GUIDE TO BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK

The canyon offers opportunities for spectacular drive-up viewing, short walks to many canyon overlooks, hiking trails and routes, wildlife viewing, birding, camping, picnicking, photography, fishing (physically demanding access), bouldering, inner-canyon hiking and climbing.

Black Canyon
Carved into the Precambrian rocks from which it gets its name, Black Canyon divides the Green Mountains from Bostwick Park.

Gunnison River
Over thousands of years,the gentle meanderings of the Gunnison River have scarred the land, ceating the 2,000- foot Black Canyon.

Uncompahgre Valley
From the rim of the Vernal Mesa, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Uncompahgre Valley stretching out endlessly to the south.

The park is located approximately 250 miles SW of Denver. South Rim: East of Montrose on U.S. Hwy 50, 8 miles; north on CO Hwy 347, then 6 miles to park entrance. North Rim: CO Hwy 92 to Crawford, follow signs to North Rim Road, North Rim Road (unpaved) to park, 11 miles (North Rim Road closed in winter).

There is transportation to Montrose, Gunnison, and Grand Junction by bus. There is transportation by train to Grand Junction. Within the park there is no public transportation available; car rentals are available at airports.

Operating Hours
Open year-round. Limited road access in winter.

Visitation
Highest between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Permits
Backcountry permits (free) are required for all inner-canyon travel; the routes to the river, for kayaking and for bouldering and rock climbing.

Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: South Rim Visitor Center is staffed and open daily year-round, except winter Federal holidays. For general information, call the South Rim Visitor Center at (970) 249-1914 ext 23. North Rim Ranger Station is open intermittently during the summer, closed in winter.

Programs: Ranger conducted walks and evening programs are offered daily in the summer. Winter treks, moonlight ski tours and snowshoe hikes are offered on winter weekends. Call for reservations.

Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/Supplies: South Rim: The Rim House (coffee shop and gifts), at Pulpit Rock, is open daily mid May to late September.

Concessions: There is a book sales outlet in the South Rim Visitor Center operated by Southwest Parks and Monuments Association, a nonprofit organization.

Visitor Impact

Additional Information
When snow closes the South Rim Road, the NPS plows to the South Rim visitor center only, to allow cross-country skiing activity. Previously closed in winter, the visitor center is now open all year.

Lodging is not available within the park itself, but accommodations can be found in nearby towns.

Camping is first-come, first-served. No reservations are accepted. South Rim has 102 sites (rarely full) and water is available. North Rim has 13 sites (occasionally full) and water is available. There is a $10/night camping fee. Camping in the inner canyon requires a permit but is free of charge.

Weather can vary greatly between the canyon rim and canyon floor. Summer daytime temperatures range between 60 to 100F (15 to 38C), nights 30 to 50F (-1 to 10C) Winter daytime temperatures range between 20 to 40F (-6 to 4C), nights -10 to 20F (-23 to -6C) Precipitation is minimal, brief afternoon thunderstorms can occur during the summer. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended.

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HISTORY OF BLACK CANYON