The Gunnison River cuts a dramatic canyon through the Colorado landscape in this national park.
A dark canyon cut by the Gunnison River dominates Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The canyon is unique even for the southwest, a land dominated by canyons and mesas. It was named “Black Canyon” not for its dark rocks but for the fact that parts of the bottom only get about 30 minutes of sunlight a day.
While the Grand Canyon is wide and deep, Black Canyon is narrow and deep. At the narrowest point, the canyon walls drop over 2,000 ft almost straight down and is only 40 ft across at the base.
This is the Painted Wall. At 2,300 ft, it is the tallest cliff in Colorado. The bottom is hidden in the shade there.
The park has two sides, the North Rim and the South Rim. The North Rim has only a dirt road and is very remote. The South Rim has a wonderful scenic drive, but at this park, you actually have to walk or hike to the overlooks.
The view from the Cedar Point overlook. A short hike brings you to this dramatic view. I had to start at the middle of the scenic drive because the sun was too low in the horizon for any east facing views.
A very zoomed in photo of the Gunnison River. It is a very narrow canyon for sure.
Dragon Point. Every viewpoint is slightly different from the last. The canyon is wider here.
There are even gorgeous views looking away from the canyon as well.
The canyon eventually gets wider and less deep as you travel westward and eastward as well. The park preserves the narrow middle of the canyon.
I hiked one actual trail while I was there, the Warner Point Trail, which gives you some amazing views of the landscape beyond the park. Many ranches down there and the town of Montrose.
The canyon and some mountains beyond.
Fantastic views along this trail.
At the end, you arrive back at the canyon.
You can see a little side canyon on the other side there.
Heading down a short trail to the Devil’s Lookout.
Great view of the North Rim road from here.
I believe this photo is from the Rock Point viewpoint.
The Gunnison River is super green.
So green.
Gunnison National Park has a ton of short trails and viewpoints. There are some longer trails on the top, but all the trails that go into the canyon are extremely strenuous. Black Canyon is actually perfect for a day visit. The park is very compact but amazingly beautiful and unique.
Check out my next update where I visit Natural Bridges National Monument!
