Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Details: Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. With two million years to work, the Gunnison River, along with the forces of weathering, has sculpted this vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.
Today's Weather: http://www.weather.com/weather/today/l/NPBLCA:13:US CLIMATE Weather can vary greatly throughout the day. Summer daytime temperatures range between 55 to 90F (13 to 32C), nights 45 to 60F (7 to 16C). Winter daytime temperatures range between 15 to 40F (-9 to 4C), nights 10 to 20F (-12 to -6C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer. Snow accumulation varies greatly year to year. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended.
Directions: 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 east of Montrose. Physical/GPS address is: 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, CO 81401
Balanced Rock Overlook
The short walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail.
Big Island Overlook
This overlook is right next to the parking area and requires very little walking to see the canyon.
Cedar Point Overlook
The walk to the overlook is 303 yards on an unpaved surface, Guideposts describe the various plants along the way.
Chasm View Overlook
The short walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail.
Cross Fissures Overlook
The walk to the overlook is 357 yards on an unpaved trail.
Devil's Lookout Overlook
The walk to the overlook is 607 yards on an unpaved trail.
Dragon Point Overlook
The walk to the overlook is 100 yards on an unpaved trail.
Gunnison Point Overlook
The South Rim Visitor Center is at Gunnison Point. A short walk will take you to the overlooks. From here the Rim Rock Trail heads to the South Rim Campground, and the Oak Flat Trail takes you on a loop below the canyon rim.
The short walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail.
High Point Overlook
The last overlook on the South Rim Drive and the trailhead for the Warner Point Nature Trail.
Island Peaks Overlook
The short walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail.
Kneeling Camel Overlook
The overlook is adjacent to the parking area and very little walking is required to see the canyon. Park here to hike the Deadhorse Trail. The trailhead is just east of the parking area.
Narrows Overlook
The walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail. The trail loops back to the parking area.
North Rim Ranger Station
The ranger station is open intermittently during the summer. A self-pay station is available for the park entrance fee, and a self-registration board is available for wilderness permits if the ranger station is closed. Park information is posted outside the building.
This is the trailhead for the North Vista Trail, which goes to Exclamation Point and Green Mountain.
Closed in winter.
Painted Wall Overlook
This overlook features the tallest cliff in Colorado, the Painted Wall. From river to rim, the Painted Wall is 2,250 feet tall.
The walk to the overlook is 200 yards on an unpaved trail.
Pulpit Rock Overlook
The walk to the overlook is 134 yards on an unpaved trail.
Rock Point Overlook
The walk to the overlook is 234 yards on an unpaved trail.
Sunset View Overlook at Black Canyon
This overlook is wheelchair accessible.
Tomichi Overlook
Tomichi Overlook is the first overlook on the South Rim Drive. The Rim Rock Trail passes under the overlook, connecting the South Rim Campground to the Visitor Center.
This overlook is wheelchair accessible.
Campgrounds
Peach Valley Ohv Staging Area
Soap Creek
Lake Fork Campground
East Portal Campground
North Rim Campground
South Rim Campground