Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Witness the rugged beauty of this small but mighty canyon.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado. It encompasses a very steep gorge that has been carved through Precambrian rock by the Gunnison River. Roads and trails along the north and south rims feature the Black Canyon's dramatic drops and the striated Painted Wall cliff. The winding East Portal Road descends to the river. Wildlife creatures here include mountain lions, black bears, mule deer, elk, pinyon jays, long-tailed weasels, cottontail rabbits, river otters, peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and bighorn sheep.

Over the course of two million years, the Gunnison River, along with the forces of erosion, sculpted this breathtaking vertical wilderness. This might be one of the smallest national parks, but no other canyon in America competes with the sheer depth of its rugged beauty. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is big enough to be overwhelming yet intimate enough to feel like you are within reach of the rocks. Bring your camera to capture some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rocks, and craggiest spires in North America.