At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, leashed pets are permitted in picnic areas, campgrounds, and parking lots, on paths to overlooks, and along roads currently open to vehicles. Leashed pets are also permitted on the Rim Rock Trail (1.0 mile [1.6 km] one-way, between the campground and the South Rim Visitor Center) and on the North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail, a 0.3-mile (0.5 km) loop. Leashes must be a maximum of six feet (1.8 m) in length.
What can you do with a pet at Black Canyon?
- Walk the paths to viewpoints
- Drive the South Rim Drive with windows open to take in the sights and smells
- Stroll along the Rim Rock Trail at the edge of the canyon
- Camp at the South Rim Campground under starry skies
- Join a ranger program (no barking allowed!) at the campground amphitheater
Pets are not allowed on any other hiking trails (including Oak Flat, Uplands, and Warner Point), on designated cross-country ski or snowshoe trails, in the inner canyon wilderness, or anywhere else in the park.
Pet excrement must be picked up by pet owners and disposed of in trash receptacles immediately. Leaving pet excrement on the side of the trail for pick-up later is prohibited.
Owners are responsible for their pet's behavior and may receive fines if their animal creates problems with wildlife and/or other visitors.
It is not recommended to leave pets unattended in vehicle, but for a short amount of time. Interior temperatures of vehicles rise within minutes and pets can quickly overheat and die, even with the windows cracked. It is prohibited to leave pets unattended attached to any objects anywhere in the park.
Boarding services can be found in the nearby communities of Montrose, Olathe, and Gunnison.
