As we rode up RT 347 expecting to find winding roads leading to the water we instead came upon a sign stating we were entering Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park. Not long after that, we were at the entrance booth paying to get in.
After paying the entrance fee (we now have our senior National Park Pass!!!) and obtaining a map, we decided to make our way over to the visitor center. Before we got to the visitor center we stopped at the first of many scenic overlooks.
Overlooking The Gunnison River
The scenery was absolutely stunning. There we stood overlooking the Gunnison River wondering if we could get down to it. As luck would have it a park ranger just happened to stop by. After drilling him for information, we found out there was a road that lead down to the Gunnison River. We also found out there was camping at this park.
There Is Camping
In order to check out the campground and road down to the river, we would have to turn around and back towards the entrance booth. We decide to move forward toward the visitor’s center and explore the campground and river later in the day.
Time For A Stamp
When we arrived at the visitor center we realized since this is a national park, it must have a cancellation stamp. We then realized after a few times of visiting national parks and forgetting our book to get stamped, this time we actually had it!!! Our new storage place was in the camera case. After all, we are never without the camera when we are out exploring!!!
Check Out The Short Movie
After stamping our book and looking at the displays in the visitor center, we decided to watch a short movie on the history of the park and river. We’re such tourists…lol.
At the rear of the visitor center was a deck with more incredible views and around the side were a couple of picnic tables. Off the rear deck were a couple of short trails that led to observation areas. Yup, more photo ops. We spent a while on the trails exploring a couple of different paths and no matter where we were the views were just incredible.
Time For Lunch
After walking the trails, which were not exactly level, we decided to grab the lunch box we always carry in the bike and utilize the picnic tables on the side of the building. What a great way to enjoy a relaxing lunch!!!
After heading out from the visitor center we continued down the only road in this part of the park. It turns out it goes a few miles down and dead ends to a parking area with numerous trails you can hike. Along the way to that parking area are about half a dozen or so pull-offs with scenic overlooks.
That Would Be Too Easy
These scenic overlooks are not what you’re thinking. You don’t pull over, get out of your vehicle and start snapping pictures. Oh no. That would be too easy. Once you pull into an overlook parking area, there is a short to medium hike out to the overlook.
As with the visitor center, they are not flat. You’re either heading up on your way out and down on your way back or vice versa. They also vary in distance from about 100 yards to 6 or 700 yards. One thing was common to all, the scenery was fantastic.
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End Of The Road
Once you reach the end loop/turn around there is a fair amount of parking, hiking trails, and a restroom. There are awesome views from multiple areas of this parking lot.
Now it’s time to head back towards the entrance gate and campground. The camping section is made up of 3 loops. There are no hookups. It is suggested that you fill your water tanks before arriving at the campground.
Make The Left Just Before The Exit
Once you leave the camping section and are heading back towards the booth/exit, you will notice a road on your left side that is just before the booth. If you make the left onto this road it will take you down to the water and dam.
Be advised it is a sharply declining road with many twists and turns so be careful on your brakes or they will heat up and you will lose them. There is a dirt parking area about 3/4 down. If you feel you want to let your brakes cool a bit, this is a good place to stop.
Time To Stretch/Relax/Grab Some Photos
Once at the bottom, you will be at the banks of the Gunnison River. There are a few picnic tables and restrooms available. Although you can see the dam, it is fenced off preventing you from getting in too close. It’s still a great area for photo ops. You will also be at the site of the Gunnison tunnel.
Final Thoughts
There is no “one” place to park. There are various overlook spots and parking lots throughout the park. You can spend as much or as little time as you want but either way, you will be rewarded with some awesome scenery. Would we return?
Absolutely yes!!! As a matter of fact, our entry fee/ticket was good for 7 days and we did return. The first time we filmed the ride and the second time we actually got off the bike and checked out every scenic overlook.
Entrance Fee (Good for 7 Days): $30 Auto/ $25 Motorcycle
Pedestrian or Bicycle (Good for 7 Days): $15
Senior or Annual National Park Pass Holders: Free
Designated a National Park: October 21st, 1999
Pet-Friendly: Click Here for Pet Restrictions
For the most up-to-date information on this park, use the link below.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
I Have Put Together 4 Videos Of This National Park. Click On The Link Below To View On YouTube
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Part 1:
This video is of the road that leads into the park. It was such a scenic and fun road to drive I had to include it.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Part 2:
This video is a little long but it is an uncut version of what you will see when you enter the park and travel to the back of the park, the turn-around point.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Part 3
This video is also a little long. It’s an uncut version of what you will see if you started at the back of the park, the turn-around, and traveled back to the front of the park. I then take you through two of the 3 camping loops. All the loops are very similar.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Part 4
This is the last of a 4 part series drive-through of this park. It contains footage of what you would see if you made a right after entering the front gate and drove down to the dam. It contains video of the drive down and back up again as you would see it if you were to do it.
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