Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, National Park in Montrose County, United States
The Gunnison River carved this canyon through metamorphic rock formations, creating walls that rise more than 600 meters above the river bed.
The National Park Service designated this area as a national monument in 1933, and it received national park status in 1999 to protect its geological features.
The park presents educational programs about local geology, wildlife, and night sky observation through ranger-led activities and interpretive exhibits at visitor centers.
Two separate access points, North Rim and South Rim, offer different perspectives of the canyon, with South Rim providing more developed facilities and services.
The canyon walls receive only 33 minutes of sunlight per day due to their depth and narrow width, creating some of the darkest daytime conditions in North America.
Location: Montrose County
Inception: March 2, 1933
Operator: National Park Service
Website: https://nps.gov/blca
GPS coordinates: 38.56667,-107.71667
Latest update: August 1, 2025 08:12
Western United States contains natural territories from canyons to North America's highest sand dunes. The region features national parks, historical sites, and geological formations. Visitors find hot springs, underground caves, petrified forests, and archaeological sites of Pueblo culture.
Colorado features natural areas and historical sites away from common routes. The locations range from sand formations at Paint Mines Park to Zapata waterfalls. Bishop Castle displays hand-built stone architecture in the forest, while Devil's Causeway presents narrow rock bridges in the wilderness. Fossil discoveries, dinosaur tracks, and abandoned mining towns document the state's history.
Gunnison Tunnel
8.2 km
Morrow Point Dam
20.1 km
Crawford State Park
17 km
D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle
19.4 km
Crystal Dam
10.1 km
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
16.6 km
Gunnison Gorge Wilderness
13.7 km
Crystal Reservoir
15.2 km
Ute Indian Museum
19.7 km
Methodist Episcopal Church of Montrose
16.7 km
North Rim Road, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
2.3 km
Montrose County Historical Museum
17.3 km
Thomas B. Townsend House
17.1 km
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge
16.9 km
Montrose Masonic Temple, Lodge No. 63
16.8 km
Rio Grande Southern Railroad Derrick Car
19.7 km
Montrose County Courthouse
17 km
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Project Office Building
16.7 km
North Rim Road
3.4 km
Painted Wall
1.9 km
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad 278
19.4 km
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Caboose No. 0577
19.4 km
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Stock Car No. 5620
19.7 km
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Boxcar No. 3132
19.4 km
Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Box Outfit Car No. 04414
19.7 km
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Stock Car No. 5679D
19.7 km
South Rim Visitor Center
2.9 km
Fox Cinema Center
16.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes