Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

How to get there

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in west-central Colorado 15 miles east of Montrose via U.S. 50 and Colo. 347. The river here may be approached from the north or the south but most visitor services are along the south rim. Here, the terrain is quite flat, but CO 347 climbs steadily through scrub-covered foothills to an elevation of 8,500 feet near the canyon rim.

Watch out for wildlife in and around the park - we found this chap standing in the road by the South Rim entrance station.

The canyon was originally over 50 miles long, but three dams have been built along the eastern (upstream) section flooding two thirds of the gorge - this is now part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area (NRA) which offers many recreational opportunities based around the artificial lakes.

Only the lower 13 miles of the canyon remain unspoiled but this includes the deepest and most scenic section and this is the area enclosed by the National Park

To get to the north rim of the park from Montrose, use either US 50 east and CO 92 west through Curecanti National Recreation Area to Crawford, or US 50 west and CO 92 east through Delta to Crawford. From Crawford, a graveled country road goes to the north rim (the graveled part is around 6-7 miles long). The first route is 90 miles long and the second is 80 miles. It's an 80 mile drive from the South Rim to the North Rim and access to the north rim is closed in winter by snow.

Additionally the South Rim road is not plowed past the visitor centre in winter. Whilst this prevents much in the way of scenic driving it does allow the opportunity for cross country snow shoeing, skiing and hiking.

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