Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Day Trip Guide from Crested Butte and Gunnison
At a Glance
What it is: A National Park that protects one of North America’s most dramatic gorges. The canyon is up to 2,700 feet deep, carved by the Gunnison River through 1.7-billion-year-old Precambrian rock.
Distance from neighboring towns: ~15 miles east of Montrose, ~70 miles west from Crested Butte, ~55 miles west of Gunnison.
Best visit structure: Take a full day from Gunnison or Crested Butte to visit the South Rim.
Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle (valid 7 days); America the Beautiful Pass accepted.
Best overlooks: Painted Wall View, Chasm View, Gunnison Point and Dragon Point.
Best easy hike: Cedar Point Nature Trail (0.5 miles, paved), or Rim Rock Nature Trail (1 mile).
North vs. South Rim: South Rim has full services, paved road and a visitor center. The North Rim is more remote, has limited services and fewer people.
Cell service: Almost none inside the park. Download maps before you go.
Combine with: Curecanti National Recreation Area and Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Why Visit Black Canyon on a Gunnison Valley Trip
The Gunnison Valley gets celebrated for skiing, mountain biking, wildflowers and fly fishing. But sitting an hour west is one of America’s most amazing geological experiences, and most people don’t stop to see it. If you’re looking for things to do near Gunnison, Colorado, plan a visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Experience breathtaking canyon views, scenic overlooks, hiking trails and some of Colorado’s most dramatic landscapes.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park protects a gorge so deep and narrow that sunlight reaches the canyon floor for only a brief window each day. The walls are some of the oldest exposed rock in North America. They rise up to 2,700 feet from the river below. The Painted Wall, Colorado’s tallest cliff face at 2,250 feet, turns colors at sunset that’ll make you lose track of time.
350,000 people visit Black Canyon every year; 4 million people visit Grand Canyon and 5 million visit Zion. Those numbers tell a story: you might have this extraordinary National Park practically to yourself on a visit. For anyone staying in the Gunnison Valley, a Black Canyon of the Gunnison day trip is easy and worthwhile. Keep reading this Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park guide to learn more and start planning a trip.
Getting There
From Crested Butte:
Via Kebler Pass to the North Rim: From Whiterock Avenue in Crested Butte, head west on Kebler Pass Road (CR 12). Follow the road for 30 miles to CO-133 near Paonia Reservoir. Turn south on CO-133 to Hotchkiss and CO- 92.
Continue through Crawford on CO- 92 to the North Rim of Black Canyon. Take North Rim Road to visit the North Rim’s overlooks. Kebler Pass and North Rim access are both seasonal and closed in the winter.
Via CO-135 to the South Rim: Head south on CO-135 to Gunnison. Continue west on U.S. 50 through Montrose. From Montrose, follow signs to Black Canyon. The South Rim entrance is approximately 15 miles east of Montrose on CO-347.
From Gunnison:
Via Highway 50 to the South Rim: Head west on U.S. 50 through Montrose for about 56 miles, then turn south on CO-347. The park entrance is in 4.5 miles.
North Rim: The North Rim entrance requires a separate approach. It is approximately 80 miles from Gunnison via U.S. 50 and CR 400. The road is unpaved for the last section, closed in winter and adds significant drive time. It is worth it for the solitude and views but requires extra planning.
Tip: Fill up with gas in Gunnison before heading out. Options are limited near the park.
South Rim: The Essential One-Day Itinerary
Head to the South Rim for a Black Canyon of the Gunnison day trip. It has a visitor center, the paved South Rim Road, a developed campground, and the best-maintained trails and overlooks. For a day trip, this is the right choice.
Morning: Arrive Early and Drive the Rim
8:00-8:30 a.m. Entrance and Visitor Center
Arrive early. The South Rim Visitor Center is just inside the entrance. Stop here to orient yourself, pick up a trail map and check out the nature displays.
There are also bathrooms and drinking water at the visitor center that are open seasonally. Ranger programs run throughout the day. Check the schedule posted at the visitor center.
8:30-11:30 a.m. South Rim Road (East Section)
Drive the seven-mile South Rim Road east to west, stopping at each of the 12 overlooks. The canyon reveals itself differently from each one.
Key stops:
-Tomichi Point
This is the first overlook. The canyon’s scale starts to register here.
-Gunnison Point
Directly above the river, which is 1,800 feet below. It’s one of the most dramatic overlooks on the South Rim.
-Painted Wall View
The single most photographed spot in the park and Colorado’s tallest cliff face. The pink and gray streaks (pegmatite intrusions in the darker gneiss) change color throughout the day. Late afternoon light is spectacular, but morning is less crowded.
-Chasm View
A short 0.3-mile walk from the parking area puts you on the rim with a direct view into the narrowest accessible section of the canyon. The canyon walls here are only 1,100 feet apart at the rim, but 1,800 feet deep.
-Dragon Point
The westernmost overlook on the east section. Take in views up and down the canyon from here.
Late Morning: Go on a hike
Three Black Canyon hikes include Cedar Point Nature Trail, Rim Rock Nature Trail and Warner Point Nature Trail.
The Cedar Point Nature Trail (0.4 miles out and back) goes to two rim overlooks through pinyon-juniper forest. It’s the most accessible trail in the park and takes about 30-45 minutes. Excellent for families, older travelers or anyone who wants views without technical hiking.
If you want more distance, the Rim Rock Nature Trail (2-mile loop) connects the campground and the visitor center along the rim. Interpretive signs explain the geology and ecology throughout.
For the most dramatic view hike, the Warner Point Nature Trail (1.5 miles one-way from High Point) is the longest and quietest rim trail on the South Rim. It sees fewer visitors than the overlooks near the visitor center.
Midday: Lunch and Rest
There is no restaurant inside the park. There are picnic areas along the South Rim to eat at. Pack lunch for your Black Canyon of the Gunnison day trip and enjoy the canyon views.
Afternoon: The Rim Road West Section or East Portal
West Section of South Rim Road: There are four more overlooks on the western half of the road.
Dragon Point and High Point anchor the western end. High Point is the highest elevation on the South Rim at 8,287 feet.
East Portal Road: This is the one road in the park that descends to the canyon floor. The grade is 16%, making it one of the steepest paved roads in the National Park system. Shifting into low gear while driving is advised. This road also features hairpin turns and narrow lanes, so vehicles and trailers over 22 feet long are not permitted on it.
The Gunnison River, picnic tables and trout fishing access on Gold Medal water are at the bottom. Round-trip is about 30 minutes of driving. Worth it if you want to see the canyon from the bottom up and to understand what 2,700 feet feels like from down there.
Sunset at the Black Canyon
If you can stay until sunset, do. The light on the Painted Wall and the canyon walls goes through extraordinary shifts in the hour before dark. Several overlooks, including Chasm View and Dragon Point, face west. This time of day is one of the most beautiful at Black Canyon.
Stargazing at the Black Canyon
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an International Dark Sky Park. National Parks earn this designation by prioritizing preserving the night sky. Black Canyon uses light pollution-conscious lighting, offers nighttime access to the park, and has astronomy programs. The best overlooks for stargazing are Chasm View, Dragon Point, Sunset View, Chasm View and Kneeling Camel.
Inner Canyon Hiking
All inner canyon use requires a wilderness permit. Permit rules vary based on season and location. Learn more on the National Park website. These routes require technical skill, experience, and preparation and are only recommended for experienced hikers and climbers.
South Rim Inner Canyon Routes:
- Gunnison Route
3 miles round trip, drops 1,800 feet - Tomichi Route
2 miles round trip, drops 1,960 feet - Warner Route
5 miles round trip, drops 2,722 feet - Red Rock Canyon
7 miles round trip, drops 1,300 feet
North Rim Inner Canyon Routes:
- Pinyon Draw
5 miles round trip, drops 1,800 feet - Long Draw
2 miles round trip, drops 1,800 feet - Slide Draw
2 miles round trip, drops 1,620 feet
Rock Climbing
The Black Canyon offers 145 climbing routes for expert rock climbers. The climbing in this steep and narrow canyon is incredibly technical and should only be attempted by expert climbers with the proper gear and experience. All wilderness regulations, including obtaining a permit, apply for climbing in the Black Canyon. Learn more here.
Pair It with Curecanti National Recreation Area
On the drive between Gunnison and Black Canyon, you pass directly through Curecanti National Recreation Area. This is a companion unit of the National Park Service that protects Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water.
A combined day works naturally. Visit Black Canyon in the morning and stop at Curecanti on the way back. Elk Creek Marina and Visitor Center is on Blue Mesa and 9 miles west of Gunnison. The visitor center offers historical and interpretive signs, maps, souvenirs and gifts for sale, drinking water, bathrooms, a Junior Ranger program, and more.
Boating, fishing, hiking trails and gravel biking are all activities at Curecanti. The recreation area is also an International Dark Sky Park. Park rangers put on astronomy programs and telescope viewings at the Elk Creek Campground amphitheater.
A 2-Day Itinerary: Stay in Gunnison, See Both Parks
Day 1: Gunnison + Curecanti
Arrive in Gunnison and check in to your hotel. Go on an afternoon drive through Curecanti. Scenic views include Blue Mesa Reservoir, the Dillion Pinnacles, high desert mesas and vistas, and the underwater ghost town of Iola, Colorado in low water years. Stop at the Elk Creek Visitor Center to learn more about the geology and environment of Blue Mesa and Curecanti. End your day with dinner in Gunnison.
Day 2: Black Canyon
Depart Gunnison early for the South Rim. Enjoy a full day at the canyon as outlined above: rim drive, Cedar Point, East Portal if desired and sunset at Painted Wall. Enjoy dinner and nightlife in Gunnison before heading home the next day.
Practical Information
Fees: Entrance is $30 per vehicle and valid for 7 days. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which provides access to national parks and other participating federal recreation sites, is accepted. Buy one at the entrance station or at online recreation.gov.
Camping: The South Rim Campground has 88 sites that are reservable online.
Cell service: Essentially none inside the park. Download your maps and save your reservation confirmation before arrival.
Weather: The canyon rim sits at ~8,000 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in summer. Plan outdoor activities for morning and early afternoon to try to avoid them. Check the Black Canyon forecast before you go.
Winter in the Black Canyon
South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond Gunnison Point and the visitor center in the winter. The rest of the road remains open for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. Go on a guided ranger snowshoe walk to learn more about the Black Canyon. Depending on snow conditions the road is also groomed for cross-country skiing. Please follow winter trail etiquette and share the road. Admission to the park is free in the winter. Please note that dogs are not allowed at Black Canyon in the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is Black Canyon of the Gunnison from Crested Butte?
A: About 90 miles and 1.5 hours by car. Head south on CO-135 to Gunnison, then west on U.S. 50 through Montrose. It’s a full-day trip but worth it.
Q: How far is Black Canyon from Gunnison?
A: Approximately 55 miles west. About one hour via U.S. 50 and CO-347.
Q: Is one day enough for Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
A: Yes, for most visitors, one day is enough to experience the South Rim fully. Drive South Rim Road, stop at all 12 overlooks, walk Cedar Point Nature Trail and optionally descend East Portal Road. Two days allow you to also visit the North Rim and do inner canyon hiking.
Q: What is the best overlook at Black Canyon?
A: Painted Wall View is Colorado’s tallest cliff face. It was named for its dramatic multi-colored mineral streaking. Chasm View offers the most intimate sense of the canyon’s depth and narrowness. Both are must-do stops.
Q: Do I need a reservation to visit Black Canyon?
A: No timed entry reservation is required for the South Rim (as of 2026). Entry is pay-at-the-gate or with an annual pass.
Q: Is Black Canyon good for kids?
A: Yes, with appropriate supervision near the unfenced rim. The Cedar Point Nature Trail is paved, accessible and safe for families. Children should stay well back from unfenced rim areas. The drops are vertical and severe. Junior Ranger booklets are available at the visitor center.
Q: Can I see Black Canyon year-round?
A: Yes. The South Rim is open year-round, though some services are reduced in winter. Snow on the rim in winter creates dramatic photography opportunities. The North Rim Road closes seasonally. Check online for current conditions.
