Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: planning guide
A steep, dark canyon cut by the Gunnison River in Colorado. Narrow rim views; the walls drop away fast.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is in CO, United States. The nearest town is Montrose — roughly 10.6 mi (17 km) out, about 28 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: July through mid-September, once the high country is clear of snow. Shoulder season: late June and late September.
High passes and trails hold snow from October into June, and some roads close entirely for the winter.
Afternoon thunderstorms build fast above treeline in summer. Start early and be off exposed ridges by early afternoon.
Full seasonal breakdown for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Montrose | 10.6 mi (17 km) | 28 min |
| Paonia | 21.7 mi (35 km) | 49 min |
| Delta | 22.3 mi (35.8 km) | 50 min |
| Orchard City | 22.4 mi (36 km) | 51 min |
| Ouray | 37.9 mi (61 km) | 1 hr 17 min |
| Gunnison | 43 mi (69.2 km) | 1 hr 26 min |
| Lake City | 43.3 mi (69.7 km) | 1 hr 27 min |
| Telluride | 44 mi (70.8 km) | 1 hr 28 min |
Before you go
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Red Rock Canyon Wilderness Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Wilderness Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim | Reservable | — |
| Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim | Reservable | — |
Permits
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Red Rock Canyon Wilderness Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Wilderness Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
Where Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park sits
Official Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park sits close enough to Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Great Sand Dunes National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Arches National Park | 100 mi (161 km) | 2 hr 49 min |
| Mesa Verde National Park | 105 mi (169 km) | 2 hr 56 min |
| Canyonlands National Park | 122 mi (197 km) | 3 hr 21 min |
| Great Sand Dunes National Park | 130 mi (209 km) | 3 hr 31 min |
Parks close by
- Arches National Park
Red sandstone fins and natural arches in the Utah desert. Easy to see a lot from short walks near the road.
- Mesa Verde National Park
Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings on a Colorado mesa. Tours and overlooks explain the sites; stay on designated paths.
- Canyonlands National Park
Wide canyon country where the Green and Colorado rivers meet. Big overlooks, rough roads, and sparse water.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
Tall sand dunes piled against the Sangre de Cristo mountains in Colorado. You can hike the dunes or splash in seasonal creeks.
Common questions
Where is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park sits in CO, United States. Montrose, about 10.6 mi (17 km) away — roughly 28 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Generally July through mid-September, once the high country is clear of snow, with late June and late September quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 2 campgrounds at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.