Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Colorado, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Steep canyon + pinyon-juniper rim
- Best season
- May – October
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Steep canyon + pinyon-juniper rim
- Best season: May – October
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: hiking
Topic summary
A 2,700-foot-deep gorge so narrow and steep some walls see minutes of sun a day — serious climbing and rim hiking.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: May – October
Intended uses
- hiking
- camping
- backpacking
Climate suitability
Steep canyon + pinyon-juniper rim
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park trip tools
How to get there
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is in Colorado, USA, United States. Its center point is 38.5754, -107.7416. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
- South Rim entrance station
The park’s annual entrance pass is sold here from early April to late October. Confirm approach directions and current access with the National Park Service.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park — pedestrian and bicycle entry
Admission is available for visitors entering on foot or by bicycle. Confirm the appropriate physical entry point and permitted travel areas with the National Park Service before planning an approach.
Popular pursuits at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
Animals around Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Planning to fish Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Colorado are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
- A Colorado fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Colorado fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park may add its own fishing rules on top of Colorado law — check the managing agency too.
Hunting near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Thinking about hunting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Colorado are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
- Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park land manager before planning a hunt, and look to surrounding public land.
What do I need to hunt in Colorado?
- A Colorado hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
Planning a visit to Black Canyon
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a National Park Service destination in Colorado. Start trip planning by separating park admission from the details of the outdoor outing: an entrance pass covers entry, but it should not be treated as confirmation of trail access, route suitability, or activity permissions. Confirm those details with the National Park Service before committing to an itinerary. The South Rim entrance station is a named location for purchasing the park’s annual pass, with seasonal availability for that service. Choose admission around how often the park will feature in your plans and whether other federal recreation sites are part of the same trip. For a single visit by private vehicle, the standard seven-day vehicle pass covers everyone traveling in that vehicle.
Entering by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot
The standard private-vehicle entrance pass costs $30 and is valid for seven days. It covers all occupants of a single private, noncommercial vehicle, so passengers do not each need a separate entrance pass. The motorcycle pass costs $25, lasts seven days, and admits up to two private, noncommercial motorcycles with no more than four passengers in total. Visitors entering on foot or by bicycle pay $15 per person for a seven-day individual pass if they are at least 16 years old; children under 16 do not need an entrance pass. These are admission categories, not route recommendations. Before choosing a walking or cycling approach, confirm suitable access and current conditions with the National Park Service rather than assuming that an individual pass establishes where travel is allowed.
Pass choices for repeat visits
For repeat visits, the park’s annual pass costs $55 and is available to United States citizens and residents. It admits the passholder and accompanying passengers in one private, noncommercial vehicle, remains valid for 12 months from purchase, and covers entrance fees only. Purchase is available through Recreation.gov or at the South Rim entrance station from early April to late October. That purchase period should not be read as a statement about road or trail opening dates. An existing America the Beautiful pass is sufficient for park entrance. For travelers visiting several federal recreation sites, that pass may be a better fit than separate park admission. Eligibility and prices vary by pass type, and passholders must show valid photo identification with their pass.
Route options
- Visit on foot
Pedestrian admission is an option, but no specific walking itinerary is established here. Obtain trail details and current access guidance from the National Park Service before selecting a route.
- Visit by bicycle
Bicycle admission is an option, not confirmation of a designated cycling route. Check with the National Park Service for suitable approaches and where bicycles are allowed.
Sample itineraries
- South Rim orientation · 1 day
Plan a single-day park visit using the South Rim entrance as your starting point, subject to confirmed access. Check current conditions with the National Park Service before choosing activities. Keep the day flexible rather than committing to an unverified route.
- Flexible two-day park visit · 2 days
Use the first day to get oriented and choose activities suited to current conditions. Return the second day for additional exploration approved for your experience level. A seven-day entrance pass covers both days; confirm lodging or camping arrangements separately.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Confirm seasonal access before travel
Check current road, trail, and weather conditions with the park. Annual passes are sold at the South Rim entrance station beginning in early April; that sales period does not establish access to other park areas.
Summer
Confirm conditions for your travel days
Choose activities after checking the park forecast and current access. Colorado has varied mountain and high-desert landscapes, so statewide weather descriptions are not a substitute for local conditions.
Fall
Confirm seasonal access before travel
Check conditions before committing to outdoor plans. Annual-pass sales at the South Rim entrance station extend through late October; do not treat that timing as a road or trail operating schedule.
Winter
Confirm access directly with the park
Verify which areas and services are available before setting out. Select clothing and activities using the local forecast rather than assuming that entrance-pass availability establishes winter access.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Confirm seasonal access before travel | Check current road, trail, and weather conditions with the park. Annual passes are sold at the South Rim entrance station beginning in early April; that sales period does not establish access to other park areas. |
| Summer | Confirm conditions for your travel days | Choose activities after checking the park forecast and current access. Colorado has varied mountain and high-desert landscapes, so statewide weather descriptions are not a substitute for local conditions. |
| Fall | Confirm seasonal access before travel | Check conditions before committing to outdoor plans. Annual-pass sales at the South Rim entrance station extend through late October; do not treat that timing as a road or trail operating schedule. |
| Winter | Confirm access directly with the park | Verify which areas and services are available before setting out. Select clothing and activities using the local forecast rather than assuming that entrance-pass availability establishes winter access. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm activity-specific permit requirements with the National Park Service. An entrance pass covers admission; do not assume it provides other authorizations.
Fees: Seven-day entrance passes cost $30 per private noncommercial vehicle, $25 for up to two private noncommercial motorcycles with four total passengers, or $15 per pedestrian or cyclist age 16 or older. The park annual pass costs $55 and covers entrance only.
Official source: Fees & Passes - Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (U.S. ... · Verified October 18, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Canyon terrain: get park guidance on the difficulty and suitability of any proposed outing before leaving established visitor areas.
- Water safety: confirm local conditions and activity suitability with the park before planning water-based recreation; regional river descriptions do not establish safe access here.
- Weather exposure: check the park-specific forecast and carry appropriate protection. Colorado's varied terrain makes broad statewide assumptions unreliable.
What to pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Entrance pass
- Photo identification when using an America the Beautiful pass
- Drinking water for the planned outing
- Footwear appropriate to the confirmed terrain
- Layers and weather protection matched to the local forecast
- Current park access information
- Navigation information for the selected outing
- Confirmed lodging or camping details for an overnight trip
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park FAQ
- Does everyone in a private vehicle need a separate entrance pass?
- No. The $30 seven-day private, noncommercial vehicle pass covers everyone in that vehicle.
- What does entry cost on foot or by bicycle?
- Visitors age 16 or older need a $15 seven-day individual entrance pass. Children under 16 do not need an entrance pass.
- Where can the park annual pass be purchased?
- The $55 park annual pass is available at the South Rim entrance station from early April through late October and at Recreation.gov. It is available to US citizens and residents and is valid for 12 months from purchase.
- Does an America the Beautiful pass cover entrance?
- Yes. An existing America the Beautiful pass is the only entrance pass needed. Passholders must present valid photo identification. Separate activity requirements should still be checked with the park.
- Does paying admission settle permits and overnight arrangements?
- Do not assume so. The park annual pass covers entrance fees only. Confirm activity-specific permits, camping arrangements, and any reservation requirements directly with the National Park Service.