Things to do & places to visit in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado, United States

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park national park in Colorado, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 9:25.

Top things to do (11)

• National Parks
• Lookouts
• Geologic Formations
• Scenic Drives
• Mountains
• Boat Tours
• Hiking Trails
• Dams
• Canyons
• Visitor Centers
• Nature & Wildlife Tours

Top places to visit (15 attractions)

1. 5.0 Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (1.075 reviews)
   - Great experience
   Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Canyons
   
   
   Canyon for which this national park was named. See more..
   
2. 5.0 South Rim Road (219 reviews)
   - Amazing Overlooks
   Scenic Drives
   
   
   7-mile Scenic Drive Through The Park. See more..
   
3. 5.0 North Rim (66 reviews)
   - The Quieter of the 2 Rims
   National Parks
   
   
   Less visited but wonderfully scenic area. See more..
   
4. 5.0 Pulpit Rock Overlook (54 reviews)
   - Must Stop Overlook on South Rim
   Mountains
   
   
   This scenic point offers dramatic views of the surrounding area. See more..
   
5. 5.0 Warner Point (41 reviews)
   - Go early or late, take a trail guide
   Lookouts
   
   
   This 1.5 mile trail is at the very end of the South Rim Drive. There are free trail guides at the trailhead, which I'd recommend as they give you info about numbered stops along the trail. There is a lot of ups and downs and stairs on this trail. Doing it mid-day in the summer is pretty brutal. I would go morning or evening. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Black Canyon Visitor Center (202 reviews)
   - Small but nice
   Visitor Centers
   
   
   Excellent information in a wonderful log building. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Painted Wall (117 reviews)
   - One of the Must Stop Overlooks
   Geologic Formations
   
   
   The short hike for this overlook is well worth your effort. This is a gorgeous view of the canyon and the Painted Wall is a natural wonder. This sheer wall is not only beautiful, but it is taller than most of the world's tallest buildings. This overlook takes you right to the very best of viewing spots. See more..
   
8. 4.5 East Portal Road (76 reviews)
   - Try it!
   Scenic Drives
   
   
   We did not hesitate to drive the rent car down this road to the bottom of the canyon. It is a steep grade but it's not that bad. When you arrive at the bottom, you see the Gunnison River and a picnic area. We drove along the river for quite ways looking for the perfect place to stop for lunch. The river had some rapids here and there and just a different view of the canyon walls above. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Tomichi Point (49 reviews)
   - Your First View of the Canyon
   Mountains
   
   
   First, and impressive, scenic overlook in the park. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Morrow Point Boat Ride (42 reviews)
    - Morrow Point Boat Tour - Highly Recommended & Wonderfully Memorable
    Boat Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
    
    
    This was such a memorable experience for us, I would highly recommend it to all in the area. Ranger-led expeditions are always so enjoyable and full of information. You start down the Pine Creek Trail, all 232 steps of it, down to the canyon floor and then it's a short walk along the Gunnison River to the Pine Creek Boat Dock. The boat departs at 10AM and they advise you to get there a bit early considering the hike. The fee was $24 per person and reservations are required in advance. The rangers do a quick introduction and safety presentation and then you load up onto the small pontoon boat for a 1 1/2 hour guided boat tour along the reservoir and into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The rangers tell you all about the geology and history of the region and point out several points of interest including the Curecanti Needle and Chipeta Falls. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water. The hike down is fairly easy however the hike back up Pine Creek Trail can be a bit strenuous in the afternoon heat. I can't recommend this adventure enough, I love to look back on my photos from our trip. See more..
    
11. 4.5 Gunnison Point (35 reviews)
    - Another Amazing Overlook on South Rim Drive
    Mountains • Geologic Formations
    
    
    High altitude point from which to view the canyon. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Gunnison Diversion Dam (17 reviews)
    - Black Canyon - Incredibly beautiful, worth the drive
    Dams
    
    
    Dam built to divert water to farmers. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Rim Rock Trail (7 reviews)
    - Black canyon
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    This hiking trail is a short, sign-posted trail that begins at the edge of the campgrounds in Gunnison National Park. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Chasm View Trail (4 reviews)
    - We loved this view!
    Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails
    
    
    With the beautiful clouds for accent, you can get stunning views and pictures here. Parking is easy here, trail out is short. See more..
    
15. 4.0 Oak Flat Trail (10 reviews)
    - Enjoyable Hike Into the Canyon
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    This trail, ending at the visitors center in the park, winds through forest while allowing glimpses into Black Canyon. See more..