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Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Gunnison, CO

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison's unique and spectacular landscape was formed slowly by the action of water and rock scouring down through hard Proterozoic crystalline rock. No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

CONTACTS

Email - CURE_Info@nps.gov

Fax- 970-641-3127

Write to
Park Headquarters
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230

Phone
Headquarters - 970-641-2337
Visitor Information - 970-641-2337 x205

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
South Rim: Open every day, limited access in winter. The South Rim road is now open for the season. North Rim: Open every day, North Rim Road and ranger station are closed in winter.

Getting There
PLANE - Commercial airlines to Montrose, Gunnison, Grand Junction

CAR - The park is located approximately 250 miles SW of Denver. South Rim: 15 miles east of Montrose, via U.S. Hwy 50 and CO Hwy 347 North Rim: 11 miles south of Crawford, via CO Hwy 92 and North Rim Road (closed in winter)

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - By bus: To Montrose, Gunnison, Grand Junction By train: To Grand Junction

Weather & Climate
Weather can vary greatly between the canyon rim and canyon floor. Summer daytime temperatures range between 60 to 100F (15 to 38C), nights 30 to 50F (-1 to 10C) Winter daytime temperatures range between 20 to 40F (-6 to 4C), nights -10 to 20F (-23 to -6C) Precipitation is minimal, brief afternoon thunderstorms can occur during the summer. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended. Current Elk Creek Weather can be monitored at http://www.nps.gov/cure/weather.htm

Accessibility
South Rim: Accessible Visitor Center, comfort stations and 2 accessible camping sites. Accessible overlooks-Tomichi Point, Chasm View, and Sunset View. North Rim: Accessible overlook-Balanced Rock.

Getting Around
By car or on foot, no public transportation is available. Bicycles are not allowed on trails.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
ENTRANCE
$7.00 for 7 Days

Activity Fee
CAMPING
$10 for Day

CAMPING (LOOP B, SOUTH RIM)
$15 for Day
Loop B, South Rim has 30 amp electrical hookups, available to all campers.

Local Passport
ANNUAL PERMIT
$15 for Annual
Entrance to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park only.

CAMPING

North Rim
Open From April to October
13 sites in Pinyon-Juniper forest, water available, no hook-ups. Camping fee is $10. Golden Age/Access camping fee is $5.

South Rim
Open From April to October
88 sites in Pinyon-Juniper forest. Vault toilets, limited water available, 30 amp electrical hookups are available in Loop B only. Camping fee is $10. Loop B camping fee is $15. Golden Age/Access price is $10 for Loop B and $5 elsewhere.

FACILITIES

Visitor Centers
SOUTH RIM
Open All Year by season
Fall, Winter, Spring 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Summer 8 am - 6 pm
Phone - 970-249-1914 x23
Location - Two miles from the south rim entrance station on the South Rim Drive.
Closures - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day
Exhibits - New interactive exhibits installed July 4th, 2000.
Available Facilities - Digital video theater with two orientation programs.

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