Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison's unique and spectacular landscape was formed slowly by the action of water and rock abrading down through hard Proterozoic crystalline rock. No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. With a plethora of recreational activities, including hiking and ranger guided programs, there are many ways to experience Black Canyon.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Connie RuddPhone Number: 970-641-2337
Entrance Fees: Vehicle Pass (valid for 7 days): $15; Individual Pass (valid for 7 days): $7; Black Canyon Annual Pass: $30
Sights: Gunnison River; The Painted Wall
Endangered Species: American Peregrine Falcon; Gray Wolf; Columbian White-tailed Deer
Important Dates
Established as Park: October 21, 1999By The Numbers
Acres: 32,950.00Highest Point: Poison Spring Hill (inholding) (9040 feet)
Annual Visitation: 160,450 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :38.581670 / -107.720800 (map it)
State: CO
Nearby Big City: Gunnison, CO
Gateway Communities: Montrose, CO; Crawford, CO; Cimarron, CO; Olathe, CO; Hotchkiss, CO
Nearby Airports: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ); Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC); Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Canyon Walls
BenC
Gunnison River
Sharon D
Visitor View
Linda Armstrong
View More Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Photos
In Detail
Activities THINGS TO DO: Prepare yourself for 2,000 foot tall, narrow canyon walls dropping almost vertically to the Gunnison River. The Black Canyon is known for crumbling rock, dizzying heights, and a lack o ... read more.
Animals Mule Deer When driving through or hiking in Black Canyon, you have the opportunity to see a lot of different kinds of wildlife: elk, coyotes, magpies, eagles. But by far one of the most elegant and v ... read more.
Bird Highlights Birds Canyons aren't barriers to birds. In search of food and water, birds can readily fly to depths and heights forbidding for other animals, including humans. The birds below represent those th ... read more.
Camping Camping NORTH RIM CAMPGROUND Open from Spring to Fall 13 sites in Pinyon-Juniper forest with vault toilets, tables and grills. Water is available mid-May to mid-October. No hook-ups. Vehicles greater ... read more.
Camping in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison North Rim Campground: Open from Spring to Fall 13 sites in Pinyon-Juniper forest with vault toilets, tables and grills. Water is available mid-May to mid-October. No hook-ups. Vehicles greater th ... read more.
Flora & Fauna in the Park WILDLIFE WATCHING Black Canyon is a great place to go to observe mammals in their native and wild habitat. Wild animals are an important and vital part of our natural ecosystem. We humans can learn ... read more.
Geology Vernal Mesa Quartz Monzonite The term "Vernal Mesa Quartz Monzonite" was coined by J. F. Hunter in 1925 during his research in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The steepness of the walls of the Blac ... read more.
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area consists of 57,725 acres and was designated in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Act of 1 ... read more.
Gunnison Regulations & Safety Wilderness Use Permits: A free permit is required for all backcountry and wilderness use (both day use and overnight) including hiking the innercanyon or off established trails, rock climbing and a ... read more.
Gunnison Tunnel Gunnison Tunnel SETTLING THE WEST An early pioneer in Colorado faced many hardships. The land is rugged and the climate extreme, and as settlers to the Uncompahgre Valley soon realized, there is no ... read more.
Hiking Trails in the Gunnison Many trails pass by steep dropoffs, so be cautious and keep a close watch on children. Hikers should be aware that limited cattle grazing is permitted on the North Rim. Please keep cattle gates clos ... read more.
History History & Culture The canyon has been a mighty barrier to humans. Only its rims, never the gorge, show evidence of human occupation - not even by Ute Indians living in the area since written history ... read more.
History of Black Canyon of the Gunnison The canyon has been a mighty barrier to humans. Only its rims, never the gorge, show evidence of human occupation — not even by Ute Indians living in the area since written history began. EXPL ... read more.
Horse Procedures in the Park Recommended Procedures To help insure a safe, pleasant visit for your horse, yourself and other visitors to this area, please observe the following suggested practices. * Stay on the approved ... read more.
In A Nutshell Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between the South Rim and North Rim? The South Rim has more services, facilities and overlooks, and provides better views of the Painted Wall. The No ... read more.
Just For Kids Ninth-Twelfth Grades Black Canyon-ology (Field Trip) Join our rangers as we explore the geology and history of the Black Canyon. This field trip can be offered on either the North or South Rim of the ... read more.
Just For Kids BE A JUNIOR PARK RANGER Help take care of your national treasures! Anyone between the ages of 5 and 12 can become a Junior Park Ranger at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There are chall ... read more.
Mule Deer Mule Deer When driving through or hiking in Black Canyon, you have the opportunity to see a lot of different kinds of wildlife: elk, coyotes, magpies, eagles. But by far one of the most elegant and ... read more.
Natural World Life Zones PINYON / JUNIPER FOREST The Colorado Plateau is a geologic region characterized by high deserts, deep canyons and "pygmy forests". These features can be found along the Warner Point Nature ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Pets In the Park In Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, pets on leash may be walked on roads, in campgrounds, to the overlooks, and are allowed on the Rim Rock Trail, Cedar Point Nature Tra ... read more.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison In Depth
News from the Parks
Ken Burns on Vacation/Location at Glacier National Park
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
Town Government Rejected by Tusayan
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
Tauck Hosts its 10,000th Guest-Volunteer in Yellowstone National Park
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
Dupuyer Elementary School Offering Students Unique Learning Experiences
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
Boston Trustees Discuss Township Issues
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
