The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the best places I have ever had a chance to visit. It is big enough to make you feel overwhelmed but still very intimate that you will love and see time pass by your eyes. The black Canyon will expose you to different activities that anyone who loves the outdoors will adore. There are old rocks, steep hills, and some of the craggiest spires that you will love.
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When I visited the Black Canyon, I loved everything about it. It was an adventure that was a long time coming. I loved the nature trails the most, and you can see rock formations known as dragon points and painted walls. I also got to see many birds among the fastest in the world, like the peregrine falcon. It is estimated that in an aerial dive, it can fly at a speed of 200mph. If you are a bird lover, this is the place to visit. Read on so that you can learn more about the adventures we had at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park, which is found in Western Colorado, is near the city of Montrose and was created in 1999. It encompasses approximately 30,750 acres, and the Gunnison River is about 48 miles long. However, only 14 miles of the river runs through the Gunnison national park. The park is well known because of its narrow canyons that have been carved through millions of years. The schist lines and foliated gneiss found on the lines of the canyon walls create a unique rock exposure that is very beautiful.
The most famous outcrop is the painted wall with the tallest cliff in Colorado and 2247 feet high. The black Canyon of the Gunnison national park gets its name from the cliffs, darkened by shadows. The shadows make the walls appear like they are black hence its name. The steepest point at this Canyon is the chasm view, and the Canyon, in general, has several steepest mountain descents in the whole of North America.
17 Boondocking Spots With 20 Miles of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
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1. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Campsites – BLM Land near Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Address
Montrose, Colorado
GPS: 38.53065, -107.720228
Elevation: 7890′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Black Canyon Of the Gunnison free campsites area is Dirt. You may stay 14 days at BLM Land near Black Canyon of the Gunnison. BLM land just outside of Black Canyon on the Gunnison South Rim. It’s 1.7 miles south on CO-347 from the national park entrance, past 2 cattle guards.
Best Review:
It was a little hard to find, but if you’re driving into Black Canyon of the Gunnison it is right after a big curve. Very easy to miss! The road was in rough shape. I was lucky to get a spot right as you drive in, otherwise, my Prius wouldn’t have made it in. It rained but it didn’t get too muddy, but definitely, something to look out for! Service was spotty but worked with a bit of patience. Not far from Black Canyon or to shops. No facilities (the visitor center to the park is not more than 10 minutes of the road if you need a toilet).
2. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Spots – Chukar Trailhead
Address
Montrose, Colorado
GPS: 38.613151, -107.835567
Elevation: 5979′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Black Canyon Of the Gunnison free campsites area is 4×4. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 7 days at Chukar Trailhead. From Montrose (Jct. US 50 & US 550), take US 50 north 8.4 miles to Falcon Road.
Best Review:
These are beautiful, backcountry sites by the river, and the hike from the parking area is lovely, but the road to get to the trailhead is horrible. We live in Montrose and sometimes hike the Chukar Trail. The drive takes far longer than the hike. We’ve used our Xterra to get there, but would never attempt it with our Subaru Outback.
Unless your “rig” is in a Unimog or an extremely robust, high-clearance 4WD vehicle, you aren’t going to make it to the parking lot. This is a backpacking area, not an RV campsite.
3. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Locations – Flat Top OHV Area
Address
Flat Top Road
Montrose, Colorado
GPS: 38.52195, -107.859444
Elevation: 5888′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in is Dirt and 0.5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 40′. You may stay 6night /7days in 30 at Flat Top OHV Area.
Amenities:
Restrooms
Best Review:
Open area with plenty of space for big rigs. At least 10 marked pull through slots. Not scenic, but is easy access to Montrose and Black Canyon. If you have no visitors, it’s quite and pretty dark besides the lights of the town below you. We experienced a different van full of obnoxious partiers each of the three nights we stayed, so it must be a local hangout in the middle of the night.
4. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Campsites – Hwy. 50 east of Montrose/Black Cyn. Gunnison
Address
Montrose, Colorado
GPS: 38.47267, -107.69929
Elevation: 6972′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in is Gravel and 1/8 miles from a paved road. Hwy. 50 east of Montrose/Black Cyn. Gunnison is open all year. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 days at Hwy. 50 east of Montrose/Black Cyn. Gunnison.
Best Review:
This Black Canyon Of the Gunnison free campsites area is exactly as described. The lower road next to the dumpsters is perfect for overnight campers or trailers. The dirt road past the dumpsters to the left opens into a small meadow and is great for tent campers. This area is perfectly clean and has beautiful views to wind down your day. Also note there are no facilities here whatsoever.
5. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Spots – Peach Valley OHV
Address
Peach Valley Road
Montrose, Colorado
GPS: 38.594925, -107.8896
Elevation: 5629′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in is Gravel. Peach Valley OHV is open year-round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay one week (7 days) at Peach Valley OHV.
Amenities:
BBQ Grill
Near Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Best Review:
Stayed there for one night on 22 May and there were just two other trailers there. Plenty of space (way more than 1-5 campsites suggested in the description), picnic areas and two restrooms. We saw two people enjoy the area on their OHVs but there were gone by 5PM. Very quiet, just some noise from the wind.
6. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Locations – J82 Crystal Creek
Address
Gunnison, Colorado
GPS: 38.558292, -107.501972
Elevation: 8192′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Black Canyon Of the Gunnison free campsites area in is Dirt and 5.8 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 at J82 Crystal Creek.
Best Review:
It is one of the best campsite I have been. There is a pathway towards a river where you can see a resident marmot and her niche of piled branches and fallen trees, very close to a hidden campsite which is 5.8 miles from Hwy 92 in Gunnison. I stayed for 2 weeks with no problem.
7. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Campsites – Mesa Creek Campground
Address
Crawford, Colorado
GPS: 38.475222, -107.523796
Elevation: 9005′
Management: National Forest Service
Camping area on the West Elk Scenic Byway
Best Review:
The coordinates take you past the entrance to a great Black Canyon Of the Gunnison free campsites area. As you are going toward Crawford, on 50, you will see an unmarked drive with a cattle guard before the coordinates, turn right! This spot does not have many flat spaces and does have a LOT of cow poop. Large pull behinds will not have a good time getting out. There was one other renter there with us, with room for at least one more on the grassy area, one on the dirt turn around. It’s nothing special but it works for a night.
8. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Spots – Cottonwood Grove Campground
Address
Delta, Colorado
GPS: 38.77872, -107.85281
Elevation: 5093′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Black Canyon Of the Gunnison free campsites area is Dirt. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay one week (7 days) at Cottonwood Grove Campground.
BBQ Grill
Boat Ramp
Near Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Best Review:
This was a very beautiful campsite! It was a very peaceful night since we were the only ones there. There were only a few other vehicles that even came down the road. The picnic tables, cabanas, and restrooms were definitely a plus. The Gunnison is right in the campground. As the poster said, the last bit of road coming in was a little steep. Over all a beautiful place to camp for the night or stay a weekend for some recreation.
9. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Locations – Scratch and Dent
Address
Rim Road
Olathe, Colorado
GPS: 38.502481, -108.034936
Elevation: 6099′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
This is a BLM suggested camping area in rock crawling country.
Best Review:
It is near the Scratch and Dent trail. OHVs and rock crawling monsters abound. No facilities or services. Just dirt, rocks, and bushes.
10. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Campsites – Temple Park Plateau
Address
Montrose, Colorado
GPS: 38.417899, -107.990879
Elevation: 6740′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
Super easy access to this Black Canyon Of the Gunnison free campsites area from Montrose. Just follow 90 out of town. Highway 90 is a good, wide road that appears to be oiled an graveled regularly.
Best Review:
The whole plateau is covered in free, dispersed campsites. The first ones are along the cliff at the top of the S-bend on Hwy 90. These are the easiest to access. After that, they are all over. The landscape is dry and rocky with cliffs. The flora is Pinion, Juniper, cactus (feet beware) and sage. Other than skulls and carcasses, we saw no fauna.
11. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Spots – Rim Road Dispersed Camp
Address
Rim Road
Olathe, Colorado
GPS: 38.485274, -108.043161
Elevation: 6374′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road in is Gravel.
Best Review:
A designated dispersed camping area. No facilities or services. Campers must stay within 300ft of the road. This is in an OHV and rock crawling area, but this spot is a trailhead for a foot, horse, bicycle and motorcycle trail
12. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Locations – Dry Creek Ditch
Address
Highway 90
Montrose, Colorado
GPS: 38.389368, -108.015894
Elevation: 7339′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The maximum RV length at Dry Creek Dispersed Camping is 15 feet. The road into this Black Canyon Of the Gunnison free campsites area is pretty rough
This is a designated dispersed camping area per the BLM. Camping must take place within 300ft of the road. The may be rough. Highway 90 is well maintained. No services or facilities here. Just rocks, dirt, and bushes. Don’t leave your trash or poo paper behind.
13. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Campsites – Billy Creek SWA
Address
Montrose, Colorado
GPS: 38.29017, -107.733767
Elevation: 6888′
Management: Fish and Wildlife Service
The road into this Black Canyon Of the Gunnison free campsites area is Dirt. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Billy Creek SWA.
Best Review:
On the north end, there are three camping areas. The first is very exposed and not too inviting but closest to the road. The second is better and the third is OK. And sized rig should be able to fit in the first two. The third is a little smaller. Just at the 2nd, there was a sign “No camping beyond this point”. If you turn right at it, you’ll find the third camping area just on the right.
14. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Spots – Dry Creek Dispersed Camping
Address
Montrose, Colorado
GPS: 38.435588, -108.065247
Elevation: 7158′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The maximum RV length at Dry Creek Dispersed Camping is 15 feet.
Best Review:
Area suggested by the BLM for wild camping in the Dry Creek area. Free. Camp within 300 feet of the road. The surrounding area is full of OHV and serious rock crawling trail.
15. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Locations – Transfer Road Dispersed Area
Address
Transfer Road
Olathe, Colorado
GPS: 38.506873, -108.111387
Elevation: 6648′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
Area suggested by the BLM for wild camping in the on Transfer Road in the Dry Creek area. Free. No facilities or services. Camp within 300 feet of the road. The surrounding area is full of OHV and serious rock crawling trails. The closest trail to this spot is off limits to motorized travel.
Best Review:
None
16. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Campsites – Billy Creek SWA – Porter Tract
Address
County Road 4
Montrose, Colorado
GPS: 38.265732, -107.698383
Elevation: 8248′
Management: State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. This campsite does not use a reservation system. First come, first served. This is a high elevation location.
Best Review:
Not really much of a campsite. If you’re hell bent on sleeping somewhere for free, it could certainly work, but there’s not much level ground and it is quite a trip up.
17. Black Canyon Of the Gunnison National Park Free Boondocking Spots – Commissary Trailhead
Address
FR 721
Gunnison, Colorado
GPS: 38.570388, -107.33229
Elevation: 7929′
Management: National Forest Service
There are 6-15 campsites at this location. This is a free dispersed campsite. This campsite does not use a reservation system. First come, first served. This is a high elevation location.
Amenities:
Near Water
Restrooms
Best Review:
Commissary Trailhead is a former campground area that provides parking for hikers and hunters during the summer and fall. 13 single site(s). Horse camping. OHV riding and camping. Vault toilet. No water or other services. Pack it in -> pack it out.
Top 10 Trails to Hike at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
When I visited the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park, I hiked on different trails, enjoying the experience. The Canyon has 29 trails, but I didn’t get to hike on all of them. I will list the top 10 trails that I enjoyed the most to avoid missing them when you visit the park. Some of them are easy to hike, but others can be pretty tough. Check them out, and you will feel ready before you even start the hike.
1. Gunnison Route Trail
This trail measures about 1.8 miles long and it is located near Cimarron, which is in Colorado. Don’t take this trail if you are not experienced. This trail is not a joke; Laurel and I got lost when we were on the way up, so make sure that you pay attention to the directions. One of us also got stung by a yellow jacket, so be careful of them. You will know that all the hike was worth it when you reach the bottom. At the bottom, the views were to die for, definitely worth the hike.
Length: 1.8 mi
Elevation gain: 1,781 ft
Route type: Out & back
Hiking, Forest, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, Scramble, Fee, No dogs
2. Warner Point Nature Trail
Warner point is also another trail that I got to enjoy a lot. It is near Montrose, and it also features a river. This trail is moderate so that anyone can try it out. You can use this trail for walking, hiking, nature trips, and even bird watching. The best month to visit this trail is from May to October. The hike was delightful, and I did not strain a lot. In just an hour, we had finished the trail. Also, don’t go when it is foggy as it will become harder to see. However, in the end, there are great views that will make it worth the hike.
Length: 1.5 mi
Elevation gain: 406 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Forest, River, Views, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs
3. Oak Flat Loop Trail
The Oak flat loop is a moderate trail that is 1.3 miles long and is found near Cimarron in Colorado. It features lovely wildflowers, and you can use it for bird watching, hiking, and even running. Make sure to go counterclockwise, and we made a mistake and went clockwise, and the last miles were tough. If you are not experienced, be ready to sweat and pant a lot as we did. You can take this trail if you are preparing for a more strenuous hike.
Length: 1.3 mi
Elevation gain: 311 ft
Route type: Loop
Bird watching, Running, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Rocky, Fee
4. Painted Wall View Trail
This trail is 0.2 miles long, and it is a moderate trail. It is near Montrose, and it also has gorgeous wildflowers. According to me, this is where I had the best views in the whole of the park. Cliffs and the painted walls surround the river. If you can start the hike early and make sunrise, you will love the views. The views were breathtaking, and I loved them.
Length: 0.2 mi
Elevation gain: 6 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs
5. Exclamation Point
The Exclamation point, which is at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nation Park, is 2.9 miles long and one of the best trails in the park. We enjoyed different activities like walking, running, hiking and also bird watching. This trail has excellent views, and it is definitely worth your time. It was easy to hike, and the views are fantastic; and anyone can hike it, watch out for hobbits at the edge.
Length: 2.9 mi
Elevation gain: 364 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs
6. Green Mountain Summit via North Vista Trail
This is a 7.8 mile long trail, and it is a moderate trail in terms of hardness. It is in Crawford, and it also has a river that you will enjoy. It was a nice leisurely walk, and we walked up to the Green Mountain. As you go up, the view becomes even more attractive. Don’t forget to take pauses and look back as you will enjoy the view. If you get tired, there are different shades to rest under so that you can re-energize.
Length: 6.8 mi
Elevation gain: 1,230 ft
Route type: Out & back
Hiking, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Forest, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs
7. Gunnison Point Overlook
The Gunnison point overlook is one of the shortest hikes in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park. I enjoyed this trail a lot because you don’t have to walk far to enjoy the fantastic views. It is a moderate trail, and you have to go through lots of trees and shade. The view is fantastic, and I got to stop severally to enjoy the views. It can also be very muddy so don’t wear nice shoes.
Length: 0.1 mi
Elevation gain: 39 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Walking, Bird watching, Views, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs
8. Rim Rock Nature Trail
This nature trail measures 1.5 miles long, and it is lightly trafficked. It also has beautiful wildflowers, and I enjoyed bird watching, walking, and other activities on this trail. I was able to complete the hike before the sun went down, and the view was beautiful. The Canyon looked deep, and the river flow sound was great to hear.
Length: 1.5 mi
Elevation gain: 187 ft
Route type: Out & back
Dogs on leash, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Snow, Fee
9. Chasm View Nature Trail
This was a one-kilometer trail and can be hiked by people of all skill levels. It has different activities that I got to enjoy, and you will also be able to hike with your dog on this trail. It was a short walk, but the views were very stunning. We chose to go with a guide on this trail, and he was very informative. There were fewer people, and the restroom was also near as compared to other trails.
Length: 0.6 mi
Elevation gain: 108 ft
Route type: Loop
Dogs on leash, Kid friendly, Camping, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Running, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Fee
10. Dragon Point Trail
This trail is also one of the shortest parks; it measures 0.6 km and has moderate traffic. You can decide to go on a walk, hike, or even take a nature trip. We enjoyed the view of the Canyon and the river, and the entire experience was excellent. There were some rocks, so make sure to wear the correct gear.
Length: 0.4 mi
Elevation gain: 59 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Views, Wildlife, Fee, No dogs
Places and Things to Do and See in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
At first, I was hesitant about visiting the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park because I am not an outside person, but my mind changed after reaching there. There are many places to visit and activities to enjoy, and you will not regret going there. It has striking black colors, sheer cliffs, and according to me, it is the best Canyon. I will list some of the activities we participated in and the great places you can miss.
Drive Through a Time portal
We were able to drive down via the East portal into the Canyon. The road was very steep and also be ready for several switchbacks. Please don’t make the mistake of going with your RV, it may not come back or even make it to the bottom. Take your car and take a brochure with you to learn more about the fertile farmland of Montrose.
Camping in the Canyon
Another fun activity to do at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is camping. Laurel and I went camping at the east portal campground, which is next to the river. That way, we were also able to fish and hike at the same place. The views were incredible, and if you want a more intense adventure, you can hike starting from the river to the canyon rim. Don’t try this hike if you are faint-hearted because it can be steep and hazardous.
The Views
One of the best views I got to experience is at the Exclamation point at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. From this point, you will see the sheer black cliffs that are up to 2000 feet. Some other places included Pulpit rock, Chasm View, Painted Wall, and don’t miss the sunset views.
Go Fishing
Fishing is one of the activities I also enjoyed at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The waters are known as gold medal waters because you have a very high chance of catching huge trout. Don’t forget to get a fishing license from Montrose. I discovered that you would have more luck if you fished at the east portal. I didn’t have much experience in fishing trout, but I visited a nearby Reservoir named Blue mesa and got all the experience I needed. They also provided Laurel and me some rental boats to enhance the whole fishing experience.
Sky Gazing
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the best places to visit if you love stargazing. I got to enjoy a lot of the stargazing activities, and the park even had telescopes. The visitor area has up-to-date schedules. You can also choose to take an online course like I did, which helped sharpen my skills.
Boat Tours
When we found out that Black Canyon does not offer tours, I was a bit disappointed. However, Laurel and I managed to get tours from the Curecanti National Rec Center, it’s like a sister to the Black Canyon. They have boat tours that are led by rangers every day except om Tuesdays. We toured for almost two hours, and the ranger told us about the history and geology of the area. Make sure you make a reservation weeks before if you want to enjoy this activity.
Summary
The above activities are some of the best that I got to enjoy but there were many more. I didn’t have the chance to enjoy all of them as there are several, but I got to experience most of them. I can highly recommend the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park as I enjoyed every day that I was there.
Conclusion
I fully enjoyed every activity on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park, and I would recommend it to everyone. Just remember to wear the correct attire and shoes and also carry the correct gear. If it is a long trail, carry plenty of water and enough food.
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