Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park - Attractions

Attractions

The main attraction of the park is the scenic drive along the south rim. At the south rim there are two campgrounds and several miles (kilometers) of hiking and nature trails. The north rim is accessible by automobile, though it is quite remote, and has a small, primitive campground. The river can be accessed by automobile or by foot. Automobiles can access the river via the East Portal Road at the south rim, this road has a 16% grade, and is prohibited to vehicles over 22 feet (7 m) in length. The river can also be accessed by steep, unmaintained trails called routes or draws on the north and south rim. These take between two hours to hike down and two to four hours to hike back up depending on the which route is taken. A free back country permit is required for all inner canyon use. Most routes have campsites at the river.

The Black Canyon is a center for rock climbing, in a style known as traditional climbing. Most of the climbs are difficult and are only done by advanced climbers.

Rafting opportunities exist in the region, but the run through the park itself is a difficult technical run for only the best kayakers. There are several impassable stretches of water requiring long, sometimes dangerous portages to get around. The remaining rapids are class III - V, and are for expert river runners only. Downstream, in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, the river is somewhat easier, though still very remote and for experienced runners only, with rapids that are Class III - IV.