Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
A steep, narrow canyon with sheer black walls plunging 2,000 feet to the Gunnison River, offering dramatic viewpoints and technical hiking.
- Altitude
- 2,500 m
- Coordinates
- 38.576°, -107.718°
Current Weather
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park protects a dramatic 48-mile-long gorge where the Gunnison River has cut through ancient Precambrian gneiss and schist, creating sheer black cliffs that, at their narrowest, block direct sunlight for much of the day. The South Rim Road provides a dozen overlooks into the canyon, including Painted Wall, the highest vertical cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet. Experienced hikers can descend the canyon via the Gunnison Route, a steep unmaintained trail requiring route-finding and scrambling. The park is also an International Dark Sky Park. Nearby Montrose serves as the primary gateway town.