Trip Ideas

A view into a steep, deep canyon with a raging river below
The Gunnison River, as seen from Dragon Point Overlook. Overlooks on both rims of Black Canyon allow visitors to see into the steep, deep canyon below.

NPS/Dani Goodman

Use these trip ideas to plan your own adventure to the park. If time allows, stop by both rims of Black Canyon and visit the adjacent Curecanti National Recreation Area.

South Rim and East Portal

If you have....

North Rim

If you have...

  • 1-2 Hours: Stop by the ranger station, tour the North Rim Road, and view Black Canyon from one of the overlooks.

  • Half a Day: Enjoy the scenic drive and hike some of the North Rim trails.

  • 1-2 Days: Use the North Rim Campground as a base camp and hike all of the canyon rim trails. Explore the inner canyon via one of the strenuous, challenging wilderness routes (permit required).

 
people standing at an overlook perched on a peninsula jutting into the Black Canyon
South Rim

South Rim is the more developed side of Black Canyon.

a sheer canyon of dark rock in the background, vibrant green pinyon pine trees in foreground
North Rim

The North Rim is rugged, primitive, and has limited services.

fisherman wading in the river in front of a short waterfall in the canyon
East Portal

Discover the history and recreation of East Portal.

An overlook with wooden fencing along a canyon rim
Scenic Drives

Take a scenic drive on either side of Black Canyon or the steep descent to East Portal.

Last updated: June 5, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

102 Elk Creek
(GPS/physical address = 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, CO)

Gunnison, CO 81230

Phone:

970-641-2337

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