People

While indigenous people knew of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, it was an obscure geographic feature to explorers for hundreds of years. The Spanish were the first Europeans to canvas western Colorado with two expeditions, one led by Juan Rivera in 1765, and the other by Fathers Dominguez and Escalante in 1776. Both were looking for passage to the California coast, and passed by the canyon.

Fur trappers of the early 1800s also knew of the canyon in their search for beaver pelts. They left no written record of the canyon. Later, expeditions came to the Black Canyon searching for railroad passageways, mineral wealth, or in a quest for water. Eventually explorers came to see the canyon for its natural resources, renewal, and recreation.

When Black Canyon became a national monument in 1933, there was little to no infrastructure. Park staff, aided by Civilian Conservation Corps workers, built trails, roads, campgrounds, and NPS buildings. Mission 66 projects completed during the 1960s also brought new life to the roads, scenic overlooks, and campgrounds.

Today, around half a million people visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park each year.