News Release

Winter operations at Black Canyon

Date: October 20, 2024

Montrose, Colo. – As winter approaches, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will see changes to operations. Winter is a peaceful time to visit the park with less noise and traffic. Visitors should be prepared for changes in operations.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

• The South Rim Visitor Center hours will be 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily with a lunch closure from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm starting October 20. The visitor center will be closed on federal holidays.
• Water at Black Canyon is trucked to the park during the summertime and no water is available October to April on either the North or South Rim. Visitors must bring water.
• The North Rim Road closes to vehicles this year on November 15, or at first major snowfall.
• The East Portal Road, maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation, typically closes mid-November.
• The 6-mile (9.5 km) South Rim Road will close for brush clearing on November 12 and reopen in sections as the work is completed. While the road will be closed to vehicles during brush clearing operations, pedestrians and bicycles are welcome to use the road. Please enjoy this unique opportunity to experience the South Rim Road before the snows fly. The closure will begin at the visitor center. The South Rim Road will close for the season at the first major snowfall and not reopen until April 2025.
• When the South Rim Drive is in winter road status, pedestrians, leashed pets, and bicycles are permitted until the road is put into winter trail status. Once the road is groomed for skiing, it will be closed to pets and bicycles, allowing for winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• When snowfall is abundant, usually in January, ranger staff will be able to offer free guided snowshoe walks and the South Rim Road will be groomed by park staff for skiing.
• The South Rim Campground will have one campground loop open through the winter. Loop B will have a campground rehabilitation project occurring and be closed for part of the winter season. During that time, Loop C will be open. Both will be first-come, first-served.
• Hiking trails and routes remain open for use in winter. Wilderness-use permits are required for inner canyon routes and can be obtained self-serve at the visitor center. Traction footwear and hiking poles are strongly advised due to icy and snowy conditions.

Check the National Weather Service forecast, https://www.weather.gov/, and Colorado Department of Transportation Road cameras, https://www.cotrip.org/, to prepare for winter weather and driving conditions. Your safety is your responsibility. Safety alerts and information on park operations can be found on the park website at www.nps.gov/blca.

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About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve natural resources, local history, and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.