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Black Canyon Of the Gunnison NPS (South Rim)


User Reviews

Valerie Mateo

November 05, 2025

The Black Canyon was really nice, somewhat of a thriller looking down from the edge to see straight to the bottom. There’s trails all around the canyon from parking spots to get a better look. You could definitely skip a trip to the Grand Canyon for this experience!

Joshua Lehew

November 04, 2025

Very cool park to see! We visited the south rim and the must see viewpoints are Dragon Point and Painted Wall View! This was national park #32 for me! Got to hit them all! Stay until sunset for the best colors.

Randy CKRG

November 02, 2025

Never knew about this national park but highly recommend it. Especially if you enjoy heights. Visited the south rim at the end of October, 2025. Has easy, short hikes to many overlooks. Except for the last overlook at Warner Point was longer but still worth it. With all of the short hikes to the overlooks, highly recommend for the older generation or for those that do not like to hike as much. Most overlook locations have parking with length of trail to overlooks. Also, don't forget to go to the East Portal to drive down into the gorge, along the river to Crystal Dam. Great views on the way down and along the river. Saw deer and big horn sheep along the drive.

Bill Ferrel

October 09, 2025

Excellent National Park. Of note: Park is open during the government shutdown to day use. No camping and no services other than an occasional restroom. Plan to spend several hours here at the minimum! Could easily spend a day plus. Lots of short hikes some moderate to strenuous from the road. Views are stunning and change as the sun moves. This day was not overly busy, but for the 1st week of October and mid-week we were surprised by the number of people. Could be an issue with parking at viewpoints on busy days. One of the best parks we have visited for views.

David Bullard

August 26, 2025

They just had a wildfire a few weeks ago. Most of the park was closed due to the fire. The visitor center was saved. It is an impressive center. Great display and information. The staff are excellent. The view of the canyon is amazing!! No running water here. Be sure and bring you own

Rose Ferguson Tindal

May 04, 2025

This park is so beautiful! It is a smaller NP but it is well worth the visit. The views alone were unbelievable & the history behind the formation of the canyon was really cool to learn about at the visitors center. 10/10 recommend this park to anyone! Get a wilderness permit on recreation.gov and hike down into the canyon!

Leilani Osmundson

March 25, 2025

(This review is a couple years late but better late than never! What a gorgeous park! Definitely make sure you drive around at sunset to get some stunning views. There are a lot of little lookouts and trails to enjoy off the main road. If you're camping, keep in mind that the trees are short, so it would be a good idea to bring a large canopy or tent cover of some kind to enjoy some shade as it can get quite hot. Overall, Black Canyon is definitely underrated.

Walter R

February 26, 2025

You'll enjoy breathtaking views. This National Park is a hidden gem, it was not crowded at all. We even spotted a brown bear when entering the park. There are many viewpoints. I recommend going to visitor center before exploring the park along the scenic routes.

Het Patel

January 13, 2025

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a breathtaking glimpse into one of the most dramatic and rugged landscapes in the U.S. The towering canyon walls and narrow, steep cliffs create an awe-inspiring backdrop. Camping here is a serene experience, with peaceful campgrounds that provide stunning views and a chance to fully immerse yourself in nature. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, birds of prey, and even black bears occasionally making appearances. The trails are short but challenging, making them perfect for those seeking quick yet rewarding hikes. Favorites include the Rim Rock Trail and Warner Point Nature Trail, which offer sweeping vistas of the canyon’s depths. However, due to the steep terrain, these hikes are best suited for experienced hikers or those prepared for a good workout. Overall, the Black Canyon is a hidden gem for adventurous travelers who appreciate dramatic scenery and a touch of wilderness.

Private Name

January 04, 2025

Such a beautiful NP! We came in through the southern entrance, and the road is closed past the visitor center, but you can still hike around the top and explore plenty of lookout points. Con: The bathrooms are just vault toilets, they don't even have some in the visitor center which is strange for a national park.