Black Canyon of the Gunnison: The Raw Power of the Gunnison River
“A shadowed chasm of ancient rock, vertical cliffs, and the raw power of the Gunnison River carving its path.”
Park Overview
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in western Colorado, protects a startlingly narrow and deep gorge carved by the Gunnison River over 1.7 billion-year-old Precambrian metamorphic rock. The canyon’s walls plunge steeply, creating a dramatic, shaded wilderness that feels almost sacred in its solitude. Established as a monument in 1933 and as a national park in 1999, the park spans around 30,750 acres and preserves 14 miles of the iconic canyon.
Fast Facts
| Location | Western Colorado (Montrose County) |
| Established | 1933 (Monument), 1999 (Park) |
| Area | ~30,750 acres |
| Elevation Range | 5,440 – 8,775 ft |
| Canyon Depth | Up to ~2,250 ft (Painted Wall) |
| River Drop | 43 ft/mi avg, 240 ft/mi max |
| Annual Visitors (2023) | ~357,000 |
What to See & Do
- South Rim & North Rim Drives – Several overlooks like Chasm View and Gunnison Point offer breathtaking canyon perspectives.
- Rock Climbing & Backcountry Routes – Challenging terrain for experienced climbers and hikers.
- Inner Canyon Wilderness – Advanced routes descend into the canyon—no formal trails; permits required.
- Painted Wall – The tallest cliff in Colorado at ~2,250 ft.
- North Rim Road Historic Drive – A CCC-built route with scenic overlooks along the river.
Geology & Landscape
The canyon’s steep walls are carved from ancient Precambrian gneiss and schist, exposed by uplift and the Gunnison River's force. The river drops an average of 43 ft per mile—six times faster than the Grand Canyon’s river—creating one of the nation’s most vertical and narrow chasms. Pegmatite dikes and layered metamorphic bands are a geologist’s dream. The canyon’s name comes from the fact that some sections receive only about 30 minutes of daylight due to their steepness.
Wildlife & Wilderness
Most of the park is designated wilderness, supporting species from canyon rim to river corridor. Wildlife includes mule deer, elk, peregrine falcons, bighorn sheep, black bears, and mountain lions. Rare cliff-dwelling plants like Black Canyon gilia cling to rock walls. With fewer than 400,000 visitors per year, the park remains a peaceful refuge.
Human History & Culture
Native Ute people once regarded the Gunnison River with caution. European exploration began in the 1800s. The canyon became a national monument in 1933, and after decades of local effort, it became a national park in 1999. Infrastructure like the North Rim Road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.