Tucked away in western Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a rugged masterpiece of nature, where sheer cliffs plunge into the depths of a roaring river below. Known for its dramatic rock walls, some of the steepest in North America, this hidden gem attracts around 300,000 visitors each year—a fraction of the crowds seen at more famous parks, making it a perfect escape for those seeking solitude and raw beauty. Officially designated as a national park in 1999, Black Canyon has a history of awe-inspiring grandeur that predates its official status, drawing in adventurers, geologists, and nature lovers for well over a century.
A Canyon Like No Other
The Gunnison River has spent millions of years carving through the Precambrian rock, creating a canyon so steep and narrow that sunlight barely reaches the bottom. This is what gives the canyon its name—its walls remain shadowed for much of the day, making the depths appear almost black. Some sections of the gorge are just 40 feet wide at the bottom yet tower over 2,700 feet above the river, creating a nearly vertical drop that rivals the grandeur of the Grand Canyon but with a much more intimate and wild feel. The famous Painted Wall, the tallest sheer cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet, is a sight to behold, streaked with pink and white veins of ancient rock formations.
Hiking and Adventure Await
Hiking in Black Canyon of the Gunnison is not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave adventure, the park offers some of the most rewarding trails in the country. The Rim Rock Trail provides breathtaking panoramic views along the South Rim, while the Gunnison Route—a strenuous, unmarked descent to the canyon floor—requires a permit and a sense of adventure. For those wanting a less extreme experience, the Cedar Point Nature Trail offers an easy, scenic walk with stunning viewpoints along the way. The North Rim is even more remote, offering rugged hikes like the North Vista Trail, which leads to Exclamation Point—one of the best overlooks in the park.
Beyond hiking, the park is a paradise for rock climbers and expert kayakers. The canyon’s sheer walls make for some of the most challenging climbing routes in the country, while the Gunnison River itself, though mostly inaccessible, offers extreme whitewater rapids in sections where skilled paddlers dare to navigate its waters.
Wildlife Thriving in the Shadows
Despite its harsh environment, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is home to an incredible array of wildlife. Mule deer are commonly seen along the rims, while yellow-bellied marmots scamper across rocky outcrops. The park’s high cliffs provide perfect nesting grounds for peregrine falcons, some of the fastest birds in the world, and lucky visitors may even spot a bald eagle soaring above the canyon. At night, the area comes alive with the calls of great horned owls, while elusive black bears and mountain lions roam the surrounding forests. The park’s remote location also makes it an incredible spot for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies in the country.
A visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison is not just about seeing a dramatic landscape—it’s about feeling the power of nature in its rawest form. Whether standing at the edge of a dizzying overlook, hiking into the depths of the gorge, or simply marveling at the untamed beauty of this lesser-known park, every moment here is a reminder of just how wild and magnificent the world can be.