Deep, Steep, and Narrow

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. Read More

A log cabin style building with large windows is surrounded by conifer trees and snow
Operating Hours & Seasons

Black Canyon has limited services during winter. South Rim is the only area of the park open year-round.

Snowy scene with shrubs and gambel oak trees.
Current Conditions

Know before you go! Check park alerts, road closures, weather forecast, and trail conditions.

Group of people dressed in winter clothing and wearing snowshoes walk in a line on a snowy road.
Winter Activities

Although services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.

Snow covers a hiking trail, bench, and vegetation along a canyon edge
Hiking

Enjoy quieter trails during winter. Bring traction devices for potentially icy and snowy conditions.

Steep, deep canyon walls with snow on the rim and shaded slopes. Pegmatite ntrusions are visible.
Geology

The geologic story of Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of uplift, volcanism, and the erosive force of water.

Two bobcat paw prints in snow
Animals

Although some animals migrate, others remain in the canyon throughout winter.

Screenshot image of a canyon and fence-lined trail with patches of snow
Webcams

Want to know if it is snowing, overcast, or sunny? Check out real time views from Black Canyon.

Winter scene with snow covering sagebrush and mesas. A large reservoir is in between.
One River System, Two Park Experiences

Visitors to nearby Curecanti National Recreation Area can experience the Gunnison River in a different form.

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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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