Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Description
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, near Montrose, Colorado, is a national park of stunning beauty and wildness on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. Carved by the Gunnison River, the Black Canyon National Park covers twelve miles of the 42-mile canyon and features one of the steepest canyon descents in the United States, with an average elevation change of 43 feet per mile, and a maximum of 240 feet per mile. The Black Canyon is a haven for explorative and scenic hiking, harrowing technical climbing routes and challenging kayaking.
Carved primarily out of volcanic deposits, Precambrian gneiss and schist, the Black Canyon is a dramatic, steep and narrow canyon. Its unique geologic history contributed to its formation as well as to its modern name. The canyon is so deep and steep that sunlight rarely illuminates the bottom of the canyon, making the shadowy rock appear black. At its narrowest section, the massive opposing walls are only 40 feet apart. In addition, the canyon is home to Painted Wall, which is the highest sheer cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet. Hiking along the canyon rim, as well as down into the canyon itself, is a fantastic way to explore the landscape and appreciate the rugged beauty of the canyon and power of the river.
Many established hiking trails along the North and South rims of the canyon offer a wide variety of terrain and experiences. Nature walks of 1 mile or less are perfect for families to explore the canyon rim and see the variety of flora and fauna that flourish in the area. More adventurous hikes are also marked to further explore the canyon and its surroundings. A family favorite is the Rim Rock Nature Trail, which is relatively flat and offers bountiful views of the river and canyon walls. Seasoned hikers will enjoy Green Mountain on the North Rim, with expansive and breathtaking mountain and canyon views.
Adventurous and experienced visitors may want to explore the canyon itself and are free to do so. The added excitement and allure of exploring the canyon also comes with more risk. There are no established routes or maintained trails, and hikers must be able to safely find their own route down into the canyon and back out. Because of scree, talus, and other unstable and varied terrain, sturdy hiking boots are strongly recommended. Hikers should also be aware of the slippery rocks along the river itself as well as the strong current and chilling temperature of the water. Adequate precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and fun adventure. Any trip down into the canyon is sure to be unforgettable.
One of the most exciting and preeminent canyons in west, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison features family-friendly sightseeing as well as adventurous hiking, climbing and kayaking. Be sure to take advantage of the chance to visit one of the most rugged and memorable landscapes in Colorado.
Deals
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Businesses
Whether you want to travel to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, spend the night, go shopping, or have a romantic dinner, we have the business listings to help you plan your Colorado vacation close to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Please click on the categories below to expand them. If you believe we missed a business or mis-categorized it, or if you have any other comment, please let us know by clicking here.
 Cobble Creek Golf Course & Community 699 Cobble Dr (970) 964-4947Montrose, CO 81401 www.cobblecreek.com   Jojo's Windmill 2133 E. Main (970) 240-8678Montrose, CO 81401 JoJo's Windmill is the perfect spot for pleasant dining and superb cuisine.Restaurant critics, neighborhood regulars, and first time visitors alwaysagree about JoJo's Windmill: The atmosphere is great,... |
Cobble Creek Golf Course & Community 699 Cobble Dr (970) 964-4947Montrose, CO 81401 www.cobblecreek.com |
 Affordable Inns Of Montrose 1480 South Townsend Avenue Montrose, CO 81401 Inn/chalet limited serviceyear built 1989 year remodeled 2007additional property description affordable inn Montrose is located just 14 miles away from black canyon...  Best Western Red Arrow 1702 E Main St (970) 497-3468Montrose, CO 81401 book.bestwestern.com  Hotel Year Built 1965 Year Remodeled 2011 Additional Property Description Nestled in a peaceful valley on the western slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains,...  Black Canyon Motel 1605 E Main St (970) 249-3495Montrose, CO 81401 www.blackcanyonmotel.com  Where our guests are familysituated on the western slope of the rocky mountainsMontrose is home to the black canyon national park andthe Black Canyon Motel. We offer 49 rooms includingsuites with a free...  Days Inn Montrose 1417 E Main St (970) 249-4507Montrose, CO 81401 www.daysinn.com  Days Inn Montrose is a business friendly hotel located in Montrose and attractions in the region include Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Hotel Features. This 2.0 star property has a business...  Econo Lodge Montrose 2100 E Main Street (970) 240-8000Montrose, CO 81401 www.econolodge.com  Econo Lodge Montrose is located in central Montrose and attractions in the region include Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool and a spa tub....  Hampton Inn Montrose 1980 N Townsend Ave (970) 252-3300Montrose, CO 81401 hamptoninn.hilton.com  Hampton Inn Montrose is located in Montrose and attractions in the region include Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness...  Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Montrose Townsend 1391 S Townsend Ave (970) 240-1800Montrose, CO 81401 www.hiexpress.com  Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Montrose Townsend is located in Montrose and attractions in the region include Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities...  Motel 6 Montrose 1655 E Main Street Montrose, CO 81401 Motel 6 Montrose is located in Montrose and attractions in the region include Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. ... |
 Quality Inn And Suites 2751 Commercial Way (970) 249-1011Montrose, CO 81401 www.qualityinn.com  Quality Inn And Suites is a business friendly hotel located in Montrose. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness facility. Complimentary high speed (wired)...  Rodeway Inn 1705 E Main St (970) 249-9294Montrose, CO 81401 www.discoverourtown.com  Rodeway Inn Montrose is located in Montrose and attractions in the region include Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Features.Recreational amenities include a spa tub. A complimentary breakfast...  Western Motel 1200 East Main Street (970) 249-3481Montrose, CO 81401 www.westernmotel.com  28 clean and comfortable rooms in our family owned andoperated motel in central Montrose. We feature a pool openin season and wifi internet. Friendly professional service. |
Cobble Creek Golf Course & Community 699 Cobble Dr (970) 964-4947Montrose, CO 81401 www.cobblecreek.com Jeans Westerner Incorporated 147 N Townsend Ave (970) 249-3600Montrose, CO 81401 www.jeanswesterner.com  |
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