State’s highest cliff found at Colorado canyon, along with noise rising from depths
Imagine peering more than a half-mile down from a rocky ledge to see a rushing river below. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers this experience as one of the deepest canyons in North America. Here’s what you should know about this epic Colorado destination.
1. Gunnison River (Photo) Credit: CampPhoto (iStock)
About Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is 48-miles-long and has some of the steepest cliffs, craggiest spires, and oldest rock in North America. This national park is located between Montrose and Gunnison in western Colorado.
Photo Credit: CampPhoto (iStock).
2. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Photo) Credit: Mobilus In Mobili (Flickr)
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
A 14-mile portion of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, along with 30,750 acres of wilderness, was established as a national park in 1999. The park was named for the towering cliffs that are so tall they appear black most of the time. The sun has trouble reaching their depths.
Credit: Mobilus In Mobili (Flickr).
3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Photo) Credit Jimmy Thomas (Flickr)
Features of Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The Precambrian metamorphic rock of Black Canyon is approximately 1.7 billion years old. For more than 2 million years, the Gunnison River has carved its way through the rock. The greatest depth of the canyon measures just over 2,720 feet from the rim to the river below.
Credit: Jimmy Thomas (Flickr).
4.Black Canyon Of The Gunnison (Photo) Credit MichaelJust (iStock)
Black Canyon’s Painted Wall
Black Canyon’s Painted Wall is Colorado’s highest cliff. The 2,250-foot cliff has been weathered and eroded to the point that colorful streaks of rock have been revealed.
Photo Credit: MichaelJust (iStock).
5.Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Photo) Credit Stewart M. Green
Scenic Drives in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Inside national park boundaries are three scenic drives. The South Rim Drive offers 12 viewpoints that overlook the Black Canyon and the Gunnison River along 7 miles. The “must see” viewpoints are Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall and Sunset View.
Author’s note: During winter, South Rim Road is closed to vehicles beyond Gunnison Point.
Photo Credit: Stewart M. Green.
6. Black Canyon National Park (Photo) Credit daveynin (Flickr)
Scenic Drives in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Another scenic route in the park is North Rim Road, which is accessed from the east end of Crawford State Park via a gravel road. North Rim Road offers 6 overlooks and because the canyon walls on the North Rim are almost vertical, some of the most impressive views in the national park are found here.
Author’s note: North Rim Road is closed during winter.
Photo Credit: daveynin (Flickr)
7. Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park (Photo) Credit f11photo (iStock)
Gunnison River through Black Canyon of the Gunnison
To reach the Gunnison River through Black Canyon, visitors can drive East Portal Road. This route is extremely steep, features hairpin curves, and winds its way through to Curecanti National Recreation Area where camping, picnicking and fishing are allowed.
Author’s Note: East Portal Road is closed in winter and vehicles 22 feet and longer are prohibited.
Photo Credit: f11photo (iStock).
8. Black Canyon Rock Climbing (Photo) Credit Peter Gallahger
Exploring the Inner Depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a designated wilderness area in Colorado, which means outdoor recreationists must obtain a permit for any activities during both day or overnight trips. The ruggedness of the Black Canyon offers opportunities for rock climbing and hiking, and the Gunnison River offers kayaking, fishing, and rafting. Be warned, the remote terrain can be very dangerous.
Photo by Peter Gallagher.
9.Gunninson Point Overlook (Photo) Credit: welcomia (iStock)
South Rim Visitor Center
The South Rim Visitor Center features exhibits about the canyon and a gift shop. The visitor center is located 7 miles north on Colorado Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50.
Photo Credit welcomia (iStock).
10. Black Canyon of the Gunnison dark sky (Photo) Credit Brycen McCright
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a certified dark sky site
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was certified as an international dark sky park in 2015. Black Canyon hosts astronomy education programs, has incredible views of thousands of stars, and implements responsible lighting throughout the park. Find where to stargaze, when is the best time to visit at night, and more here.
Photo Credit: Brycen McCright
11. Black Canyon of the Gunnison (Photo) Credit mcfst3 (Flickr)
“The Song of the Gunnison”
Those who have spent enough time at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison have noticed a common sound. Some say it’s a blend of wind, wings of soaring birds, and the rush of the water below that echo through the canyon walls. The bits of sound resonate from the depths of the canyon. Dubbed “The Song of the Gunnison”, it can be heard on a very quiet visit.
Photo Credit: mcfst3 (Flickr)
12. Black Canyon of the Gunnison (Photo) Credit mcfst3 (Flickr)
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Colorado’s Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers an intense glimpse into one of the deepest canyons in North America. The sheer cliffs and intricacies of the rock walls make the Black Canyon of the Gunnison one of the most breath-taking sights to see in Colorado.
Photo Credit: mcfst3 (Flickr).
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