Top Things to do in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
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What to do and see in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, United States including Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, North Rim, Painted Wall, Rim Rock Trail, Oak Flat Trail, Gunnison Point, Tomichi Point, Gunnison Diversion Dam, Pulpit Rock Overlook, Chasm View Trail.
1. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,010 reviews
Canyon for which this national park was named.
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a stunning National Park worth the extra effort to get there. The about 5 mile uphill drive on the Park entrance road starting at elevation 6,400 ft to the Black Canyon (elevation 8,000 ft) is beautiful. The Visitor Center is small, but about right for the annual visitation of about 300,000. I did not find it crowded during my recent visit in August. Only, I wish the restroom facilities were fully developed; currently only pit toilets are available. The museum at the visitor center has nice exhibits. No food is available at the Visitor Center or anywhere else in the park. The park staff is very helpful and the ranger programs are interesting. The Visitor Center building has a wide porch on three sides, which serves as a nice prep or rest area for hikers. Hikes of varying length start from the Visitor Center. One short trail not to miss is the Gunnison Point Trail, the end point of which opens up to a grand view of the Black Canyon. The South Rim Road has about a dozen overlooks of the Canyon. The overlooks are only a few hundred yards from each parking lot. Signs indicate how far they are, but none are farther than a half mile away. Each overlook provides different views of the canyon and or the Gunnison River. The South Rim visit could be completed in about a half day if no long hiking is included. The North Rim is about a 2-hr drive from the south rim, with the last 5 miles are so on dirt road which is pretty smooth. The views at the north rim are grander. The North rim road has six overlooks, and they are much closer to the parking lots. Visiting all the overlooks at the North Rim can be completed in 2 hours. The one short walk not to miss at the North Rim is the Charm View Trail. There are no hiking paths to the river from the rims, but there are so called ‘routes’ which require strenuous scrambling, climbing on rocky surface. These are not maintained trails. Going on these expeditions require Wilderness Permits even for day visits. In summary, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a beautiful stunning place to visit.
2. North Rim
3. Painted Wall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By MikeB1952 - Colorado Springs, United States
How does that happen? Oh, I know all about intrusive vulcanism. But looking at the painted wall makes in unbelievable. There across the Canyon from the viewpoint is a solid rock wall that has all sorts of striations on it. And even a dragon (with a bit of imagination). We saw the Wall from the Cedar Point viewpoint. And it was most impressive. We made a game out of trying to see figures in the 'paint'. This was a bonus. The Canyon is amazing. But this is amazing all by iteslf. Good stop.
4. Rim Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
This hiking trail is a short, sign-posted trail that begins at the edge of the campgrounds in Gunnison National Park.
5. Oak Flat Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
This trail, ending at the visitors center in the park, winds through forest while allowing glimpses into Black Canyon.
Reviewed By OSU_Fan1967 - Dublin, United States
Nice, fairly easy and short hike off the back of the Visitor Center area. We actually hiked the trail clockwise and enjoyed it. The views are great and the trail gives you a taste of what the inner canyon has to offer.
6. Gunnison Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
High altitude point from which to view the canyon.
Reviewed By N4156PHbillb - Pueblo, United States
This is one of many point in the Gunnison National Park to view different parks of the canyon. The Canyon seems to change as the sun transitions so visiting at different parts of the day is highly recommended.
7. Tomichi Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
First, and impressive, scenic overlook in the park.
Reviewed By sunnyskier - Vail, United States
Wow, this was our first stop on the drive in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP. It gives a great taste of what is to come. This stop is easy for wheel chair guests to see the depth of this canyon. Not all of the stops are.
8. Gunnison Diversion Dam
9. Pulpit Rock Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
This scenic point offers dramatic views of the surrounding area.
Reviewed By ccindyk48 - Westville, United States
This overlook has pit toilets, picnic tables & a fabulous view! We ate lunch here & really enjoyed it. The path to the overlook isn't long. Bring your binoculars! Stay behind the fence! It's a long way down......
