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Pro
The views are unique and spectacular!
Con
Roads are steep, windy and have sheer cliffs
In a nutshell
Unlike ANY landscape I've seen...unique
Tom_Fields Says: Next to Arizona's Grand Canyon, this is the most spectacular canyon in the southwest. Its sharp spires and rock faces are unforgettable. Unlike some of the other attractions out west, this one is not often crowded. There's little traffic or smog.Along the road are numerous...
Basaic Says: High Point is the last overlook along the South Rim Road. It is a good example of a Pinyon Pine/Juniper Forest. The type of trees in the forest depend on the climactic environment where they are located. Pinyon Pines and Junipers are specially adapted for the harsh arid...
Basaic Says: Sunset View is of interest for at least two reasons. One, it is a beautiful place to view a sunset and it is also a great place to view what geologists call an "unconformity". An "unconformity" is an absence of part of the geological record. This absence can be caused by a...
Basaic Says: At 2300 feet, the Painted Wall is the highest cliff in the entire state of Colorado. If the Empire State Building was placed on the canyon floor it would only reach about halfway up the canyon wall. The name Painted Wall, came about because of the lighter colored igneous...
Basaic Says: The Narrows, between Pulpit Rock and Chasm View, is the shallowest (1750 feet) and narrowest (1/4 mile) part of the canyon. This very narrow part of the canyon is further indication of the power caused by the rapidly moving water of the Gunnison River.
Basaic Says: Notice the difference in the canyon walls at this overlook. Although the movement of the river through the canyon is the main factor in the formation of the canyon; moisture in the form of rain, snow and frost collects in the cracks in the rock and adds to the erosion. The...
Basaic Says: Gunnison Point is a good place to see pegmatite dikes, which are lighter bands of igneous rock that have been squeezed into small fissures in the darker rock that forms most of the walls of Black Canyon (especially visible on GP4). The pegmatite dikes erode slower than the...
Basaic Says: To me, one of the most interesting looking trees is the Bristlecone Pine. It looks very rugged appearing almost dead (or at least dying) while actually quite alive. The Bristlecone Pine is also one of the longest lived plants in the world. There are Bristlecone Pines at...
Basaic Says: The park has picnic areas in a few different parts of the park should you wish to dine in the great outdoors. The easiest to access is the one just across the parking area from the dunes. Some of these sites are set aside for handicapped use.
Various: Dining in and Near the Park
Basaic Says: There is food service available at the Rim House. There are also a few options near the park, and many more in Montrose and Gunnison along US Highway 50. Both the Red Barn in Montrose and the House of China in Gunnison were pretty good. Steak at Red Barn, Shrimp in Garlic...
Camp Robber Cafe: The best in town
goodfish Says: We were really lucky to stumble onto this place! It's advertised as "Featuring the flavors of the mesquite grill" and is catagorized as Southwest/American. As with all best places, it looked like the local favorite for a great meal. We were looking for a quick bite so didn't...
RebeccaParker Says: To get to the bottom of the Canyon, the road you drive on is a very steep grade, has sharp turns, and in spots is one lane. Can not be used if you have a RV or large trailer. Not recommeded for oversized vehicles. The park ranger at the top of the Canyon will advise you as...
goingsolo Says: The trails leading to the bottom drop very steeply. The Gunnison route, which splits from the Oak Flat loop trail, heads to the bottom in a very steep one mile. A permit is required to head to the bottom. The Oak Flat Trail heads almost a mile down, and even though its a...
When you turn off the main highway onto the road that leads to the Canyon there is a good size gift shop with several small buildings all packed full of overpriced items. They do have some very nice things, but they do not have a public restroom, so don't even try.
Unique Suggestions: If you end up here try to think about what your purchasing, a lot of things can be found by you in the Canyon for free. Try to look beyond the polished, shinny surface of that rock or trinket and think how much more memorable it would be if you found it and took it home to polish it yourself. They do offer some nice books on the history of the area and the formation of the Canyon. We purchased a cheap map that gave a lot of history and facts, that was very interesting.
Fun Alternatives: It's a nice place to window shop, put for purchasing your better off making the half hour to forty minute drive into Montrose and shopping at the larger stores.
Written Dec 5, 2004
Luggage and bags: Make sure you have all your gear. Don't forget the little things like matches, garbage bags, camp fire wood, cloth line, and utensils.
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Pack both summer and winter cloths, remember this is Colorado, it could change on a drop of a dime. Besides the nights are always on the cool side.
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: There is toilet paper in the outhouses, but it's still a good idea to bring back up. Always have a complete first aid kit when camping, hiking, or spending any time in the woods.
Photo Equipment: You have to take lots of pictures, it's to beautiful not to. Bring a tri pod, if you have one, so you can get family shots.
Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Don't forget your cooking supplies. Cutting board, sharp knife, wash basin and soap. Aluminum foil is a most. Also, don't forget towels, washcloths, and napkins.
Miscellaneous: Make sure to think of lighting- both flashlights and lanterns. Dirty laundry bag wouldn't be a bad idea. Anitbacterial waterless soap is always good. There are no stores, keep that in mind when packing. The closest would be atleast half hour drive.
Updated Dec 5, 2004
RebeccaParker Says: If your willing to drive a couple of hours through awesome scenery to Ourey, you will come accross a great little town with some of the best hot springs in Colorado. The town itself is a small treasure, it has small shops ranging from souvenirs to homemade treasures, treats...
KiKitC Says: There are NO maintained or MARKED trails into the inner canyon. Routes are difficult to follow, and only individuals in excellent physical condition should attempt these hikes. Hikers are expected to find their own way and to be prepared for self-rescue. Wilderness permits...
The majority of the longer hiking trails are located on the North Rim. I did not go there. Most of the trails along the southern rim merely lead from parking areas to the viewpoints. There are trails to Warner Point and the Oak Flat Loop on the South Rim that are longer.
Equipment: Good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, weather appropriate clothing.
Written Nov 4, 2011
Address: 102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, Colorado 81230
Phone: (970) 641-2337
Website: http://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Basaic Says: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in the Western part of Colorado a bit South of center. It is along US Highway 50. Black Canyon is an interesting place to spend a few hours or a few weeks. The park includes 14 of the 48 miles of Black Canyon. There is...
KiKitC Says: A quick, easy list of rules to remember, respect the land...(from the park's guide)* Wilderness Use permits are required. (free)* Wood fires are prohibited. Use camp stoves only. * No pets. * A valid Colorado Fishing license is required, and Gold Medal Water regulations...
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a 48 mile long, narrow canyon. The canyon was proclaimed a national monument in 1933, and in 1999, 14 miles of the canyon was designated a national park. It got......
Basaic Black Canyon National Park Page
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in the Western part of Colorado a bit South of center. It is along US Highway 50. Black Canyon is an interesting place to spend a few hours or a...
Black Canyon was designated a national park in 1999(55th one in U.S.)Still, at 30,300 total acres, it is the fourth-smallest national park, exceeding only Hot Springs (Arkansas), Wind Cave (South...
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument
The Black Canyon is incredible. A great jewal tucked away, waiting to be discovered.
After you have viewed the deep Black Canyon and driven along the gorge to its many overlooks, you will agree that the $15.00 entrance fee per vehicle is more than worth it. This awe inspiring U.S....
Build your own Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument page
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