Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time.
Photo: NPS Photo/Lynch / NPS
About 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.
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Driving times from Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$30.007-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$25.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.007-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00Commercial 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
$40.00Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40.00Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 26 or more. Fee is $100.00 per vehicle.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$30.00Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or fewer: $30.00 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$15.00Non-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.
Hours
South Rim
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
North Rim
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park?
- Entrance to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Curecanti National Recreation Area (1 h 1 min), Colorado National Monument (2 h 2 min), Aztec Ruins National Monument (3 h 15 min), Mesa Verde National Park (3 h 36 min), Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (3 h 53 min), Yucca House National Monument (3 h 53 min).