Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in Colorado, USA. It lies between Montrose and Gunnison and is situated in the western part of the state. The park is famous for its steep, dramatic cliffs, narrow canyon, and scenic river views.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Location Map, Montrose, Colorado
Colorado Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- South Rim – Offers dramatic overlooks with panoramic views of the steep canyon walls and Gunnison River.
- North Rim – Less crowded with scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and serene canyon vistas.
- Painted Wall – Colorado’s tallest cliff, showcasing striking rock colors and sheer vertical faces.
- Gunnison Point – Iconic viewpoint providing sweeping vistas of the canyon and river below.
- Chasm View – Easily accessible overlook highlighting the narrowest and deepest section of the canyon.
- Rim Rock & Oak Flat Trails – Hiking trails offering close-up views of cliffs, rock formations, and wildlife.
- Inner Canyon (River Access) – For experienced hikers and rafters seeking adventure along the Gunnison River.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Facts
| Official Name | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park |
| Location | Montrose, Colorado, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 38.5754° N, 107.7416° W |
| Total Area | 30,750 acres (12,441 hectares) |
| Established | October 21, 1999 (Designated a National Park) |
| Founder | U.S. Federal Government (Originally a National Monument in 1933) |
| Managed By | U.S. National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Western Colorado |
| Address | South Rim Visitor Center, 9800 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA |
| Zip Code | 81401 |
| Area Code | 970 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time (MT) – UTC−7 Standard / UTC−6 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Deep Canyon Landscapes, Geology, Wilderness, Wildlife, Rugged Cliffs |
| Key Features | Black Canyon Gorge - Painted Wall - Gunnison River - Exclamation Point - SOB Draw - South & North Rim Drives |
| Famous Attractions | Painted Wall Overlook - Pulpit Rock Overlook - Chasm View - Warner Point Nature Trail |
| Annual Visitors | 430,000–500,000 visitors per year |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission (Per Vehicle, Per Person, or Annual Pass) |
| Entry Fee | $30 per vehicle (7-day pass), $15 per person, Annual Pass available |
| Best Time to Visit | May–October (Warm weather, full road access) |
| Nearby Airport | Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) – 15 miles (24 km) |
| Transportation | Private Car - RV Access - Hiking Trails - Scenic Drives (No public transit inside park) |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/blca |
Distances from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to Nearby Landmarks
- Montrose, CO – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Curecanti National Recreation Area – 35 km (22 mi)
- Gunnison, CO – 70 km (43 mi)
- Paonia, CO – 90 km (56 mi)
- Delta, CO – 55 km (34 mi)
- Ouray, CO – 140 km (87 mi)
- Telluride, CO – 170 km (105 mi)
- Ridgway State Park – 120 km (75 mi)
- Cimarron, CO – 80 km (50 mi)
- Hotchkiss, CO – 100 km (62 mi)
- Nucla, CO – 160 km (99 mi)
- San Miguel River – 150 km (93 mi)
- Black Canyon Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
- North Rim Overlook – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- South Rim Overlook – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- East Portal – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Highway 50 – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Curecanti Needle – 30 km (18.6 mi)
- Ridgway – 140 km (87 mi)
- Cimarron River Trailhead – 80 km (50 mi)
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