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National Park ยท Rocky Mountains ยท CO

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.

Official NPS page ยท Directions

Current alerts

  • InformationEast Portal Campground

    Until further notice, the lower walk-in sites of the East Portal Campground remain closed while crews continue to repair damage from floods and mudslides. The upper loop of the campground reopens on Sept. 5, 2026.

  • CautionStage 1 Fire Restrictions in Effect

    Until further notice, the following are prohibited in all park areas: (1) Building, maintaining, attending, or using wood or charcoal fires anywhere but within campground- or picnic area-provided grills or grates. (The use of gas grills and camp stoves is permitted.) (2) Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of all flammable materials. (3) Discharging or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices.

    More information

  • InformationCashless Operations

    Black Canyon's operations are now cashless. South Rim Campground is by reservation only via Recreation.gov. East Portal & North Rim campground sites are first-come first-served and accept payment using Scan & Pay through Recreation.gov's mobile app.

    More information

Location

38.5778, -107.7243

Hours & fees

South Rim

The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.

MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day

North Rim

The park is open 24 hours a day, but the North Rim Road and ranger station are closed in winter and early spring. The road typically closes mid-November and reopens early May.

MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day
  • Entrance - Private Vehicle โ€” $30.00

    7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.

  • Entrance - Motorcycle โ€” $25.00

    Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

  • Entrance - Per Person โ€” $15.00

    7-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)

  • Commercial Entrance - Sedan โ€” $25.00

    Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 1-6 persons. Fee is $25.00 per vehicle plus $7.00 per passenger.

  • Commercial Entrance - Van โ€” $40.00

    Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.

  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus โ€” $40.00

    Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.

  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach โ€” $100.00

    Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 26 or more. Fee is $100.00 per vehicle.

  • Entrance - Non-commercial Groups โ€” $30.00

    Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or fewer: $30.00 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.

  • Entrance - Non-commercial Groups โ€” $15.00

    Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 16 or greater: $15.00 per passenger (including driver). Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per-person rate. Pass and photo ID must be presented upon entry.

Best time to visit

Accessible primarily in: Spring, Summer, Fall.

The park is open 24 hours a day, but the North Rim Road and ranger station are closed in winter and early spring.

Activities

  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Climbing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Paddling
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store