor center at Gunnison Point.

North Rim Road

Reached by Route 92, is usually open from May through November; in winter the road is unplowed. The last 5 or 6 miles of this road is a well maintained gravel track

The East Portal Road

The East Portal Road descends abruptly to the Gunnison River on the park's south side. The road is usually open from the beginning of May through the end of November, though these dates may vary depending on snowfall. It's a very steep descent and climb, vehicles or vehicle-trailer combinations longer than 22 ft are not permitted. Test your brakes for the descent, it's around a 16% slope. Steep and winding!

Other

The park has no public transportation. Parking along South Rim Road for more than a few minutes is strongly discouraged. For a hike into the canyon, you'll be asked to park at one of the overlooks.

Permits: To access the inner canyon, whether for hiking, climbing, camping, or kayaking, you must pick up a backcountry permit (no fee) at South Rim visitor center, North Rim ranger station, or East Portal ranger station, in adjoining Curecanti National Recreation Area.

Introduction - Key Information - How to get to - When to Visit - Around the Park - Top Attractions - Hikes and Trails - Gallery