Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in central Colorado may not be as well known as other national parks, however, that’s part of the allure. Visitors can enjoy the scenery in this park without the crowds. Follow our 1-day guide to experience the best of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, including views of its unique steep and deep canyon and a stunning sunset from the canyon rim.
How to Spend One Day in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
South Rim Drive
If you are a fan of short hikes and family-friendly walks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the national park for you. Some of the best views in the park are from the scenic vistas along the South Rim Drive. Spend the day cruising between the 12 scenic vistas along this 7-mile route.
If you don’t have time to go to all the overlooks, we recommend stopping at a few of our favorites. The best overlooks along South Rim Drive are Cedar Point, Dragon Point, and Sunset View.Â
Cedar Point and Dragon Point have amazing vantage points for viewing the Gunnison River and the infamous Painted Wall. Painted Wall is the highest point in the canyon and has light-colored streaks that look like kissing dragons! Â
Sunset View offers expansive views towards the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. The overlook is a beautiful place to watch sunset, but with a name like that, it can get crowded. For an incredible view and solitude, enjoy sunset from Cedar Point or Dragon Point.
As an alternative to the South Rim Drive, you can opt to cruise along the North Rim Drive and visit its 6 scenic overlooks. Keep in mind that the North Rim Drive is typically less convenient to get to than the South Rim Drive for most visitors. Getting to the North Rim from the South Rim requires exiting the park and driving approximately 2 hours. The last 7 miles of the drive to the North Rim are unpaved.
Explore the Gunnison River
For those looking for more adventure, take a hike into Black Canyon to explore the Gunnison River. There are several routes available into the canyon from both the South Rim and North Rim. South Rim routes require a free permit obtained from the South Rim Visitor’s Center. North Rim routes require a free permit obtained from the North Rim Ranger Station. A hike into the canyon can take approximately 3.5 hours or more depending on the route.
Hiking down into Black Canyon to the Gunnison River is a STRENUOUS endeavor. Although the mileage for hiking into the canyon is short, the rugged trails are very steep, making it more of a scramble than a hike. If you choose to hike into the canyon, wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of energy boosting foods and water.
If a strenuous hike is not up your alley, there’s an easier way down to the river. Take a steep and windy drive down East Portal Road to get right to the water’s edge.
Camping
South Rim Campground, North Rim Campground, and East Portal Campground are the three developed campgrounds within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Campsites can be reserved online.
We chose to reserve a campsite at South Rim Campground because it’s conveniently located near the South Rim Drive. South Rim Campground has potable water, a vault toilet, picnic tables, and bear boxes available. To keep you and the black bears safe, store food and scented items in the bear boxes. Â
Weather
Weather can change rapidly at Black Canyon of the Gunnison. When we arrived at South Rim Campground, it was a beautiful day in July, sunny and in the 80s. We were excited to set up camp and cook mac & cheese for lunch, but within minutes of our arrival, the temperature dropped into the 60s and we were pelted by rain and hail! The mac & cheese had to wait, and I was distraught. Fortunately, we were able to take cover in our car and within an hour the weather cleared up and the mac was back on the menu.
Not everyone was prepared for the storm though. When Jordan walked over to the water fill station to prep for cooking, he passed by a tent without the rain fly on. All of the gear inside the tent was soaked! Even when it’s 80 degrees and sunny, you never know when it will rain and hail.