National Park · Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

A sheer, dizzyingly deep gorge

StateColorado
Best seasonLate spring–fall
Don’t missThe view from Gunnison Point
TerrainSheer dark-rock canyon

Black Canyon is a narrow, vertical slice of Colorado where the Gunnison River has cut a gorge so deep and steep that parts see barely any sunlight. Late spring through fall is the window; the rims are the easy way to see it.

What to see

  • South Rim Road overlooks
  • Painted Wall
  • Warner Point Trail
  • Chasm View
  • North Rim (remote)

Check the park’s official site for current entrance fees, timed-entry or permits, road and seasonal closures before you go.