Everything you need to know about visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – North Rim in Colorado.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in Colorado. It has two sections the north and south rim. The south rim is more popular, however, we were looking to step away from the crowds so we opted for the north rim.
The views into the canyon are stunning and rivaled the Grand Canyon in our opinion. The canyon walls have formed over the past 2 million years as the Gunnison River and weathering has sculpted them. The walls are gorgeous with their dark coloring and veins running through them.
Directions
The North Rim is located 11 miles southwest of Crawford, Colorado. From CO Highway 92, turn west on Black Canyon Road approximately 3 miles south of Crawford. Follow the road signs to the park. The last 7 miles of road are unpaved, as well as the roads inside the park.
Things to Do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Hike out to Exclamation Point
This 3 miles round trip hike is mostly flat. The trail meanders in a pinyon/juniper forest along the rim with several views along the way of the canyon. Park at the north rim ranger station. The trail starts near the vault toilet.
Wander the Chasm View Nature Trail
This 1/3 mile trail is located near the campground. After a short walk, you will reach the North Chasm View which is 1,800 feet above the Gunnison River. If you continue along the rim the trail will reach a second overlook with amazing views of Painted Wall and Serpent Point. If you look across the canyon you may be able to see people located on the south rim 1,100 feet away.
Overlooks
There are only a handful of overlooks, so we stopped at all of them. The majority of the overlooks were a little bit of a walk from the parking. Kneeling camel was probably my favorite overlook. Be sure to spot the namesake of the overlook.
Junior Ranger
If there is a ranger at the ranger station, you can get the junior ranger booklet and kids can be sworn in as a junior rangers.
Where to Stay
We stayed in Hotchkiss, however, Crawford is closer, about 11 miles from the national park. Both cities have a couple of options for hotels. There is also a campground located in the national park.
Have you visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
