About Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
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.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
7-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 1-6 persons. Fee is $25.00 per vehicle plus $7.00 per passenger.
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 26 or more. Fee is $100.00 per vehicle.
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or fewer: $30.00 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 16 or greater: $15.00 per passenger (including driver). Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per-person rate. Pass and photo ID must be presented upon entry.
Operating Hours
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.
Activities
Getting There
South Rim: 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 east of Montrose. Physical/GPS address is: 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, CO 81401 North Rim: 11 miles southwest of Crawford, Colorado. From CO Highway 92, turn west on Black Canyon Road approximately 3 miles south of Crawford. Follow the road signs to the park.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
An annual pass to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is available for $55.00 at the South Rim entrance station from early April to late October, and at Recreation.gov. This pass admits the permit holder and all accompanying passengers in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle to the park. It is valid for 12 months from date of purchase and covers entrance fees only.
Topics & Themes
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…
Snowshoeing at Black Canyon
Although services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.
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…
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…
Stargazing at Black Canyon
Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to view the night skies. Choose overlooks far from the road for optimal stargazing and…
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…
Visitor Centers
North Rim Ranger Station
The North Rim Ranger Station is currently closed for winter. In the summer, maps and information are available on the ranger station porch. A self-registration…
Hours: During the summer the ranger station is staffed intermittently when staff is available. When staffed, the ranger station is open 10 am to 3 pm. Call ahead to 970-641-2337 to confirm hours before visiting. In the summer, maps and information are available on the ranger station porch. A self-registration kiosk for wilderness permits is located outside.
South Rim Visitor Center
This visitor center has exhibits, information, book and map sales, water (available seasonally), vault toilets, and hiking trailheads. It is open year-round with the exception…
Hours: Visitor center is open daily.
Campgrounds
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).…
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…
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…
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