River Rafting

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.

Park Open Info: 

North Rim - mid-April; South Rim - Year-round

Park Closed Info: 

North Rim - late November; South Rim - Year-round

Park Acreage: 

32950

Highest Point: 

Poison Spring Hill (inholding)

Highest Point Elevation: 

9040 feet

Visitor Count: 

160450

Visitor Count Year Recorded: 

2006

Has Volunteer Program: 

Yes

Has Recycling: 

Yes

Has Shuttle System: 

No

Park Sights: 

Gunnison River; The Painted Wall

Endangered Species: 

American Peregrine Falcon; Gray Wolf; Columbian White-tailed Deer

Entrance Fees: 

Vehicle Pass (valid for 7 days): $15; Individual Pass (valid for 7 days): $7; Black Canyon Annual Pass: $30

Nearest Major City: 

Montrose, 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)

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Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park encompasses more than 800,000 acres in southwest Texas. Sometimes considered "three parks in one," Big Bend includes mountain, desert, and river environments. In just an hour you can drive from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. Come and explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States, and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and solitude.

Park Acreage: 

801163

Highest Point: 

Emory Peak

Highest Point Elevation: 

7825 feet

Visitor Count: 

298717

Visitor Count Year Recorded: 

2006

Has Volunteer Program: 

Yes

Has Recycling: 

Yes

Has Shuttle System: 

No

Park Sights: 

Rio Grande River; Langford Hot Springs; Boquillas Hot Springs; Castolon; Johnson's Ranch; Mariscal Mine; The Commache Trail; Glenn Springs; Cooper's Store

Endangered Species: 

Black-capped Vireo; Mexican Long-nosed Bat; Big Bend Gambusia; Rio Grande Silvery Minnow; Chisos Hedgehog Cactus.

Entrance Fees: 

Vehicle Pass (valid for 7 days): $20; Individual Pass (valid for 7 days): $10; Big Bend Park Annual Pass (valid for one year after date of purchase): $40; Children 15 years old and under : Free

Nearest Major City: 

El Paso, TX

Gateway Communities: 

Marathon, TX; Alpine, TX; Terlingua, TX; Lajitas, TX

Nearby Airports: 

Midland-Odessa Regional Airport (MAF); El Paso International Airport (ELP)

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