Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Wildflowers on the rim near Chasm View (June)

Our Visit. I’ve visited the south rim of the Black Canyon three times. The first time was on the final leg of a two-week tour of the American Southwest during March. This was winter season for the Park (i.e. no entry fee and reduced hours), but most of the trails were clear of snow and open. The second time was an evening visit in June as part of a trip to nearby Montrose, Colorado, and the third was in August as part of a trip to Ridgway, Colorado.

Favorite Spot. The view from Devil’s Lookout

Overall Impression. Even after having seen the Grand Canyon the week before, the Black Canyon was still very impressive! It’s just different from any other canyon we’ve seen because it’s so narrow and deep. Peering over the edge to look at the green water far below is akin to leaning over the railing of the Empire State Building but twice as high!

Our Weather. The weather for the first visit was mostly sunny, cool (upper 40s) and windy making for a chilly but pleasant day. We were especially grateful since visitors the day before couldn’t see the canyon at all due to snowstorms. The visit in June was more typical of a Colorado summer evening, a little overcast and low 60s as the sun set. August was warmer and around 80 degrees midday.

One drawback to the park is that the area for most visitors to explore is small (one 7-mile road unless you want to make the long drive to the north rim). Having said that, it’s packed with excellent overlooks, each offering something a little different, and there are many hiking trails of all different lengths and skill levels. Black Canyon is a worthwhile detour for anyone visiting western Colorado.

The green waters of the Gunnison River 2,600 feet below the rim (March)

Minimum Time Required. About 1 hour. This is enough time to drive through the park, see two or three of the quick overlooks and take some pictures. Tomichi Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall View and Sunset View offer views of the Canyon without hikes for those in a hurry or not wishing to hike. If you have time for one very short hike (1/2 mile round-trip), go to Devil’s Lookout.

Favorite Spot. The view from Devil’s Lookout

A Longer Visit. With 1/2 a day or more, you can see all of the overlooks, some of which require up to 1/4 mile of hiking to get to, and do some hiking. If you’re really adventurous, you can drive the dirt roads of the North Rim or “hike” (more like “slide”) to the bottom of the Canyon. Just remember, you have to get back up!

There are lots of great lookouts with wide views of the canyon such as this one at Pulpit Rock (August)

Suggestions. Make time for at least one short hike out to an overlook. While you can see the Canyon at some overlooks without hiking, the best are reserved for those willing to walk a couple of minutes. Our favorites were Pulpit Rock, Devil’s Lookout and Dragon Point (look for the pink-rock “dragon” design on the opposite canyon wall). For a more relaxing day, take a picnic lunch out to Sunset Point where you can eat with an outstanding view down to the canyon floor.

Here’s our bit of advice on how to tour a spur road (as opposed to a loop) like Black Canyon. We like to choose which points we’re going to stop at and then hit every other one on the way out and the remaining points on the way back. This decreases the “start-stop-start” feel so common in driving National Parks, gets you to the end of the road quicker in case the weather turns sour, and leaves something for the return journey instead of just a long drive.

Nearby Towns Montrose, Gunnison (Colorado)

Other Nearby Attractions Curecanti National Recreation Area and Montrose, Colorado

Official NPS Website Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP

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