Deep, Steep, and Narrow
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—often simply called Black Canyon—is a truly breathtaking experience from the very first glimpse to every awe-inspiring viewpoint along its winding road. My first visit was in the summer of 2020, a trip that came about after my planned international adventure to Portugal was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shifting gears, I opted for an outdoor camping trip—traveling in my own car, sleeping in my own tent, and spending nearly all my time outside seemed like the safest alternative.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this road trip changed the course of my life. Little did I know that just a year later, I’d be packing up my life in Illinois and moving to Montrose, Colorado—home to Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Now, with the park just 20 minutes from my doorstep, I visit frequently, and each time, its dramatic beauty continues to captivate me.
When to Visit?
Honestly, there’s no wrong time to go—it all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Each season offers unique activities and scenery, so the best time to visit depends on your interests. Below, I’ll break down the seasonal highlights to help you decide when the perfect time for your trip might be.
Summer:
- Hiking – Summer offers the best conditions for exploring the park’s many trails. With a variety of routes to choose from, there’s something for every hiker. Below are some of my top picks!
- Oak Flat Trail: (1.6 miles roundtrip) – This scenic trail begins at the South Rim Visitor Center and is one of my favorites. It offers a chance to descend below the rim without the full commitment of hiking all the way to the river. If you’re short on time but still want an immersive canyon experience, this is a perfect choice!
- Warner Point Trail (1.6 miles roundtrip) – Beginning at High Point, this is my favorite day hike in the park. Every direction offers a breathtaking view—look south to see the San Juan Mountain Range and Uncompahgre Valley, north for the West Elk Mountains, and at the trail’s end, gaze down into the Black Canyon and the Gunnison River. This scenic hike is a hidden gem, often less crowded than Oak Flat Trail, making it a perfect choice for those seeking solitude and stunning vistas.
- Uplands Trail (1.8 miles roundtrip) – This trail connects Rim Rock Trail to the Upper Oak Flat Loop and is perfect for those who prefer to stay away from the canyon rim. It offers a peaceful hike through diverse local flora and fauna, providing a different perspective on the park’s unique landscape.
- Other summer activities include world class fishing, advanced rock climbing, camping, stargazing, rafting and kayaking!
Winter
Although Winter offers limited services within the park, there is still plenty to do for our winter enthusiasts! Keep in mind majority of the road within the park is closed in the winter and only certain view points are accessible by car. Be sure to check the NPS website before you go to know weather conditions and road closures.
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Stargazing
- Photography
Spring:
As winter fades, spring is the perfect time to visit this national park. With its high elevation, there’s still a chance for snow, so be sure to check the National Park website for up-to-date road and trail conditions. Spring offers a great opportunity to get a head start and beat the summer crowds!
- Hiking (see trail breakdown above under the Summer Section)
- Camping (I camped at the park over Memorial Day Weekend and while temperatures were pleasant during the day, it got pretty chilly at night so come prepared)
- Stargazing/Catching the Sunset: Catching the sunset at “Sunset View” is an absolute must if you are staying in the park for the evening. Be sure to bring your camera (and possibly a blanket).
Fall
I absolutely love “Fallorado” (aka Fall in Colorado)—it’s by far my favorite season for adventure and exploration in the state. While it’s typically a bit busier than spring, it’s still the perfect time to avoid the summer crowds. Depending on when you visit, it’s also a great opportunity to experience the stunning fall colors!
- Hiking (great hiking weather!)
- Camping
- Rock Climbing
- White Water Rafting
- Photography
- Stargazing
My Favorite Overlooks!
Short on time? Every viewpoint along the Rim is stunning, but if you’re on a tight schedule, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick rundown of my absolute favorites so you can capture breathtaking photos and head off to your next adventure!
Pulpit Rock Overlook: This is hands down my favorite viewpoint—what I like to call my “Insta Shot”! With so many stunning angles to choose from, it’s always the highlight whenever I have friends or family visit. It’s the first breathtaking viewpoint you’ll encounter just after passing the visitor center!
Gunnison Point: This overlook is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s conveniently located right at the visitor center. For many, it’s their first glimpse into the Canyon—and trust me, it’s a wow moment! The short walk from the visitor center to the viewpoint can be a bit challenging for those with mobility issues*, but it’s totally worth it for the incredible views.
Tomichi Point: When I first visited the park, I totally skipped this viewpoint—it’s the first stop you hit before even reaching the visitor center. But trust me, you don’t want to miss it! I highly recommend stopping here, especially since there’s a short trail right off the overlook that gives you an even better view of the canyon, minus the crowds and cameras. Plus, there’s a gorgeous trail that connects Tomichi Point to the South Rim Visitor Center—a must-do for a beautiful, peaceful walk!
Sunset View: This overlook is truly stunning, and best viewed during the sunset – hence the name Sunset View. Do I need say more??
Painted Wall: The Painted Wall, visible only from the South Rim, is a true masterpiece and features the tallest cliff in Colorado—towering 2,250 feet from river to rim. This stunning formation is an unforgettable sight and makes for an incredible photo. The overlook is just 200 yards away via an unpaved trail, offering a perfect view of this natural wond
Where to Stay?
The Montrose Slogan is “Stay Here, Play Everywhere.” What I absolutely love about Montrose (and what everybody else does) is it’s accessibility to so many amazing destinations, all within a short driving distance. Montrose is home to many quality hotel options and tons of airbnb’s! My hotel recommendations include: The Rathbone Hotel and Parlor Bar: Located in prime downtown Montrose, an extremely cute and boutique style hotel with an amazing “tap room lobby” and elegant feel. I also recommend the Fairfield Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express & Suites. There are no shortages of hotels and airbnb’s available in town to fit every travelers budget and needs!
Camping: The park offers three campgrounds: South Rim, North Rim, and East Portal. The most popular is the South Rim Campground, just minutes from the South Rim Visitor Center, with reservations available on recreation.gov. For those visiting the South Rim, there’s also dispersed camping right outside the entrance off Highway 347. Be cautious, though—this road can get rough, so if you’re driving a low-clearance vehicle, consider setting up camp closer to the main road. If you prefer a more established campground, check out the KOA in Montrose, located conveniently on Main Street with plenty of walkable restaurants and amenities nearby.
Looking to get more info on Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and start planning your next National Parks Adventure? Message me below.
Follow me on Instagram: @ HighDesertHorizons
Leave a Reply