When you experience this park, you'll see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in the entire continent. This park is not only large enough for you to feel tiny, but it's also intimate enough in places for you to sense time at work. With over two million years of evolution in this canyon, the Gunnison river has sculpted a natural masterpiece.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.
Entrance Fees
- $30 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $25 – Entrance - Motorcycle
- $15 – Entrance - Per Person
Weather
Today's Weather: http://www.weather.com/weather/today/l/NPBLCA:13:US CLIMATE Weather can vary greatly throughout the day. Summer daytime temperatures range between 55 to 90F (13 to 32C), nights 45 to 60F (7 to 16C). Winter daytime temperatures range between 15 to 40F (-9 to 4C), nights 10 to 20F (-12 to -6C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer. Snow accumulation varies greatly year to year. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended.
Things to Do
Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon
In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond the visitor center at Gunnison Point. As staffing and snow conditions allow, rangers groom the remainder of the road for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing at Black Canyon
Reservation requiredAlthough services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.
Hike Rim Rock Trail - South Rim
This 1-mile (1.6 km) trail, which meanders along the canyon rim, connects the South Rim Visitor Center to the South Rim Campground.
Hike Uplands Trail - South Rim
This .9-mile (1.4 km) trail links the Rim Rock Trail (near the campground) to the upper Oak Flat Loop Trail near the South Rim Visitor Center.
Stargazing at Black Canyon
Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to view the night skies. Choose overlooks far from the road for optimal stargazing and astrophotography or join one of the park's telescope viewing programs during summer.
Tour the South Rim Drive
The South Rim Drive is a scenic paved road that follows the canyon rim for 7 miles from Tomichi Point to High Point and features 12 overlooks.
Getting There
Address: South Rim Visitor Center Montrose CO 81401
South Rim: 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 east of Montrose. Physical/GPS address is: 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, CO 81401 North Rim: 11 miles southwest of Crawford, Colorado. From CO Highway 92, turn west on Black Canyon Road approximately 3 miles south of Crawford. Follow the road signs to the park.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
East Portal Campground
15 sites · $20/night
East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon National Park ($30 entran…
North Rim Campground
13 sites · $20/night
The North Rim Campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and juniper trees. Sites are first-come first-served; all payment is via Scan & Pay …
South Rim Campground
88 sites · $20/night
The South Rim Campground is located one mile (1.6 km) from the South Rim Visitor Center. All campsites are by reservation only through Recreation.gov. Sites ar…
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
The entrance fee for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is $30. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park open?
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.
What are the best things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Popular things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park include Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon, Snowshoeing at Black Canyon, Hike Rim Rock Trail - South Rim, Hike Uplands Trail - South Rim. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Yes — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has 3 campgrounds, including East Portal Campground, North Rim Campground, South Rim Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.