Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is Colorado’s newest national park, having gained its status as a national park in 1999. This park is home to the a deep and dramatic canyon that was formed by the Gunnison River. While most visitors stick to hikes along the rim (and the scenic drive to the bottom of the canyon), adventurous travelers can hike all the way to the bottom.

South Rim

East Portal Road at Black Canyon of the Gunnison

5 Fun Things to Do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The south rim is more popular because it’s more easily accessible. Here you’ll find some awesome view points, a scenic drive, and several options to hike into the canyon.

North Rim

Exclamation Point at Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison North Rim – Hikes & The Best Views

The north rim is less visited, but no less epic. In fact, the north rim is home to the best view point at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Scenic Drives

Highway 60 from Cañon City to Salida

11 Amazing Scenic Drives in Colorado

One of the best things about roadtripping through Colorado is scenic drives you’ll find everywhere. Whether you add one of these routes or all of these routes, you’re sure to have a beautiful drive.

Fairview Curve Viewpoint at Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado in 10 Days – The Perfect Itinerary

This is one of my favorite road trips ever. You’ll visit all four of Colorado’s National Parks and do loads of scenic driving. If you’re interested in epic views and hikes, this is the itinerary for you.

Viewpoint at Fall River Road at Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado 5 Day Itinerary: 3 Great Options

For those with less time, take a long weekend to visit Colorado. You won’t see the whole state, but I’ve put together three itineraries, each focusing on a different part of Colorado.

Entrance Fees

It costs $30 per vehicle for a 7 day pass for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. You can also purchase an annual pass (valid only at Black Canyon of the Gunnison) for $55. The America the Beautiful Pass is also valid.

When to Visit

Summer is peak season and is when Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the busiest. In winter, some roads (including East Portal Road) will be closed and won’t reopen until mid-April. I visited in the first week of September. Crowds were not overwhelming, but it was incredibly hot during my visit with temperatures reaching into the low 90s.

Where to Stay

There’s no lodging in the park except for camping. The most convenient nearby town is Montrose. From Montrose, it’s a 25 minute drive to the South Rim Visitor Center.

More in Colorado

The fun in Colorado doesn’t stop with Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There’s three other national parks, plenty of scenic drives, and even more amazing outdoor adventures. Learn more in my Colorado Travel Guide.

More US National Parks

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is just one of 63 national parks across the United States. Learn more about these parks and start planning your perfect trip with my US National Parks Travel Guide.