Black Canyon near Tomichi Point. Photo: NPS Photo/Lynch
- Entrance
- $30 per car
- Nonresident fee
- None
- Park annual pass
- $55, U.S. residents
- Payment
- Card or cash
Work out the cost for your group
About Black Canyon Of The Gunnison
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.
Things to do
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Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon
In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond the visitor center at Gunnison Point.
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Drive East Portal Road
East Portal Road is a windy, steep scenic road down to the Gunnison River.
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Hike Cedar Point Nature Trail - South Rim
This short, moderately sloped trail offers visitors a chance to brush up on local flora with guideposts describing the various plants along the way.
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Hike Chasm View Nature Trail - North Rim
This short loop trail breaks out of the pinyon/juniper forest at the North Chasm View to provide excellent views of Painted Wall and Serpent Point.
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Hike Deadhorse Trail - North Rim
Deadhorse Trail takes hikers into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area.
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Hike North Vista Trail - North Rim
Constructed by the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the North Vista Trail offers some of the best scenic views and birding in the park.
Photos
Black Canyon near Painted Wall Photo: NPS Photo/Lynch
Entrance fees
| Type | Price | Valid for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $30 | 7 days | All year |
| Per person, 16 and over | $15 | 7 days | All year |
Park annual pass
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.
A park's own annual pass is sold to U.S. citizens and residents only. A U.S. resident who holds one covers everyone in their private vehicle, including nonresident passengers.
Reservations
NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.
Weather and seasons
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.
Hours
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.
Getting there
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.
Campgrounds
Webcams
Visitor centers
Alerts
- Caution: No Water Available in Park
- Information: Cashless Operations
