Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a massive canyon in western Colorado filled with awe-inspiring views. The name of the canyon is called "Black Canyon" because parts of the gorge only receive 33 minutes of sunlight daily.

While there are other canyons in the American West that are longer and even deeper than the Black Canyon, none are like the Black Canyon. None combine the depth, sheerness, narrowness, darkness, and dread of the Black Canyon. If one is also visiting the Grand Canyon, then one of the best ways to explore it is with a Horseback ride.

About The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The Black Canyon exposes visitors to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rocks, and craggiest spires in North America. The canyon has been formed over the course of the last 2 million years by the Gunnison River with the force of weathering sculpting this eye-popping vertical wilderness.

  • Visitors: The Park Receives Around 190,000 Visitors Annually

The park protects 12 miles of the 48 miles long Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. The national park contains the deepest and most dramatic parts of the canyon while other parts of the canyon are still protected in the Curecanit National Recreation Area and the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.

  • Protects: 12 Miles Of the Black Canyon

There are two main entrances to the park one from the south rim and one from the north rim. The main attractions of the park are the scenic drives along US Highway 20 and Colorado Highway 92.

The Black Canyon is also a popular location for rock climbing for those wanting the traditional climbing style. These climbs are also difficult and should only be attempted by advanced climbers.

Related: The Grand Canyon Makes For The Perfect Solo Trip, And Here Are Some Reddit-Approved Tips

Camping In The Black Canyon

The Black Canyon has two campgrounds with one located on each rim plus another campground at the bottom of the canyon called East Portal. East Portal is accessible through the national park but is not actually located within the National Park, instead, it is within the neighboring Curecanti National Recreation Area. Hikers and kayakers are also permitted to camping in the wilderness area with a permit.

  • Basis: Mix of Reservations and First Come, First Served (Camping is Very Limited)
  • Black Bears: More And More Black Bears Are Visiting The Campground In Search of Food, Store Food Away In The Bear Proof Storage Lockers, and Do Not Feed The Bears

South Rim Campground: The South Rim Campground is located one mile from the South Rim Visitor Center. Reservations can be made from mid-May to mid-September - after that, it's first come first served.

  • Facilities: Food Storage Lockers, Seasonal Amphitheater, Seasonal Potable Water, Toilets
  •  Lacks: ShowersTotal Sites: 88 (Including 23 Electric Hookups)

North Rim Campground: This tiny campground is remote and only has 13 sites. It is on a first-come, first-served basis all season long. The road is unpaved and the services are limited.

  • Facilities: Food Storage Lockers, Seasonal Potable Water, Toilets
  • Lacks: Showers
  • Total Sites: 13

Related: You Can See The Grand Canyon In One Day, And Here's How

Hiking Through The Park

There are plenty of hiking trails in this park but one should be cautious - especially with children - as there are many steep dropoffs. Another stunning canyon to explore - but one in need of a guide - is Antelope Canyon in Arizona.

One can access the river by steep (but unmaintained trails) called "routes" or "draws" on both the north and the south rim. To hike down it takes around 2 hours and to get back up it takes another 2 to 4 hours depending on the route taken. All of the inner canyon descents are strenuous and require Class 3 climbing and for the hikers to be fit. The National Park Service warns:

"Routes are difficult to follow, and only individuals in excellent physical condition should attempt these hikes ... Hikers are expected to find their own way and to be prepared for self-rescue."

Rim Rock Nature Trail - South Rim:

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 2 Miles Round Trip

This trail runs along relatively flat land following the rim of the canyon. This is a sunny route. It has many excellent views of the Gunnison River and the sheer walls of the canyon.

Oak Flat Loop Trail - South Rim:

  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Length: 2 Miles Round Trip

This trail is an opportunity for hikers who would like to explore the rim without the challenge of hiking all the way to the river. Be aware that it has narrow places and steep slopes. Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Chasm View Nature Trail - North Rim:

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: Third Mile

This short trail is at the end of the one-way campground loop. It breaks out of the pinyon/juniper forest at the North Chasm View around 1,800 feet above the river. It then continues and reaches a second overlook with stunning views of the Painted Wall and Serpent Point.

Next: Hells Canyon: Why Its Name Actually Does Match Its Description