Where is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose, Colorado?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

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

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 NameBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
LocationMontrose, Colorado, USA
Latitude & Longitude38.5754° N, 107.7416° W
Total Area~30,750 acres (12,441 hectares)
EstablishedOctober 21, 1999 (Designated a National Park)
FounderU.S. Federal Government (Originally a National Monument in 1933)
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
RegionWestern Colorado
AddressSouth Rim Visitor Center, 9800 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA
Zip Code81401
Area Code970
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneMountain Time (MT) – UTC−7 Standard / UTC−6 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptDeep Canyon Landscapes, Geology, Wilderness, Wildlife, Rugged Cliffs
Key FeaturesBlack Canyon Gorge - Painted Wall - Gunnison River - Exclamation Point - SOB Draw - South & North Rim Drives
Famous AttractionsPainted Wall Overlook - Pulpit Rock Overlook - Chasm View - Warner Point Nature Trail
Annual Visitors~430,000–500,000 visitors per year
Entry Fee TypePaid 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 VisitMay–October (Warm weather, full road access)
Nearby AirportMontrose Regional Airport (MTJ) – 15 miles (24 km)
TransportationPrivate Car - RV Access - Hiking Trails - Scenic Drives (No public transit inside park)
Official Websitehttps://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)