Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Attraction
4.8 (5524 reviews)
Steep canyon offering hiking, camping & scenic views of the Gunnison River & the Painted Wall cliff.
Colorado
+1 970-641-2337
Did You Know?
One of North America's Deepest Gorges
While not the single deepest, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is renowned for its extreme depth relative to its width, giving it a dramatic, claustrophobic feel in places.
Steepest Vertical Drop
The canyon's highest point, Warner Point, plunges 2,722 feet to the river below, making it one of the steepest continuous drops in North America.
Incredibly Narrow Canyon
At its narrowest point, called 'The Narrows,' the canyon floor is only 40 feet wide, with sheer walls rising hundreds of feet on either side.
Named for its Darkness
The canyon earned its name because sunlight only reaches some parts of its inner gorge for a few minutes each day due to its extreme depth and narrowness, creating perpetually shaded and dark conditions.
Highlights from Reviews
• stunning views
The canyon offers breathtaking, intense, and unique vertical cliff views that are unmatched and spectacular.
• underrated gem
Many consider it an underrated national park, often compared favorably to the Grand Canyon for its unique drama.
• accessible overlooks
The park provides numerous viewpoints with easy access, including some that are wheelchair accessible.
• unique geology
Its incredibly steep, narrow, and deep canyon with dark, shadowed walls offers dramatic and distinctive beauty.
• peaceful atmosphere
Compared to more crowded parks, visitors can experience a powerful quiet and solitude at the overlooks.
