• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    Black Canyon Of The Gunnison

    National Park Colorado

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Road Status

    East Portal, South Rim and North Rim Roads are currently open, but could close again if winter condtions or rock fall exist.

Kayaking

Kayaking in Black Canyon

NPS PHOTO BY SHASTA MCCOY

Expert kayakers find the Gunnison River through the National Park an arduous challenge. This stretch of the Gunnison is for only the most experienced and well equipped kayakers.

The rapids within the national park are considered Class V and some sections are unrunnable. This is a very technical paddle and includes numerous long, difficult and dangerous portages. Poison ivy is nearly impossible to avoid, and can be found growing 5 feet tall along the river.

Kayakers run the river at their own risk. The Gunnison River through the National Park has claimed the lives of even the most experienced, respected kayakers. The river's hydraulics can make self-rescue or rescue by others impossible.

The following are general water flow ratings*:

750-950 cfs = minimal hydraulics
1200-1500 cfs = River is "pushy" with major hydraulics.
1500-3000 cfs = River is very "pushy" with extreme hydraulics.
above 3000 cfs = Kayaking should not be attempted even by experts, portages disappear, death is probable.

*These are general water flow guidelines. Local kayak experts suggest the unique hydraulics of the Gunnison River through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park make kayaking even more difficult than the above ratings.

Water temperatures are cold year-round, usually around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Swimming or wading is not recommended.

WILDERNESS USE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR KAYAKING.
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Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
Boaters traveling through the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness need to register and pay Gorge user fees. Gorge takeouts include Chukar and Gunnison Forks. Boaters exiting at Chukar must sign the river register, haul their boats up the 1 mile trail and pay user fees at the trailhead. Boaters exiting at Gunnison Forks must stop at Chukar, sign the register and pay the applicable user fees.

More information on Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area »

Contact the Bureau of Land Management for information on the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area:

BLM, Montrose District Office
2465 South Townsend Avenue
Montrose, CO 81404
(970) 240-5300

  • Water Flow Information Water Flow Information

    Information from the USGS for water flows through Black Canyon. Read More

  • Wilderness Use Permits Wilderness Use Permits

    A free permit is required for all inner canyon use including hiking, kayaking and climbing. Read More

Did You Know?

Peregrine falcon

Black Canyon is home to the fastest bird in the world, the Peregrine falcon. Scientists estimate that Peregrines can reach speeds of over 200 mph in an aerial dive.