The Details
One of the steepest, darkest, and most dramatic canyon walls in North America, carved by the Gunnison River.
When To Visit
Best Time To Visit
MONTH BY MONTHLate May–September for full access to the rims; September–October brings cooler temperatures and fall color.
Never truly crowded; July–August is the busiest stretch.
Scenic roads (North Rim, East Portal) close in winter, and the South Rim Road is plowed only part of the way. Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms.
General patterns — conditions vary by year. Check current NPS alerts and road status before you go.
How Far
Park Entrances
SET YOUR LOCATIONNearest Airports
ESTIMATED DRIVE TO THE PARKDistances are rough estimates to the closest entrance. Check road and ferry conditions before you go.
What To Do
Top Things To Do
Where To Stay
Camping
Campgrounds inside the park are booked through Recreation.gov, and many fill months ahead.
FIND CAMPSITES ON RECREATION.GOV ↗Lodging & Nearby Towns
There’s no lodging inside this park, so most visitors stay in the nearby towns above.
Cool Facts & Figures
By The Numbers
Links
Plan Your Visit
OFFICIAL & TRUSTED SITESBlack Canyon of the Gunnison