East Portal

East Portal

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Amenities

9 listed

Animal-Safe Food Storage, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead/Hiker Register, Water - Drinking/Potable

East Portal is within the boundary of Curecanti National Recreation Area, but only accessible from the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

East Portal is named for the Gunnison Tunnel and the town that developed around its construction. Although not much remains of the town, visitors can still experience the winding, steep road down the canyon and area where a community once stood.

Getting Here

East Portal is accessible from the South Rim, which is 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 east of Montrose. Turn right onto the East Portal Road at the park entrance station.

Roads

The East Portal Road is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. The road is paved and two-way, but windy and steep. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited on the East Portal Road. In a few places, the road is a 16% grade; vehicles should be in low gear on the road to avoid burning out the brakes. The road is closed in winter, typically from November to April.

Water

In the summer months, a water fill-up station is available in the campground. We ask that you use the fill-up stations conservatively and be prepared with your own water. In the spring and fall, water is not available.

Information & Exhibits

Interpretive wayside exhibits tell the story of the men and women who lived at East Portal and the workers who constructed the Gunnison Tunnel. In the summer, rangers may also give guided walks. Check with the visitor center for updated program schedules.

Inner Canyon Use

Exploring the inner canyon from East Portal requires skill and experience but is less strenuous starting from the river level. The inner canyon is a designated wilderness area and requires a permit to enter. Hikers and kayakers can obtain a permit from the self-registration kiosk outside the ranger station.