Parks / Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
National Park · CO
Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (3)
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Effect
Until further notice, the following are prohibited in all park areas: (1) Building, maintaining, attending, or using wood or charcoal fires anywhere but within campground- or picnic area-provided grills or grates. (The use of gas grills and camp stoves is permitted.) (2) Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of all flammable materials. (3) Discharging or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices.
East Portal Road
Until further notice, East Portal Road and campground are closed due to flood damage.
Cashless Operations
Black Canyon's operations are now cashless. South Rim Campground is by reservation only via Recreation.gov. East Portal & North Rim campground sites are first-come first-served and accept payment using Scan & Pay through Recreation.gov's mobile app.
Entrance Fees
Campgrounds (3)
East Portal Campground
East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon National Park ($30 entrance fee). This small campground is located at the bottom of the canyon along the Gunnison River, shaded by box elder trees. The campground is closed in winter. East Portal Road is closed to vehicles in winter but open to pedestrians and cyclists. The Bureau of Reclamation determines when East Portal Road closes. Elevation: 6526 feet (1989 m).
Details →North Rim Campground
The North Rim Campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and juniper trees. Sites are first-come first-served; all payment is via Scan & Pay on the Recreation.gov app. The last 5.6 miles of the road to the campground are unpaved. Services are very limited. To protect sensitive vegetation, please use designated tent pads and do not tie, hang, or attach anything to trees. Maximum combined length of RV, car and/or trailer is 22 feet. Generators are prohibited. Elevation: 7767 ft (2367 m).
Details →South Rim Campground
The South Rim Campground is located one mile (1.6 km) from the South Rim Visitor Center. All campsites are by reservation only through Recreation.gov. Sites are fairly close together, partially shaded by tall shrubs. Only Loop B offers 20 and 30 amp electric hookups. During the warm season, drinking water is available, but there are no showers, dish cleaning stations, or water for RV tanks. Elevation: 8400 ft (2560 m). NOTE: Due to wildfire damage, limited sites (non-electric only) are currently available.
Details →Upcoming Events
Ranger's Choice Talk
Aug 31, 2026
Things to Do
Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon
In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond the visitor center at Gunnison Point. As staffing and snow conditions allow, rangers groom the remainder of the road for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing.
Drive East Portal Road
East Portal Road is a windy, steep scenic road down to the Gunnison River. East Portal is within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but only accessible from within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited on the East Portal Road.
Hike Cedar Point Nature Trail - South Rim
This short, moderately sloped trail offers visitors a chance to brush up on local flora with guideposts describing the various plants along the way.
Hike Chasm View Nature Trail - North Rim
This short loop trail breaks out of the pinyon/juniper forest at the North Chasm View to provide excellent views of Painted Wall and Serpent Point.
Hike Deadhorse Trail - North Rim
Deadhorse Trail takes hikers into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area. It offers good views of Deadhorse Gulch and East Portal on the Gunnison River, as well as good birding.
Hike North Vista Trail - North Rim
Constructed by the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the North Vista Trail offers some of the best scenic views and birding in the park. Difficulty varies from moderate to strenuous based on distance.
Hike Oak Flat Trail - South Rim
This 1.6 mi (2.6 km) trail offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without going all the way to the river. The trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes.
Hike Rim Rock Trail - South Rim
This 1-mile (1.6 km) trail, which meanders along the canyon rim, connects the South Rim Visitor Center to the South Rim Campground.
Hike Uplands Trail - South Rim
This .9-mile (1.4 km) trail links the Rim Rock Trail (near the campground) to the upper Oak Flat Loop Trail near the South Rim Visitor Center.
Hike Warner Point Trail - South Rim
Warner Point Trail provides views of various mountain ranges, the Black Canyon, and the Gunnison River. Nature trail guides are available at High Point Overlook or the South Rim Visitor Center.
Join a Ranger Program
Ranger program offerings vary throughout the year. Stop by the South Rim Visitor Center for current offerings and times.
Snowshoeing at Black Canyon
Although services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.
Stargazing at Black Canyon
Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to view the night skies. Choose overlooks far from the road for optimal stargazing and astrophotography or join one of the park's telescope viewing programs during summer.
Tour the North Rim Road
The North Rim is reached by taking a gravel road from the east end of Crawford State Park. The North Rim Road provides access to 6 overlooks. The canyon walls on the North Rim are almost vertical, offering impressive views.
Tour the South Rim Drive
The South Rim Drive is a scenic paved road that follows the canyon rim for 7 miles from Tomichi Point to High Point and features 12 overlooks.
Tour the South Rim Visitor Center
The South Rim Visitor Center is a great first-stop during your visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Stop here to get recommendations from park rangers, tour the interactive exhibits, watch the park movie, shop the park bookstore, and grab maps and brochures to inform your adventure.
Visitor Centers
- North Rim Ranger Station
- South Rim Visitor Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.