Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

About Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park protects 12 miles of the deepest, most dramatic section of this 48-mile gorge. The canyon walls are so steep and narrow that the bottom receives only 33 minutes of direct sunlight per day, giving the canyon its name. The Painted Wall, at 2,250 feet, is the tallest cliff in Colorado. The Gunnison River drops an average of 43 feet per mile through the canyon—one of the steepest mountain descents in North America.

Park Highlights

• Painted Wall
• Chasm View
• Gunnison Point
• Warner Point
• Dragon Point
• South Rim Drive

Activities

Wildlife

Visitor Information

Visitor Tips

• South Rim is more developed and accessible
• North Rim requires dirt road access
• Inner canyon routes are extremely strenuous
• Designated International Dark Sky Park

Location

Official Resources