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Tucked away in western Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring yet underrated national parks in the country. With sheer cliffs plunging over 2,700 feet, some of the steepest rock walls in North America, and breathtaking viewpoints, this park offers a dramatic and unforgettable landscape.

While it may not be as famous as Rocky Mountain or Yellowstone, Black Canyon of the Gunnison delivers an experience that’s equally spectacular—without the crowds. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, rock climber, or just a nature lover, this park is a must-visit destination in Colorado.

Getting to Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Location & Entrances

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado, about:

1 hour from Grand Junction
2.5 hours from Aspen
4.5 hours from Denver
5 hours from Colorado Springs

The park has two main entrances:

South Rim Entrance (near Montrose, CO) – The most popular and easily accessible side, with visitor centers, campgrounds, and numerous overlooks.
North Rim Entrance (near Crawford, CO) – A more remote and rugged experience, with fewer visitors and stunning viewpoints.

Entry Fees

$30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
$15 per individual (hiker or cyclist)
$55 annual Black Canyon pass
America the Beautiful Pass ($80 for access to all U.S. National Parks)

Check current conditions before you go: https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Best Viewpoints in Black Canyon of the Gunnison

The canyon’s steep cliffs and narrow gorges make for some of the most breathtaking overlooks in Colorado.

Top Viewpoints on the South Rim

Gunnison Point – Right next to the South Rim Visitor Center, this is one of the best introductory views of the canyon.
Pulpit Rock Overlook – A panoramic view of the canyon’s deepest, narrowest section.
Painted Wall View – The tallest sheer cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet, with dramatic rock streaks that resemble a painting.
Chasm View – Offers a look straight down into the narrowest part of the canyon, where the walls are only 40 feet apart.

Best Viewpoints on the North Rim

The Narrows View – One of the most dramatic and vertigo-inducing views in the park.
Exclamation Point – A hidden gem of the North Rim, offering some of the most breathtaking and isolated views of the canyon.
Balanced Rock Overlook – A unique view of a massive boulder perched on the edge of the canyon.

Full list of overlooks: https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/scenic-drives.htm

Best Hiking Trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison

While there aren’t as many trails as in other national parks, the ones here provide epic views and a true sense of adventure.

1. Rim Rock Nature Trail (Easy – 1 mile round trip)

A great introductory hike with stunning views of the Gunnison River and informational signs about the canyon’s geology.

2. Warner Point Nature Trail (Moderate – 1.5 miles round trip)

This short but steep trail takes you to one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the park.

3. North Vista Trail to Exclamation Point (Moderate – 3 miles round trip)

One of the most rewarding hikes, with a must-see viewpoint at Exclamation Point.

4. Gunnison Route (Strenuous – 1.8 miles round trip, 1,800 feet elevation loss)

For serious adventurers, this hike descends into the canyon itself.
A wilderness permit is required, and it’s a steep, rugged climb back up.

More hiking info: https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/hiking.htm

Rock Climbing & Adventure Activities

If you’re an experienced climber or backcountry adventurer, Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers some of the most extreme routes in the country.

Rock Climbing: The canyon’s sheer walls are famous among advanced climbers, featuring classic routes like “The Scenic Cruise” (5.10) and “Journey Home” (5.11).
Fishing: The Gunnison River is one of the best Gold Medal trout fishing spots in Colorado.
Kayaking: Only for expert-level kayakers, the Gunnison River offers Class V whitewater rapids inside the canyon.

Climbing regulations and river permits: https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/climbing.htm

Camping & Lodging Near Black Canyon

Camping in the Park

South Rim Campground – Best for easy access to overlooks and trails.
North Rim Campground – A quieter, more remote option.
East Portal Campground – Located by the Gunnison River, but closed in winter.

Nearby Lodging

Montrose, CO – The closest town with hotels, restaurants, and amenities.
Crested Butte, CO – A scenic mountain town with cozy lodges and great hiking nearby.

Campground reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/

Tips for Visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Arrive Early – The park is less crowded than other national parks, but parking at popular viewpoints fills up quickly.
Dress in Layers – The canyon can be hot during the day and chilly at night.
Bring Plenty of Water – There are few water sources inside the park.
Watch for Wildlife – Keep an eye out for mule deer, golden eagles, and even black bears.
Stay on Trails – The canyon’s cliffs drop off suddenly, so stay on designated trails.

Why You Should Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison

If you’re looking for jaw-dropping views, adventure, and solitude, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a must-visit. It’s one of Colorado’s most underrated national parks, offering incredible hiking, breathtaking viewpoints, and a sense of wild, untouched beauty.

Whether you’re standing at the edge of Painted Wall, hiking to Exclamation Point, or venturing into the canyon itself, this park will leave you speechless.

Ready to explore Colorado’s most dramatic landscape? Plan your trip today!

Tucked away in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a place of surreal beauty and thrilling adventure. Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, this incredible landscape offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience where towering dunes meet rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls.

Whether you’re looking to sandboard down massive dunes, hike through diverse landscapes, or stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the country, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

A bright sunny Spring morning view of Medano Creek rushing down a sandy valley at base of rolling Great Sand Dunes and snow-capped Mt. Herard. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA.

Getting to Great Sand Dunes National Park

Location

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado, about 2.5 hours from Colorado Springs and 4 hours from Denver. The park is easily accessible by car, with well-maintained roads leading to the main entrance.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June): The best time to visit if you want to see Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that creates a beach-like oasis at the base of the dunes.
Summer (July–August): Expect hot daytime temperatures on the sand but incredible opportunities for nighttime stargazing.
Fall (September–October): Cooler weather and fewer crowds make this a fantastic time for hiking and exploring.
Winter (November–March): A quieter, more peaceful experience, with the chance to see snow-capped dunes.

Top Things to Do at Great Sand Dunes National Park

1. Sandboarding & Sand Sledding

One of the most exciting ways to experience the dunes is by sandboarding or sand sledding. Similar to snowboarding, this activity lets you ride down the sandy slopes for an adrenaline rush like no other.

💲 Where to rent gear: You can’t rent boards inside the park, but several local outfitters, like Oasis Store, offer rentals just outside the entrance.

🛷 Best dunes for sandboarding: The first ridges near the main parking area are ideal for beginners, while High Dune and Star Dune offer thrilling rides for the more adventurous.

👉 Pro tip: Sand can get extremely hot in the summer—go early in the morning or in the evening for cooler temperatures. Don’t forget your water!

Alamosa County, Colorado, USA – July 11, 2021 – A woman sitting on a sandboard watches fellow tourists at Great Sand Dunes National Park enjoy sandboarding down the dunes of the namesake recreation area.

2. Hiking the Dunes

Unlike traditional trails, hiking at Great Sand Dunes means trekking up and down shifting sand. It’s tough, but the views from the top are worth it!

Best Dune Hikes:

High Dune (2.5 miles round trip) – A challenging but rewarding hike to the top of a 699-foot dune.
Star Dune (8 miles round trip) – The tallest dune in North America at 750 feet. Expect a strenuous trek with stunning panoramic views.

👉 Hiking Tips:

Wear sturdy shoes (barefoot hiking can be too hot in summer).
Start early in the morning or go at sunset to avoid the midday heat.
Bring plenty of water—the sand reflects heat and can get extremely warm!

3. Medano Creek: The Park’s Natural Beach

One of the most unique features of Great Sand Dunes is Medano Creek, which flows seasonally at the base of the dunes in spring and early summer. This shallow, refreshing stream creates a perfect place to cool off, splash around, or even float on small inflatables.

👉 When to visit: Peak flow typically happens from late May to early June. By mid-summer, the creek begins to dry up. Be prepared for large crowds later in the day and on weekends.

👉 What to bring: Water shoes, a beach towel, and maybe even a small inner tube for floating. Make sure to take into account a fair amount of walking if you arrive later in the day.

4. Zapata Falls: A Hidden Gem Nearby

Just 10 miles from the park entrance, Zapata Falls is a beautiful 30-foot waterfall hidden inside a narrow canyon.

👉 How to get there: Take a short but rocky 0.8-mile round-trip hike from the trailhead. In the summer, you’ll need to wade through shallow water to reach the falls, while winter visitors might see a frozen waterfall!

👉 Why visit? It’s a great place to cool off after a day on the dunes and offers stunning views of the San Luis Valley.

Zapata Falls Canyon Waterfall Scenic – Man hiking in frozen waterfall area with water flowing. Great Sand Dunes, San Luis Valley, Colorado USA.

5. Stargazing in the Dark Sky Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, meaning it has some of the clearest night skies in the country. On a clear night, you’ll see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even meteor showers. If you are brave enough, you can also camp on the dunes! Make sure to check in with the visitor’s center to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations.

👉 Best spots for stargazing:

The Dunes Parking Area – Offers wide-open views and an easy place to set up a blanket or telescope.
Mosca Pass Trailhead – A quieter option with minimal light pollution.
Medano Creek – Reflects the stars for a magical experience.

👉 Best times to stargaze: Late summer and fall provide long, dark nights with incredible visibility.

Additional Tips for Visiting Great Sand Dunes

Bring plenty of water – The high elevation and dry conditions can lead to dehydration quickly.
Protect your feet – Sand temperatures can reach 150°F in summer—wear closed-toe shoes or visit in the morning/evening.
Watch the weather – Sudden thunderstorms can roll in, so keep an eye on the sky.
Pack snacks and sun protection – There’s limited shade and few food options inside the park.
Drive carefully on Medano Pass Primitive Road – If you’re exploring beyond the dunes, you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for deep sand sections.

Why You Should Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park

If you’re looking for a truly unique adventure in Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is the place to go. Whether you’re racing down dunes on a sandboard, cooling off in Medano Creek, or hiking to hidden waterfalls, this park offers something for everyone.

For those staying in Colorado Springs, this epic day trip (or weekend getaway) is well worth the drive. And if you’re seeking even more adventure, consider booking a guided outdoor experience with Broadmoor Outfitters to explore Colorado’s best hiking, biking, and outdoor activities.

So, pack your gear, grab your camera, and get ready to experience one of Colorado’s greatest natural wonders!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Colorado’s Hidden Gem