"The not so big ditch" Top 5 Page for this destination Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument by goingsolo

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument Travel Guide: 52 reviews and 99 photos

view of North Rim of Black Canyon - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument

Black Canyon was designated a national park in 1999(55th one in U.S.)Still, at 30,300 total acres, it is the fourth-smallest national park, exceeding only Hot Springs (Arkansas), Wind Cave (South Dakota) and Virgin Islands national parks. The centerpiece of the new park is the dramatic Black Canyon, whose dark-gray walls of schist and gneiss were carved over 2 million years by the Gunnison River. The canyon plunges as much as 2,660 feet, with one sheer drop measuring 2,200 feet. The narrowest point at the bottom is only 40 feet wide. Both the canyon and its rims are home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, golden eagles and the endangered peregrine falcon.

The park is divided into two sections: the more popular, and more easily accessible south rim and the unpaved yet less crowded north rim. Since this park is so small, it is possible to explore either the north rim or south rim in less than a day. The rims are quite a distance apart driving wise, so doing both in the same day is unlikely.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful views
Cons:Not much to do, very few trails and only those with permits and the ability can reach the bottom
In a nutshell:Unless you're a rock climber, its worth a visit just for a few hours

Last visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument: May 2003
Intro Updated Sep 18, 2004
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Reviews (9)

Black Canyon of the Gunnison - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument

Its a long way down Warnings and Dangers (1)

The trails leading to the bottom drop very steeply. The Gunnison route, which splits from the Oak Flat loop trail, heads... more travel advice

Painted Wall - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument

Rock Climbing in Black Canyon Favorites (1)

Colorado's highest vertical climb is Serpent Point, the north face of the Black Canyon, opposite Chasm View Point. Its... more travel advice

There's gold in here - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument

Money in the Black Canyon Local Customs (1)

Legend has it that an 1880s wagon train en route to Phoenix from Denver was intercepted near the North Rim of the Black... more travel advice

The north rim Off The Beaten Path (1)

The north rim is far less crowded than the south rim and has most of the black canyon trails. Se must see activities for... more travel advice

Things to Do (5)
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Comments (4)

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Basaic Jan 22, 2008 at 1:57 PM

Nice tips, I want to go hike the trails!
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KiKitC Jul 16, 2007 at 3:47 AM

Wow! Now we can say..."there's diamonds in them thar hills..."
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frank_delargy Oct 25, 2004 at 7:30 AM

Wow .. 3 gallons of diamonds! I'd love to be that tourist! Never got to this park myself when we visited Colorado.. just didn't have enough time.. this time! Thanks for the descriptions!
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XenoHumph Nov 7, 2003 at 11:49 AM

Nice place! Nice tips!