Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Steep canyon offering hiking, camping & scenic views of the Gunnison River & the Painted Wall cliff.
When is your trip?
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Trip plannersUnited StatesColorado

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Trip Planner

Trip plannersUnited StatesColorado

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Trip Planner

Ready to plan your trip to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park? Organize and map your itinerary with our free trip planner.

Top attractions in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
4.8
(5652)
National park
Nature & Parks
Steep canyon offering hiking, camping & scenic views of the Gunnison River & the Painted Wall cliff.
Slide 1 of 8
Black Canyon of the Gunnison was one of the highlights of our road trip—absolutely stunning and so much more impressive in person than any photo can capture. It’s one of those places that doesn’t always get the spotlight like some of the more famous parks, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. It feels wild, quiet, and untouched in all the best ways. We visited during the off-season, which made the experience even better. There were very few people around, and we often had entire overlooks to ourselves. It gave us time to just stand and take in the incredible depth and steepness of the canyon walls—some of the most dramatic views we've seen in any park. We spent most of our time exploring the South Rim, and it’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a good mix of scenic stops and short hikes. Every overlook felt unique, and the drive itself is beautiful with lots of places to pull off and explore. The kids loved hopping out at each stop, and we loved how easy it was to navigate without feeling rushed. Even in the off-season, everything was well maintained. The ranger station was open, and the park was clearly cared for with pride. While we didn’t tackle any of the more extreme trails, the ones we did take were peaceful, rewarding, and filled with jaw-dropping views. This park has a quiet power to it. It's not flashy, but it leaves a lasting impression. We left feeling like we’d discovered something truly special—and already talking about when we can go back to see the North Rim. If you're anywhere near western Colorado, make time for Black Canyon. It's a gem of the national park system—peaceful, dramatic, and unforgettable.
Ryan S — Google review
They just had a wildfire a few weeks ago. Most of the park was closed due to the fire. The visitor center was saved. It is an impressive center. Great display and information. The staff are excellent. The view of the canyon is amazing!! No running water here. Be sure and bring you own
David B — Google review
Excellent National Park. Of note: Park is open during the government shutdown to day use. No camping and no services other than an occasional restroom. Plan to spend several hours here at the minimum! Could easily spend a day plus. Lots of short hikes some moderate to strenuous from the road. Views are stunning and change as the sun moves. This day was not overly busy, but for the 1st week of October and mid-week we were surprised by the number of people. Could be an issue with parking at viewpoints on busy days. One of the best parks we have visited for views.
Bill F — Google review
The Black Canyon was really nice, somewhat of a thriller looking down from the edge to see straight to the bottom. There’s trails all around the canyon from parking spots to get a better look. You could definitely skip a trip to the Grand Canyon for this experience!
Valerie M — Google review
I had the chance to visit the park around sunset to get some of the views. I should note that my visit was during the government shutdown and just months after the wildfire. I was able to visit a few of the overlooks and walk down by the visitor center. I know this is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, but the black canyon itself makes the visit worth it. The sunset and golden hour rays casts amazing light on to the rock surfaces and the pictures are amazing. Even though the visiter center was closed I was still able to walk down one of the paths behind it. It was very easy and the path was kept up. I definitely want to come back to see the park at its fullest.
Brody H — Google review
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an awe inspiring park with some of the steepest cliffs and most dramatic views you’ll find anywhere in the U.S. The sheer depth and ruggedness of the canyon are jaw dropping, and there are plenty of scenic overlooks that are easy to access, along with more challenging hikes if you want to venture deeper. It’s worth noting that a decent portion of the park has been affected by wildfires, so some areas may look scarred or closed off depending on the season. Even so, the canyon itself remains absolutely stunning, and the resiliency of the landscape is impressive. The park had a very smoky smell to it upon entering.
Mitch W — Google review
Never knew about this national park but highly recommend it. Especially if you enjoy heights. Visited the south rim at the end of October, 2025. Has easy, short hikes to many overlooks. Except for the last overlook at Warner Point was longer but still worth it. With all of the short hikes to the overlooks, highly recommend for the older generation or for those that do not like to hike as much. Most overlook locations have parking with length of trail to overlooks. Also, don't forget to go to the East Portal to drive down into the gorge, along the river to Crystal Dam. Great views on the way down and along the river. Saw deer and big horn sheep along the drive.
Randy C — Google review
Very cool park to see! We visited the south rim and the must see viewpoints are Dragon Point and Painted Wall View! This was national park #32 for me! Got to hit them all! Stay until sunset for the best colors.
Joshua L — Google review
S Rim Rd
2. S Rim Rd
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
South Rim Visitor Center
3. South Rim Visitor Center
4.8
(706)
Visitor center
Forestry office
Lodgelike facility, open year-round, offering maps, a park video & Black Canyon panoramas.
Slide 1 of 8
Based in a log building on the edge of the canyon the South Rim Visitor Center is a great place to stop before venturing further into the park. The rangers were friendly and informative and offer information and maps to help get your bearings and plan your visit. They have some nice displays and a gift shop as well.
Ray W — Google review
Great visitor center! Awesome exhibits of the canyon and wildlife in the area as well as cool comparisons of this canyon to the other canyons in North America. Small (crowded) gift shop and really helpful staff at the information desk. parking fills up, but there's some on each side of the visitor center. Bathrooms in the parking lot also with a water bottle fill station. Great overlook off the back deck woth a short easy walk down to the viewpoint.
Brandon D — Google review
The South Rim Visitor Center is conveniently located near the park entrance, making it the primary starting point for most visitors to the park. It offers ample parking, clean restrooms, and easy access to the South Rim Road, which leads to several scenic overlooks and hiking trails. It’s well-equipped to provide an introduction to the park’s unique geology and wildlife, and it offers great resources for planning your adventure. The nearby overlooks provide some of the most spectacular canyon views in the park, making it an essential part of any visit.
Asiri B — Google review
Great place for information & education in the black canyon. There are some hands on activities. You can purchase t-shirts, stickers and more. Note that Colorado is a bag-free state so you’ll need to carry your items out. Highly recommend!
Kelly M — Google review
Nice visitor center with friendly staff and reasonably priced souvenirs. The views of the canyon are great from the visitor center but I would recommend going through the trail at the back to an overlook for much better views. Due to the July heat, we did not stay for too long but the visit was worthwhile.
SARTHAK P — Google review
Beautiful and unique sight to behold, it’s hard to see the magnificent and breathtaking depth that these canyons are, it was an easy walk from the visitor center to a great overlook. There is some informational content in the visitor center. There is no water up here. Outhouse was clean and heated
Lauren ( — Google review
The main attraction is the views of the canyon from the trails just outside the visitors center. The parking lot tends to fill up, so we parked at a pull out that was about a half mile from the visitors center and walked along the rim trail to the center. You get many different glances at the gorge, and it is not as crowded as the area right around the visitors center.
Jeff P — Google review
Excellent location for this visitor's center! Inside there's the typical ranger's desk complete with maps and all the information you could need; a store; and some fascinating information regarding the geology and history of the park. Just outside there's a picnic table (having it labeled as a picnic area on the park maps is a little misleading) and some benches, and a boardwalk a short distance down to an amazing overlook. There's also 2 separate restroom buildings, so potty opportunities abound here! For what it's worth, we did just about everything the south rim has to offer (short of going into the canyon) in under 8 hours or so. Kids did the junior ranger program, we hit all the overlooks and did the Warner Point Trail, as well. Did the Rim Rock Trail from here to a little ways past Tomichi Point, but turned around as it was getting dark. Also drove down the East Portal Road and got as close to Crystal Dam as we could. Skipped the Uplands and Oak Flat Trails, but did stick around after dark for a pretty cool astronomy program near the campground.
Ryan M — Google review
Painted Wall
4. Painted Wall
4.8
(6)
Cliff
Nature & Parks
Slide 1 of 4
Just went today, incredible view! Go during off season for less crowds! Can see my adventures on Instagram @cdesmondtravel
Chris D — Google review
In addition to the wind, we were completely blown away by the view of the pink looking veins in the mountain across the canyon, a 2,250-foot wall of rock, and then the Gunnison River at the bottom, sparkling in the sun. A truly incredible view. Make sure to find the Angel's Window. Be cautious, as part of the viewing area has a railing, but some of it is unprotected. That first step is a big one...
Celeste R — Google review
The views from the narrows on the north rim side are absolutely breathtaking. Standing on the edge of the narrows overlook and looming over the edge will captivate you, but be very cautious of loose rocks and big wind gusts!
Daniel K — Google review
Some of the coolest views and pictures ever.
Austin R — Google review
Pulpit Rock Overlook
5. Pulpit Rock Overlook
4.7
(51)
Vista point
Nature & Parks
Slide 1 of 8
We stopped at the Pulpit Rock Overlook and had a picnic lunch. There is paved parallel off-street parking as well as a stone parking lot and small picnic area. Restroom facilities are available across the street. There is a short fairly easy trail to the Pulpit Rock Overlook. This view is spectacular and was one of our favorites.
Ray W — Google review
A sensational Vista that provides an alternative view of the canyon from Gunnison Point to Cross Fissures. Pulpit Rock has two overlooks, the main one jutting out into the canyon and providing a full circle view. This is an easy hike with small change in elevation and just a few steps.
Jeffrey N — Google review
This is a great spot because you have a long view down the Gunnison River. Especially pretty around mid day when the sun is shining straight down on the water.
Kyle K — Google review
Another must stop viewpoint with a short walk to an overlook that let's you see both sides of the canyon walls and river
Brandon D — Google review
This place is simply amazing! I cannot recommend this place enough. For what it’s worth it is one of my favorite national parks! On each of these overlooks you can learn a little bit of information about the park and take in the views while getting in some fresh air and exercise!
Lukasz ( — Google review
Good views of the canyon, but not nearly as breathtaking as some of the other viewpoints on the South Rim (or any of them on the North Rim for that matter). This viewpoint does have a nice picnic area and restroom facilities, so it is one of the more family-friendly viewpoints in the whole park
Gunnar C — Google review
Excellent stop with a couple different vantage points of the canyon and river below.
Ryan M — Google review
Great view from pulpit rock. With stopping. But I think the better view is out to the right, not the left.
Weston H — Google review
Tomichi Point
6. Tomichi Point
4.7
(6)
Vista
Nature & Parks
Slide 1 of 2
Awesome
Aneesh C — Google review
At the narrowest point along the top of the canyon, right near Tomichi Point, the distance between the canyon walls measures about 1100-feet across, but narrows to just 40-feet near the riverbed far below. If you are well skilled, looking for an adventure, and planning a hiking trip to the bottom of the canyon, this is one of the three trails that will get you there. It is considered the steepest route, but it has nice views. Dogs are allowed on this trail; this is not so with the others. Tomichi Point is right near the Visitor Center, and one of the first viewpoints along the South Rim Road. We enjoyed the canyon from this vantage point.
Celeste R — Google review
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app
Love love love! ❤️ Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app.
J
Julie G.
Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this app!
J
Jen S.
Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Seriously, this app does it all!
B
Brad C.
This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! I can’t recommend it enough!
A
Amanda W.
Amazing!! The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
G
Garrett V.
This is the crème de la crème of planning apps! Don’t think about it - just click download right this minute.
C
Chris C.

Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Other notable attractions

Warner Point Trail
Sights & Landmarks
Lookouts
Easy 1.5-mi trail through pinyon-juniper woodlands to a lookout offering sweeping canyon views.
Best-of categories in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Attractions
Kid-friendly attractions
Neighborhoods
Hiking
Parks and gardens

Popular road trips from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

All road trips from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Explore nearby places

All related maps of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park throughout the year

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park?

Get inspired for your trip to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Weather in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Here's the historical average temperature in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Ready to plan your trip to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park?
Use our free trip planner for the easiest way to plan your vacation. No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Add places from guides with 1 click

We crawled the web so you don’t have to. Easily save mentioned places.

Collaborate with friends in real time

Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing.

Import flight and hotel reservations

Connect or forward your emails to get them magically added into your trip plan.

Expense tracking and splitting

Keep track of your budget and split the cost between your tripmates.

Checklists for anything

Stay organized with a packing list, to-do list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Get personalized suggestions

Find the best places to visit with smart recommendations based on your itinerary.
Plan on the go with our free travel app
With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.
Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.
Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park