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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

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Overview

Carved out over the course of nearly two million years, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a dramatic destination for rock and river exploration. With sheer granite cliffs, narrow side canyons, and the rushing Gunnison River below, visitors can tap into the vast depth of geological time through a variety of outdoor adventures. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the most striking natural destinations in Colorado whether you visit from above on the canyon rim or dive below onto the shores of the river.

To learn more about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, visit www.nps.gov.

Local Info

Please Note: There are no singletrack trails within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park that are open to mountain bikes. This page serves as a general overview of the area. If you're visiting the park and looking for places to ride, check out the following areas:

Visiting Tips

The South Rim is open every day of the year. The South Rim Road is open to vehicles from early April to mid-November. During winter months, the South Rim Road is open to Gunnison Point. Past Gunnison Point, the road is closed to vehicles, but open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The North Rim Road and ranger station are closed in the winter. The road usually closes in the end of November and re-opens in the middle of April. The East Portal Road is closed in the winter. The road usually closes in the end of November and re-opens in the middle of April. Information on road closures and current conditions can be found at the park's website.

Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.

Camping & Lodging

There are two campgrounds in the park with over 100 total campsites with a number of amenities for RVs or tent camping. For more information on camping in the park, click here.

  • South Rim Campground: Open year round (Loop A only). Reservations can be made for Loops A and B.
  • North Rim Campground: Open April to mid-November. Available on a first come, first served basis.
  • East Portal Campground: Open mid-May to mid-September. Available on a first come, first served basis.

There is no additional lodging available within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There are a variety of lodging options in the nearby communities of Montrose and Gunnison.

Food & Drink

There are no food or dining options within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. For a variety of dining options or grocery stores, visit the nearby town of Montrose, 14 miles south from the South Rim.

Other Activities

Those looking for other ways to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will not be disappointed by the variety that the park offers. Fishing, horseback riding, rafting, kayaking, and wildlife viewing are among the many activities that the park affords in the summer. In the winter, you can continue your exploration by snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or winter camping. Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison's website for more information on the park's other activities. For those looking for other activities in the area, be sure to check out the great opportunities for rock climbing in the park and
mountain biking right up the road in Gunnison.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Biking

  • 0 Miles 0 Kilometers of Trail
  • 0 Recommended Routes
  • 0 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 0 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 0 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
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Photos of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - 2

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Photos

Fun ridgeline riding before you fall off one of the steep descents.
Nov 4, 2016 near Montrose, CO
Looking out at the Adobes and Elephant Skin Road. The trail drops steeply down to the right.
Nov 4, 2016 near Montrose, CO
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