Black Canyon of the Gunnison Fast Facts
How big is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison covers a total area of 30,385 acres or 48 square miles.
How many people visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
308,910 people visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison in 2021. A table showing all years can be found at Black Canyon of the Gunnison Visitation Stats.
When was Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park created?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison was made a national park on October 21, 1999.
What are the highest and lowest elevations in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s lowest point is 5,440 feet at the Gunnison River. The highest point in Black Canyon of the Gunnison is 8,775 feet at Signal Hill.
What time zone is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park located in?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is in the Mountain Time Zone.
How much does it cost to enter Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
$30 per private vehicle per week.
Five Random Facts About Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is not named for the color of its rock. The canyon is so deep and narrow that sunlight only hits the bottom for a very short period each day, hence it being “black”.
The Gunnison River drops an average of 34 feet per mile through the canyon. For comparison, the Colorado River drops an average of 7 feet per mile through the Grand Canyon. At its steepest point within the park, the Gunnison River drops an amazing 240 feet in one mile.
The Gunnison River is borderline unnavigable through the national park area. Expert kayakers can attempt it, but it requires several portages. Downstream from the park, in Curecanti National Recreation Area, a boat tour is available on the wider, calmer part of the river.
Like many national parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison was first established as a national monument on March 2, 1933. It was elevated to national park status on October 21, 1999.
No trails descend from the canyon rim to the Gunnison River. A few unmarked “wilderness routes” are available for those with advanced conditioning and experience.
Where is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in west-central Colorado, where the Gunnison River has cut a deep and narrow canyon. Visits to both the north and south rim are possible, though the south rim is more developed and sees the large majority of visitors. The city of Montrose, just a few miles from the south rim, is the closest city of size. Further directions and maps can be found at Getting to Black Canyon of the Gunnison.