Explorers

Lieutenant John W. Gunnison, Lieutenant Edward G. Beckwith, and crew traveled from the Great Plains, over the Rocky Mountains, and into the Tomichi Valley. The expedition continued to follow the Grand River (Gunnison River). The Gunnison Expedition report contains the first official description of the Black Canyon.

Byron Bryant's expedition continued exploration of the "Grand Canyon of the Gunnison" for railroad opportunities during the winter of 1883 and 1884. Their survey helped advise the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad to not continue through Black Canyon.

John Pelton's expedition was focused on surveying for a tunnel to bring water into the Uncompahgre Valley. The challenging and dangerous conditions within the canyon forced the crew to abandon the trip early.

William Torrence, Abraham Lincoln Fellows, and their expedition crew successfully navigated the turbulent, dangerous waters of Black Canyon to continue surveying for a tunnel.

Kolb was one of the first to conduct a lengthy recreational trip down the Gunnison River through Black Canyon.