Alert: North Rim Road and East Portal Road closed for winter
National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison
Black Canyon near Tomichi Point NPS Photo/Lynch
Overview
Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.
7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
Entrance - Motorcycle: 25.00
7-Day Motorcycle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
Entrance - Per Person: 15.00
7-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)
Commercial Entrance - Sedan: 25.00
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 1-6 persons. Fee is $25.00 per vehicle plus $7.00 per passenger.
Commercial Entrance - Van: 40.00
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: 40.00
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: 100.00
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 26 or more. Fee is $100.00 per vehicle.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: 30.00
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or fewer: $30.00 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: 15.00
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 16 or greater: $15.00 per passenger (including driver). Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per-person rate. Pass and photo ID must be presented upon entry.
Map
Things To Do
Category
6 Results
Stargazing at Black Canyon
Free
Description
Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to view the night skies. Choose overlooks far from the road for optimal stargazing and astrophotography or join one of the park's telescope viewing programs during summer.
In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond Gunnison Point. Rangers groom the remainder of the road (as staffing and conditions allow) for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing.
Constructed by the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the North Vista Trail offers some of the best scenic views and birding in the park. Difficulty varies from moderate to strenuous based on distance.
Deadhorse Trail takes hikers into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area. It offers good views of Deadhorse Gulch and East Portal on the Gunnison River, as well as good birding.
