Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Visitor Centers:
Opening and closing dates and hours vary by season for the visitor centers. Check the park's website for current operating hours.

The South Rim Visitor Center is open year round, and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and after 1 pm on December 24.

• October 28 to April 15: 9 am to 4 pm
• April 16 to May 25: 8 am to 5 pm
• May 26 to September 4: 8 am to 6 pm
• September 5 to September 30: 8 am to 5 pm

The North Rim Ranger Station is open periodically in the summer months. When closed, there is a self-pay station for the entrance fee and a self-registration board for wilderness permits.

The South Rim is open every day of the year. The South Rim Road is open to vehicles from early April to mid-November. During winter months, the South Rim Road is open to Gunnison Point. Past Gunnison Point, the road is closed to vehicles, but open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The North Rim Road and ranger station are closed in the winter. The road usually closes in the end of November and re-opens in the middle of April. The East Portal Road is closed in the winter. The road usually closes in the end of November and re-opens in the middle of April. Information on road closures and current conditions can be found at the park's website.

Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.

• Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

There are two campgrounds in the park with over 100 total campsites with a number of amenities for RVs or tent camping. For more information on camping in the park, click here.

• South Rim Campground: Open year round (Loop A only). Reservations can be made for Loops A and B.
• North Rim Campground: Open April to mid-November. Available on a first come, first served basis.
• East Portal Campground: Open mid-May to mid-September. Available on a first come, first served basis.

There is no additional lodging available within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There are a variety of lodging options in the nearby communities of Montrose and Gunnison.

There are no food or dining options within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. For a variety of dining options or grocery stores, visit the nearby town of Montrose, 14 miles south from the South Rim.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers a variety of seasonal programs and nature walks. Unless otherwise noted, all ranger-led programs are free and open to the public. For upcoming events, check the calendar page here.

Those looking for other ways to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will not be disappointed by the variety that the park offers. Fishing, horseback riding, rafting, kayaking, and wildlife viewing are among the many activities that the park affords in the summer. In the winter, you can continue your exploration by snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or winter camping. Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison's website for more information on the park's other activities. For those looking for other activities in the area, be sure to check out the great opportunities for rock climbing in the park and
mountain biking right up the road in Gunnison.

To download a variety of free maps with information to help plan your visit, click here.