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Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: Colorado

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

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.

🌤 Weather Information

Today's Weather: http://www.weather.com/weather/today/l/NPBLCA:13:US CLIMATE Weather can vary greatly throughout the day. Summer daytime temperatures range between 55 to 90F (13 to 32C), nights 45 to 60F (7 to 16C). Winter daytime temperatures range between 15 to 40F (-9 to 4C), nights 10 to 20F (-12 to -6C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer. Snow accumulation varies greatly year to year. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended.

🚗 Directions

South Rim: 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 east of Montrose. Physical/GPS address is: 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, CO 81401 North Rim: 11 miles southwest of Crawford, Colorado. From CO Highway 92, turn west on Black Canyon Road approximately 3 miles south of Crawford. Follow the road signs to the park.

Images

Black Canyon near Tomichi Point

Black Canyon near Tomichi Point

Credit: NPS Photo/Lynch

Black Canyon near Painted Wall

Black Canyon near Painted Wall

Credit: NPS Photo/Lynch

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
7-Day Motorcycle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
7-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)
$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 1-6 persons. Fee is $25.00 per vehicle plus $7.00 per passenger.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 26 or more. Fee is $100.00 per vehicle.
$100.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or fewer: $30.00 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.
$30.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
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.
$15.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
An annual pass to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is available for $55.00 at the South Rim entrance station from early April to late October, and at Recreation.gov. This pass admits the permit holder and all accompanying passengers in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle to the park. It is valid for 12 months from date of purchase and covers entrance fees only.
$55.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Thursday, Sep 17

Light rain shower

Light rain shower

High: 60.1°F | Low: 54.6°F

Humidity: 88%

Wind: 5.1 mph

Rain Chance: 90%

UV Index: 1.6

Sunrise: 06:54 AM

Sunset: 07:16 PM

Moon: First Quarter (42%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 54.4°F

Cloud Cover: 90%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Sep 18

Sunny

Sunny

High: 77.1°F | Low: 52.1°F

Humidity: 60%

Wind: 18.1 mph

Rain Chance: 36%

UV Index: 4.8

Sunrise: 06:55 AM

Sunset: 07:14 PM

Moon: First Quarter (53%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 54.9°F

Cloud Cover: 36%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, Sep 19

Sunny

Sunny

High: 77.6°F | Low: 52.1°F

Humidity: 52%

Wind: 19.2 mph

Rain Chance: 36%

UV Index: 7.6

Sunrise: 06:56 AM

Sunset: 07:13 PM

Moon: First Quarter (63%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 52.2°F

Cloud Cover: 36%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (2)

⚠️ Flood Advisory (Minor)
▼

Flood Advisory issued September 16 at 7:35PM MDT until September 16 at 10:30PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

Effective: Sep 16, 2026 9:35pm
Expires: Sep 17, 2026 12:30am

* WHAT...Urban area and small stream flooding caused by excessive
rainfall is expected.

* WHERE...Northeastern Montrose County in west central Colorado...

* WHEN...Until 1030 PM MDT.

* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Water over roadways.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 734 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to
thunderstorms. This will cause urban and small stream flooding.
Between 0.3 and 0.6 inches of rain have fallen. Rainfall rates of
1 to 2 inch an hour are possible.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Montrose.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

⚠️ Flood Watch (Severe)
▼

Flood Watch issued September 16 at 9:39AM MDT until September 18 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

Effective: Sep 16, 2026 11:39am
Expires: Sep 17, 2026 8:00am

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...A portion of southwest Colorado, including the following
areas, Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River,
Northwest San Juan Mountains, San Juan River Basin and Southwest
San Juan Mountains.

* WHEN...Through Thursday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
This also includes the Gold Mountain, Elk and Ferris burn scars as
well as areas of steep, susceptible terrain.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Recent heavy rainfall in southwest Colorado has led to already
saturated ground. In addition, multiple rounds of showers and
thunderstorms are expected Wednesday afternoon through Thursday
evening producing periods of heavy rainfall and potential flash
flooding.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Park Alerts

Long-term Closures Due to Wildfires Park Closure
The following areas are closed due to damage from the 2025 South Rim Fire: [1] South Rim Campground, [2] Rim Rock Trail from the Uplands Trail junction to the South Rim Campground. South Rim Campground will partially reopen on May 18, 2026--visit the Camping page for more information.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect Danger
Until further notice, the following are PROHIBITED in all park areas: (1) Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires or pellet grills, or any other open burning. Properly shielded, self-contained propane or liquid-fueled camp stoves and grills, lanterns, or other heated devices with on/off switches are permitted. (2) All smoking, except within a personally-owned enclosed vehicle. (3) Discharging or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices.

More Info

No Water Available in Park Information
Water systems throughout the park have been shut off for the winter season, October to April. Please plan ahead and bring your own drinking water.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Effect Caution
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 Info

Cashless Operations Information
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 Info

Holiday Closures Park Closure
Black Canyon of the Gunnison's South Rim Visitor Center will be closed for the Christmas holiday on Thursday December 25th. It will also be closed on January 1st for the New Year's Day holiday. While the visitor center is closed, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will remain open to the public as usual, with the winter- and fire-related closures listed below still in effect.
Temporary Road Closures due to weather Information
Due to inclement weather conditions, the South Rim Scenic Drive and the East Portal Road are closed today (Friday, April 17th). At this time, visitors can drive to the South Rim Visitor Center.
Winter Closures Park Closure
The following areas are still closed for the winter season: All North Rim facilities and vehicle access. North Rim Road is closed to vehicles and gated at the park boundary. Pedestrians and bicycles are currently allowed on closed roads, conditions permitting. Use caution and be aware of road maintenance equipment. Estimated reopening early May.
East Portal Road Park Closure
Until further notice, East Portal Road and campground are closed due to flood damage.
Winter Storm Caution
Winter weather is expected to impact most of Colorado through Saturday, 1/24/2026. Travel to and from Black Canyon may be hazardous, especially over mountain passes. Park visitors should be prepared to drive in snowy and icy conditions and be familiar with Colorado winter driving laws.

Park Events

Geology Talk

How did the Black Canyon form? What kinds of rocks are these? Discover answers to these and other questions about this dizzying chasm.

Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 10:00 am. 20-30 minutes.

Location subject to change. 

May be cancelled due to staffing shortages or bad weather.

Date: Apr 24, 2026 12:00am to Apr 24, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Geology Talk

How did the Black Canyon form? What kinds of rocks are these? Discover answers to these and other questions about this dizzying chasm.

Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 10:00 am. 20-30 minutes.

Location subject to change. 

May be cancelled due to staffing shortages or bad weather.

Date: Apr 25, 2026 12:00am to Apr 25, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Geology Talk

How did the Black Canyon form? What kinds of rocks are these? Discover answers to these and other questions about this dizzying chasm.

Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 10:00 am. 20-30 minutes.

Location subject to change. 

May be cancelled due to staffing shortages or bad weather.

Date: Apr 26, 2026 12:00am to Apr 26, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger's Choice Talk

Join a park ranger to explore one of the fascinating stories of Black Canyon, from human history to plants to wildlife. 

Meet at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 2:00 pm. 20-30 minutes.

Location subject to change. 

May be cancelled due to staffing shortages or bad weather.

Date: Jun 9, 2026 12:00am to Sep 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
South Rim Visitor Center
9800 Highway 347
Montrose, CO 81401

🏤 Mailing Address:
102 Elk Creek
(GPS/physical address = 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, CO)
Gunnison, CO 81230

📞 Voice Phone: 970-641-2337

✉️ Email: blca_info@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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